The Best Old-Fashioned Apple Pie Recipe You’ll Love Forever

Caroline

Sharing simple, flavorful recipes made with love and care.

There’s something truly comforting about the warm, cinnamon-spiced scent of an old-fashioned apple pie baking in the oven. One afternoon, after a day filled with the hum of a busy kitchen and the clatter of fast food wrappers, I decided to slow down and rediscover this classic dessert. What I found was more than just a pie—it was a cozy reminder of homemade goodness that never goes out of style. This Old-Fashioned Apple Pie is deceptively simple but packed with layers of tender apples and buttery crust that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or someone tired of the same quick fixes, this recipe promises to bring a slice of nostalgia and a burst of fresh flavor to your table. Ready to impress your family or guests with a timeless treat? Let’s dive in!

Why choose Old-Fashioned Apple Pie?

Timeless comfort: This recipe captures the soul of homemade baking with tender, cinnamon-kissed apples wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust. Effortless elegance: Simple ingredients come together with easy steps perfect for every skill level. Versatile delight: Serve warm with ice cream or chilled for a refreshing twist. Nostalgic appeal: It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert that instantly feels like home. Fresh, natural flavors: No preservatives or shortcuts—just pure, wholesome goodness you’ll savor bite after bite.

Old-Fashioned Apple Pie Ingredients

For the Pie Filling

Granny Smith Apples – choose firm, tart apples for the perfect balance of sweet and tangy in your Old-Fashioned Apple Pie.
Brown Sugar – adds rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the spices beautifully.
Ground Cinnamon – the star spice that fills your kitchen with that warm, inviting aroma.
Nutmeg – just a pinch lends depth and a subtle hint of warmth to the filling.
Lemon Juice – keeps the apples bright and fresh, preventing browning.
Cornstarch – thickens the filling, ensuring it’s perfectly juicy but not runny.

For the Pie Crust

All-Purpose Flour – forms the flaky, tender base that holds everything together.
Unsalted Butter – chilled and cut into small pieces for a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Cold Water – helps bind the dough without making it tough.
Salt – enhances flavor and balances the sweetness of the filling.

Optional Toppings

Egg Wash (egg + water) – brush on crust edges for that irresistible golden shine.
Coarse Sugar – sprinkle on top before baking for a delicate crunch and sparkle.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Apple Pie

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour and salt until blended, then cut chilled butter into pea-sized crumbs using a pastry cutter for a flaky crust.
Add Water & Chill: Gradually drizzle 2–4 tablespoons ice water, stirring gently until dough clumps, then shape into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill at least 30 minutes.

For the Filling:

Prep Apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice 6–8 medium Granny Smith apples into 1/4-inch pieces, tossing them in lemon juice to prevent browning and ensure a crisp, bright filling.
Combine Filling: In a large bowl, stir apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch until evenly coated for a thick, aromatic filling that won’t run.

To Assemble & Bake:

Roll Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll one chilled disc into a 12-inch circle, carefully fitting it into a 9-inch pie pan, letting excess hang over the edge.
Fill Shell: Spoon the apple mixture into the crust, mounding gently in the center to create a beautiful dome and ensure even baking throughout.
Add Top Crust: Roll second dough disc into 12-inch circle, drape over filling, trim edges leaving a 1/2-inch overhang, then crimp with fingers or a fork for a classic finish.
Egg Wash & Sugar: Brush entire surface with egg wash (one beaten egg + water), then sprinkle coarse sugar along edges and vents for golden, crunchy highlights.
Bake Pie: Place on lower rack in preheated 375°F oven, bake 45–50 minutes until crust is deep golden and filling bubbles, then cool 2 hours for perfect slicing.

Optional: Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Old-Fashioned Apple Pies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time while still serving a homemade delight! You can prepare the pie crust and filling up to 24 hours in advance; simply wrap the crust discs in plastic wrap and refrigerate, while the apple mixture can be stored in an airtight container to keep the apples fresh and prevent browning. When you’re ready to bake, roll out the crust and assemble your pie according to the instructions. For the best results, brush the crust with egg wash just before baking to ensure that beautiful golden shine. Enjoy the benefits of homemade goodness without the last-minute rush!

