Perfect Apple Pie

Name: Perfect Apple Pie
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1 box (14.1 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Pie Crusts (2 Count), softened as directed on box; 6 cups thinly sliced, peeled apples (6 medium); 3/4 cup sugar; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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Prep 30 min
Total 3 hr 0 min
Ingredients 8
Servings 8

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We love a good apple pie recipe, and this one takes the cake—or pie! Whether you bake one for a potluck or serve it up for a special weekend treat, this classic, cozy homemade apple pie is guaranteed to spark joy. Ooey-gooey filling with crispy, golden-brown crust. This might just be the best apple pie recipe you’ve ever tried.

This recipe is ready in just three simple steps, and it’s made even easier with the ultimate baking shortcut: Pillsbury™ Pie Crusts!

Here’s how to make apple pie that always pleases a crowd.

By Pillsbury Kitchens

Updated Jul 25, 2024

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Homemade Apple Pie Ingredients

This is one of the best apple pie recipes to serve up when you’re short on time—it’s made simple with staple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need.

Pie Crusts: The best apple pie recipes offer baking shortcuts, and this one is no exception. With the help of pre-made refrigerated Pillsbury™ Pie Crusts, you’re one step closer to a delicious homemade apple pie without any of the fuss!

Apples: The apples are the star of this tasty dessert, and this easy apple pie recipe requires about 6 cups worth of thinly sliced, peeled ones. Make sure to pick your apples

This is one of the best apple pie recipes to serve up when you’re short on time—it’s made simple with staple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need.

Apples: The apples are the star of this tasty dessert, and this easy apple pie recipe requires about 6 cups worth of thinly sliced, peeled ones. Make sure to pick your apples carefully, and check out our tips above for the apple varieties we recommend!

Spices and Sugar: Ground nutmeg, cinnamon, salt and sugar help round out the flavor profile of your tasty apple pie filling. These classic autumn-inspired flavors are always a hit!

Lemon Juice: Adding lemon juice to your apple pie filling helps balance out the sweetness with just the right amount of tartness and acidity.

Flour: Wondering why we toss the apples in flour? The flour melds with the juices of the fresh apples to create a perfectly thickened apple pie filling while it bakes. This also helps prevent your bottom crust from getting soggy!

What Are the Best Apples for Apple Pie?

Not sure which apples are best for this apple pie recipe? You’ve got more options than one! When making your apple pie filling, you’ll want to use an apple that’s crisp and firm, with just the right balance of sweetness and tartness. Here are some of our favorite apple options for a tasty pie that perfectly hits the mark.

Granny Smith: We love using the Granny Smith apple for this classic pie because of its refreshing juiciness and tart yet subtly sweet flavor. These versatile apples hold their shape when baked, making them a popular choice for pies, tarts, and other baked goods.

Honeycrisp: Remarkably sweet, supremely juicy, and satisfyingly crisp, the Honeycrisp apple is another great choice for this homemade apple pie. The firm, crunchy texture of this fall favorite also holds up well in the oven.

Gala: The multi-purpose Gala apple is a delicious year-round favorite for apple pie filling, with a mildly sweet taste and a crisp texture that doesn’t turn mealy in the oven.

Golden Delicious: Prefer a softer apple pie with a mild, natural sweetness? Reach for the sunny yellow Golden Delicious! These apples tend to break down a bit more when cooked—try combining them with one of the firmer apple varieties on this list when making your pie filling.

The worst apple choice for making homemade apple pie? Sorry, Red Delicious fans—but this popular snacking apple is one we’d avoid completely when making apple pie. These apples are known for being sweet, but they tend to have a soft and mealy texture that breaks down and becomes mushy in the oven. Red Delicious apples also lack the tartness that best enhances a rich apple flavor.

