you thought the Apple pie recipe you knew was (1)

you thought the Apple pie recipe you knew was the real one? This is the correct way to make apple pie! (1381-1796) Irresistible

If you’ve been baking apple pie the same way for years, thinking it’s perfect—think again. You thought the apple pie recipe you knew was the real one? This is the correct way to make apple pie! We’re unveiling the golden secrets behind making a truly irresistible, bakery-quality apple pie right in your own kitchen.

you thought the Apple pie recipe you knew was the real one ?

Apple Pie

The Sweet History of Apple Pie

When most people think of apple pie, they imagine a warm slice served with ice cream on a summer afternoon in America. But the true history of apple pie is far more global and centuries older than many realize.

The earliest known apple pie recipe dates back to 1381 in England, where it appeared in a medieval cookbook called The Forme of Cury. Unlike today’s versions, that original recipe combined apples with figs, raisins, and pears inside a pastry shell—interestingly, without sugar, which was a luxury at the time. This shows that the essence of apple pie—sweet, spiced fruit encased in a flaky crust—has been loved for over 600 years.

In the 15th century, Dutch bakers began adding their twist, including the iconic lattice-style top crust. These enhancements helped shape the pies we now consider traditional. The combination of buttery crust, tart and sweet apples, and a hint of spice made it a beloved dish throughout Europe.

Apple pie arrived in America with European colonists. British, Dutch, and Swedish settlers brought their recipes and baking styles, helping apple pie become a staple in the growing colonies. By 1796, the dessert was firmly rooted in American kitchens, as shown by its appearance in American Cookery, the first known American cookbook authored by Amelia Simmons.

Over the decades, apple pie grew to symbolize more than just a dessert. It became a cultural icon—so much so that the expression “as American as apple pie” emerged in the 20th century, capturing the dessert’s symbolic place in the heart of the nation.

From medieval feasts to modern cookouts, apple pie has remained a timeless favorite—its story baked into generations around the world.

The Problem with Most Apple Pie Recipes

Let’s be honest—many traditional recipes skip over key steps or rely on shortcuts that rob the pie of its full potential. Maybe the crust is too soggy, the filling is overly sweet, or the apples lack that perfect texture. Sound familiar?

you thought the Apple pie recipe you knew was the real one ?

The Secret to the Perfect Crust

The base of any exceptional apple pie is the crust. And no, store-bought won’t cut it. Here’s how to elevate it:

  • Cold Butter is King: Use unsalted, ice-cold butter. The cold fat helps create those flaky, tender layers.
  • Chill the Dough: After preparing, rest your dough in the fridge for at least 1 hour. It prevents shrinkage and boosts flakiness.
  • Don’t Overwork: Handle the dough minimally to avoid a tough crust.

Choosing the Right Apples

All apples are not created equal when it comes to pie. A winning pie uses a mix of apples for depth in flavor and texture. Try:

  • Granny Smith: Tart and firm, perfect base.
  • Honeycrisp: Sweet and juicy.
  • Braeburn or Jonagold: Adds complexity.

Avoid Red Delicious—they turn mushy fast.

you thought the Apple pie recipe you knew was the real one ?

This is the correct way to make apple pie
This is the correct way to make apple pie

Spice It Right (But Don’t Overdo It)

It’s easy to go overboard with cinnamon or nutmeg. The right blend enhances the apple flavor instead of masking it:

  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • A pinch of clove or allspice (optional but amazing)
  • A dash of lemon juice and zest for brightness

Pre-Cook Your Filling

This is the game-changer. Instead of baking raw apples in the crust, pre-cook your filling for better consistency and zero guesswork. Here’s how:

  1. Toss sliced apples with sugar, lemon juice, and spices.
  2. Let them sit for 20 minutes to draw out moisture.
  3. Simmer gently in a pan until slightly tender.
  4. Add 1–2 tbsp of cornstarch to thicken.

Now your pie won’t bubble over or turn soupy.
you thought the Apple pie recipe you knew was the real one ?

Assemble Like a Pro

When layering your pie:

  • Use an egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp milk) for a glossy golden crust.
  • Sprinkle a bit of raw sugar on top for crunch and presentation.
  • Vent the top with slits to release steam.

you thought the Apple pie recipe you knew was the real one ?

Bake Smart

Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes, then reduce to 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes. Use a pie shield or foil to prevent the edges from burning.

you thought the Apple pie recipe you knew was the real one ?

Cool Completely Before Serving

Tempting as it is to slice right in, don’t! Let your pie rest at least 2 hours. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to cut clean slices.

you thought the Apple pie recipe you knew was the real one ?

apple pie
apple pie

Final Thoughts

you thought the Apple pie recipe you knew was the real one ? This is the correct way to make apple pie, and it might just change your baking game forever. With the right crust, apple blend, and filling technique, you’re set to wow anyone who takes a bite.

you thought the Apple pie recipe you knew was the real one ?

Print

Perfect Apple Pie

A bakery-quality apple pie recipe with the perfect flaky crust and a well-balanced apple filling.

  • Author: helth-recipe
  • Prep Time: 60 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 110 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 68 tbsp ice water
  • 56 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • A pinch of clove or allspice (optional)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 12 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
  • Raw sugar (for sprinkling on top)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
  3. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  4. Peel, core, and slice apples. Toss with sugar, lemon juice, and spices. Let sit for 20 minutes.
  5. In a pan, simmer the apple mixture until slightly tender. Add cornstarch to thicken.
  6. Roll out the chilled dough and place one layer in a pie pan. Fill with pre-cooked apple mixture.
  7. Cover with top crust, venting the top, and apply egg wash and raw sugar.
  8. Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes.
  9. Allow pie to cool for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

For best flavor, use a mixture of tart and sweet apples. Do not skip chilling the dough for a flaky crust.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

you thought the Apple pie recipe you knew was (1)

Perfect Apple Pie

A bakery-quality apple pie recipe with the perfect flaky crust and a well-balanced apple filling.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pie Crust
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed Use ice-cold butter for flakiness.
  • 6–8 tbsp ice water Add gradually until dough comes together.
For the Filling
  • 5–6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn) A mix of tart and sweet apples for best flavor.
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • A pinch clove or allspice (optional) Enhances flavor.
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice Adds brightness.
  • 1–2 tbsp cornstarch To thicken the filling.
For the Egg Wash
  • 1 egg (for egg wash) Combined with milk for gloss.
  • 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
For Topping
  • Raw sugar For sprinkling on top.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
Cooking Apples
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Peel, core, and slice apples. Toss with sugar, lemon juice, and spices. Let sit for 20 minutes.
  3. In a pan, simmer the apple mixture until slightly tender. Add cornstarch to thicken.
Assembly
  1. Roll out the chilled dough and place one layer in a pie pan. Fill with pre-cooked apple mixture.
  2. Cover with top crust, venting the top, and apply egg wash and raw sugar.
Baking
  1. Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes.
  2. Allow pie to cool for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

For best flavor, use a mixture of tart and sweet apples. Do not skip chilling the dough for a flaky crust.

Similar Posts