Nothing beats the warm, comforting aroma of homemade deep-dish apple pie baking in the oven. This timeless dessert features a buttery, flaky crust packed with a generous filling of tender, spiced apples that caramelize beautifully as they bake. Whether you're making it for a holiday feast, a family gathering, or just to satisfy a craving, this classic deep-dish apple pie is sure to impress.
In this recipe, we'll walk you through how to make the perfect apple pie from scratch, including tips for a golden, crispy crust and a rich, flavorful filling that holds its shape.
Ingredients
For the Crust (or use store-bought for convenience)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides the base structure for a flaky crust.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor of the crust.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar – Adds a subtle sweetness.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes – Creates layers for a tender, flaky crust.
- 1/2 cup ice water – Helps bind the dough without making it tough.
For the Apple Filling
- 8-10 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced – A mix of apples adds the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the apples and helps draw out juices.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – Thickens the filling for a rich consistency.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Enhances the spice blend.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves – A subtle touch of spice for complexity.
- 1/4 cup lemon juice – Prevents apples from browning and balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces – Adds richness and helps create a luscious caramelized filling.
For the Egg Wash and Topping
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon milk or water – Gives the crust a golden, glossy finish.
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (turbinado or sanding sugar) – Adds a beautiful crunch to the crust.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Pie Crust (Skip if using store-bought)
1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in butter: Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry blender, fork, or your fingertips to mix until the dough resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces remaining.
3. Add ice water: Gradually mix in ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.
4. Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).
2. Prepare the Apple Filling
1. Mix the apples and seasonings: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and lemon juice. Let sit for 15 minutes to allow the apples to release their juices.
2. Add butter: Dot the apple mixture with small pieces of butter to create a rich, buttery filling.
3. Assemble the Pie
1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle.
3. Transfer to pie dish: Carefully place the dough into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate and trim the edges.
4. Fill the crust: Pour the apple filling into the crust, mounding slightly in the center.
5. Add the egg wash and sugar: Brush the crust edges with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a golden, crisp finish.
4. Bake the Pie
1. Bake at high heat first: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any spills. Bake for 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
2. Reduce the temperature: Lower the heat to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 45-60 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
3. Check doneness: If the crust is browning too quickly, tent the edges with foil to prevent burning. The pie is done when a toothpick meets little resistance when inserted into the filling.
4. Cool completely: Let the pie cool on a wire rack before slicing to allow the filling to set properly.
Pro Tips for the Best Deep-Dish Apple Pie
✔ Use a mix of apples – Combining sweet and tart apples creates the best flavor and texture.
✔ Keep ingredients cold – Cold butter and ice water help achieve a flaky crust.
✔ Don’t overwork the dough – Handling it too much can lead to a tough crust.
✔ Let the filling rest before baking – This allows the apples to release excess juice and prevents a watery pie.
✔ Check for bubbling juices – A golden crust isn’t enough; the filling should be bubbling in the center to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Serving Suggestions
This deep-dish apple pie is best served warm or at room temperature with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
- Freshly whipped cream for a light and airy contrast.
- A drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
- A sharp cheddar cheese slice for a unique, old-fashioned touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade deep-dish apple pie is everything a classic pie should be—flaky, buttery, and packed with spiced apples that melt in your mouth. The deep-dish style ensures every bite is filled with fruit, while the carefully balanced spices enhance the natural sweetness of the apples.
Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy weekend dessert, this perfect apple pie will quickly become a family favorite.
Try this recipe today and bring the comforting flavors of homemade apple pie to your table!