How to Peel and Cut Apples for Apple Pie

Here’s how to prep your apples for a consistent, evenly baked homemade apple pie. After thoroughly washing the apples, peel off their outer skin using a vegetable peeler or a sharp paring knife. Wondering why we remove the skin? Peeled apples meld together nicely when baked, resulting in a perfectly soft pie with no tough surprises.

Using a sharp knife, slice one side of the apple as closely as possible to the core, then repeat with the remaining 3 sides. Next, hold each quarter of the apple cut side down, and cut thin slices (about 1/4-inch thick). Make sure your apple slices are uniform in shape and size so they bake evenly! For a quicker method, try using an apple slicer that cuts all pieces evenly in a single press.

How to Make Apple Pie

Here’s a breakdown of how to make apple pie in three simple steps. It’s easy to bake up any day of the week! Check out this quick summary, then read on for our full step-by-step recipe.

Place Crust

While your oven preheats, take the Pillsbury Pie Crusts out to thaw. When pliable, place them in the bottom of the pan and press the crust into the pie plate. Thanks to the premade crust, this step couldn’t be simpler!

Fill and Seal Crust

Next up is the tasty apple pie filling. After peeling and evenly slicing your apples, you’ll mix the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, and salt before tossing this mixture, and the lemon juice, with your apples. Once the apples are fully coated, you’ll spoon the filling into your crust-lined pie plate and cover it with the second layer of pre-made crust. Now it’s time to decorate—seal the two crusts together, flute the edges, and cut the classic slits in the top crust to finish it off!

Bake Apple Pie

Partway through—about 15 to 20 minutes into baking— you’ll cover the crust edges with foil to help precent overbrowning or burning and ensure a beautiful golden-brown color. Once it’s cooled, you’ve got a mouthwatering apple pie that’s sure to be the star of any dessert table!

Delicious Apple Pie Toppings

This homemade apple pie is yummy on its own, but why not double the decadence with tasty toppings? From sweet, airy whipped cream to crunchy nuts, these are some of our favorite toppings for apple pie.

With Ice Cream: Our favorite way to eat apple pie is à la mode, or “served with a scoop of ice cream.” Warm up a slice of pie in the microwave for a few seconds, then add a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream on top. Yum! Stick with this classic flavor combination, or try a scoop of caramel, butter pecan, cinnamon, or maple ice cream.

With Whipped Cream: The mild sweetness and light texture of whipped cream perfectly complement the tangy apple pie filling and flaky pie crust. Add a dollop or two to enhance the natural flavors of your pie!

With a Caramel: If you have any on hand, top your slice with a drizzle of caramel ice cream topping. The rich, velvety texture combines perfectly with the sweet-tart apple pie filling. Dessert simply doesn’t get better than this!

With Nuts: If you like your pie with a little crunch, we’ve got you covered. Chop or crush your favorite nut. We love pecans, but you could also try walnuts, almonds, or pistachios! Sprinkle your topping over the whole pie or just your special slice for a delightful crunch and some added nutty flavor.

Ingredients

Crust

1 box (14.1 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Pie Crusts (2 Count), softened as directed on box

Filling*

6 cups thinly sliced, peeled apples (6 medium)
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Make With

Pillsbury Pie Crust

Steps

1

Heat oven to 425°F. Place 1 pie crust in ungreased 9-inch glass pie plate. Press firmly against side and bottom.
2

In large bowl, gently mix filling ingredients; spoon into crust-lined pie plate. Top with second crust. Wrap excess top crust under bottom crust edge, pressing edges together to seal; flute. Cut slits or shapes in several places in top crust.
3

Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until apples are tender and crust is golden brown. Cover edge of crust with 2- to 3-inch wide strips of foil after first 15 to 20 minutes of baking to prevent excessive browning. Cool on cooling rack at least 2 hours before serving.

Tips from the Pillsbury Kitchens

tip 1
One package (12 oz) frozen Pillsbury™ Deep Dish Pie Crusts (2 Count) may be substituted for the refrigerated Pillsbury™ Pie Crusts in this recipe. Place cookie sheet on oven rack. Heat oven as directed. Prepare filling and follow directions on package for Two-Crust Filled Pie.
tip 2
The flour tossed with the fresh apples turns their juices into a thickened, spiced sauce during baking. Mix it with the sugar and spices before tossing the mixture with the apples.
tip 3
Two (21-oz.) cans of more fruit apple pie filling can be used if you’re short on time.
tip 4
Let your apple pie cool for at least 2 hours before cutting into it. The filling will thicken as it cools, making it easier to slice.
tip 5
To make Caramel-Pecan Apple Pie: right after removing the pie from the oven, drizzle with 1/3 cup caramel ice cream topping. Sprinkle with 2 to 4 tablespoons chopped pecans.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Decorate My Apple Pie?

Want an apple pie that looks just as good as it tastes? Kick the presentation up a notch by decorating your pie crust before baking! This easy apple pie recipe uses refrigerated pie crusts for a quick, convenient and homemade-quality result—but there are plenty of ways to give it some extra flair. Here’s how to make apple pie that makes a big impression using simple pie crust decorating methods.

Woven Lattice Crust: We love assembling a two-crust pie with an impressive-looking lattice crust. The alternating strips of woven lattice dough on the top crust of your homemade apple pie are sure to woo friends and family—and they’re easy to assemble once you get the hang of it! Line the pie plate with the first crust, leaving 1 to 2 inches extending beyond the edge after it’s pressed into the pan. Unroll the second crust and cut it into even 1/2-inch strips using a pizza or pastry cutter. Weave the top strips over and under the bottom strips, alternating each time.

Decorated Edges: Finishing off your crust with decorative edges is a super quick and easy way to switch up the presentation. This apple pie recipe makes a basic two-crust pie with fluted crimped edges, but other common methods include scalloped, pinched and forked edges. Learn more about these techniques with our handy apple pie how-to guide, and you’re set to stun at any gathering with a beautiful looking (and ultra-tasty) apple pie!

Pie Crust Cutouts: Feeling extra creative? This easy apple pie recipe features cut-out slits on the top crust, but there’s no limit to the fun that pie crust cutouts can bring! Gather small cookie cutters and use them to cut out shapes from the top crust (or use scraps of leftover pie crust). Have fun with all sorts of designs—like pumpkins, turkeys and other seasonal shapes for Thanksgiving. Just press the cut-out shapes lightly into the top crust or apple pie filling before baking your pie, or bake the cutouts separately and place them on top of your baked pie before bringing it out for a beautiful presentation .

What Are Some Variations to This Homemade Apple Pie Recipe?

If you’re a fan of this easy apple pie recipe, you’re in luck—we’ve got even more delicious versions of apple pie to try!

Caramel-Pecan Apple Pie: Here’s a quick way to switch up the flavors in this easy apple pie recipe. Right after removing the pie from the oven, add a drizzle of caramel ice cream topping (about 1/3 cup). Sprinkle on 2 to 4 tablespoons of chopped pecans, and you’ve got a scrumptious caramel-pecan apple pie on your hands!

Caramel Apple Pie: If you love the flavor combination of apple and caramel sauce, try your hand at making our State Fair-winning Caramel Apple Pie. Decadent caramel apple dip makes a sweet partner for perfectly tart apples and flaky pie crust!

Dutch Apple Pie: We also love the sweet crumb topping on our Dutch Apple Pie—this family-favorite recipe is a sure hit at potlucks and holiday gatherings, and it’s ultra-easy to make thanks to the simple one-pie crust.

Planning out your spread of Thanksgiving desserts? Don’t skip out on the pumpkin pie. Our Easiest-Ever Pumpkin Pie pairs perfectly with other fall seasonal desserts—and it takes just 7 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep to get this tasty treat on the table!

How Long Should I Bake My Apple Pie For?

For this easy apple pie recipe, the baking time is between 40 and 45 minutes. Not sure exactly when to take your pie out of the oven? Take a good look at the crust—you should notice an even, light golden-brown color.

Want to prevent the outer crust of your apple pie from over-browning? Cover the edges with foil after the first 15 to 20 minutes of baking. Here’s an easy way to do it. Cut a square piece of foil that’s large enough to cover the entire pie, then cut out a large hole in the center that’s the same width as the pie. Place it directly on top of your pie so just the edges are covered by the foil, leaving the center open.

How Should I Store Apple Pie?

End up with leftovers? Save a slice or two (or more than a few) for another day! To keep your homemade apple pie fresh, allow it to cool for two hours after baking, then cover the entire baked pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing it.

At Room Temperature: Your leftover homemade apple pie will keep well at room temperature for up to 2 days. Store it on the counter, and we’ll be surprised if it’s not devoured in minutes!

In the Refrigerator: Still have some pie left after a couple of days sitting at room temp? Store it in the fridge for 2 additional days! When you’re ready for a slice, just heat it up in the microwave for a few seconds. Your refrigerated apple pie is sure to taste just as delicious as a freshly baked one.

In the Freezer: Want to store your baked apple pie for a longer period? You can keep this sweet treat in the freezer for up to 4 months! After baking the pie as directed and letting it cool completely, wrap your pie tightly with plastic wrap and seal it in a 2-gallon freezer storage bag before placing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat your leftover apple pie, unwrap it and let it thaw at room temperature for an hour. Stick it in the oven at 375°F, then you’re set to enjoy—easy as pie!

How Should I Cut My Homemade Apple Pie?

We know it’s tempting—but don’t dig into your homemade apple pie right away! Once it’s out of the oven, set your pie on a cooling rack to cool for about 2 hours before cutting and serving. The apple pie filling will thicken and set as it cools, making the pie much easier to slice.

Cutting the perfect slice of apple pie can be tricky without the right tools. When you make the first cut, use a sharp knife to ensure a clean cut through the crust and the dense apple pie filling. Once you’ve fully cut through both sides of the pie slice, use the flat edge of a sleek offset spatula (or pie spatula) to help support each slice as you remove it from the pie tin. Make sure to wipe your knife clean in between slices with a clean dish towel—this prevents the crust from making its way into the filling. However you serve it up, this homemade apple pie is sure to be devoured in minutes!

Nutrition Information

230 Calories, 6g Total Fat, 1g Protein, 43g Total Carbohydrate, 27g Sugars

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving

Calories: 230

Calories from Fat: 60

Total Fat: 6g; 9%

Saturated Fat: 2 1/2g; 13%

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg; 0%

Sodium: 200mg; 8%

Potassium: 80mg; 2%

Total Carbohydrate: 43g; 14%

Dietary Fiber: 1g; 5%

Sugars: 27g

Protein: 1g

% Daily Value*:

Vitamin A: 0%; 0%

Vitamin C: 4%; 4%

Calcium: 0%; 0%

Iron: 0%; 0%

Exchanges:

1 Starch; 1/2 Fruit; 1 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 0 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 0 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 1 Fat;

Carbohydrate Choice

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

More About This Recipe

This apple pie recipe is already perfect, but if you want it to look as perfect as it tastes, we have a few expert recommendations for you. First, refrigerated pie crusts should be baked in glass pie plates. A dark pan will cause too much browning while a shiny pan will prevent your pie from achieving the golden-brown crust that makes apple pie irresistible. Speaking of overbrowning, to prevent your crust from burning, cover the edges with strips of foil 20 minutes into the bake time. When you use refrigerated pie crust, you must allow the dough to soften before you use it. Otherwise you will have difficulty pressing the dough and getting it to adhere to the pie plate. Perfecting the crust is arguably the most important part of pie making. But the filling is the other half of the equation. Lucky for you, we have a few tricks up our sleeve for that, too. If you love apple pie, give these other apple pie recipes a try!