How to Store and Freeze Old-Fashioned Apple Pie

Fridge: Store leftover pie in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap for up to 3 days. Refrigeration helps maintain its flavor and freshness.

Freezer: To freeze, wrap the pie tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap after it’s completely cooled. It can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating: For best results, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. This will restore the crispy crust of your Old-Fashioned Apple Pie.

Room Temperature: If serving the pie the same day, it can be left out at room temperature for up to 2 hours.

What to Serve with Old-Fashioned Apple Pie?

Sink into a cozy evening by pairing your pie with delightful side dishes that elevate your dessert experience.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, creamy vanilla ice cream perfectly balances the warm, spiced flavors of apple pie and provides a delightful contrast in temperature.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a touch of sweetness while enhancing the pie’s rustic charm.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over each slice creates a sweet, gooey extravagance that makes every bite a decadent treat.
Cinnamon Sugar Cookies: The familiar warmth of cinnamon cookies complements the flavors of the pie, making for a delightful dessert duo worth sharing.
Coffee or Tea: A steaming cup of coffee or herbal tea can enhance the flavors, creating a soothing ritual perfect for after dinner.
Apple Cider: Hot or cold, the fruity notes of apple cider echo the pie’s flavors, making it a refreshing choice that’s also seasonal.
Cheddar Cheese: Surprisingly, a slice of sharp cheddar contrasts wonderfully, enhancing the sweetness of the apples while adding a savory bite.
Poached Pears: Tender poached pears tossed with spices can elevate the meal, adding a fruity and aromatic touch that beautifully harmonizes with the pie.

Expert Tips for Old-Fashioned Apple Pie

Choose the Right Apples: Use firm Granny Smith apples for tartness and texture. Mixing in a sweeter variety can balance flavor but avoid overly soft apples.
Keep Ingredients Cold: Chill your butter and water to ensure a flaky crust that melts in your mouth—warm ingredients can make the dough tough.
Don’t Overwork Dough: Handle the dough gently and just until combined to maintain tenderness; over kneading develops gluten and toughens crust.
Balance Your Filling: Use cornstarch to thicken the juices but don’t add too much or the filling may become gummy—just enough to hold its shape.
Vent Your Top Crust: Cut slits or shapes to release steam while baking, preventing a soggy crust and ensuring your Old-Fashioned Apple Pie stays perfectly golden.
Let It Cool Completely: Allow the pie to cool for at least two hours before slicing to let the filling set for clean, beautiful slices.

Old-Fashioned Apple Pie Variations

Feel free to make this classic recipe your own with these delightful twists that will excite your taste buds!

Sugar-Free: Substitute brown sugar with a sweetener like Stevia or monk fruit for a guilt-free version without sacrificing flavor.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the filling for an unexpected depth of flavor that warms the soul.
Nutty Crust: Mix in finely chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, into the crust for an added crunch and earthy taste.
Crumble Top: Instead of a top crust, sprinkle a buttery crumble made of oats, flour, and brown sugar for texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft filling.
Vegan Option: Swap butter for coconut oil and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for a vegan-friendly twist that’s just as delicious.
Dried Fruit: Incorporate raisins or dried cranberries into the apple filling for a chewy texture that adds sweetness and color.
Flavored Apples: Mix different apple varieties, like sweet Honeycrisp or tart Jonagold, to create a complex, well-rounded fruit filling bursting with varied flavors.
Maple Glaze: Drizzle high-quality maple syrup over the baked pie for a rich sweetness that enhances the earthy apple tones, creating a cozy, comforting finish.

Old-Fashioned Apple Pie Recipe FAQs

What type of apples should I use for the best Old-Fashioned Apple Pie?
I highly recommend firm Granny Smith apples for their tartness and excellent texture that holds up well when baked. They provide the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. You can mix in a sweeter apple like Honeycrisp if you want a more complex flavor, but avoid soft varieties that turn mushy.

How long can I store leftover Old-Fashioned Apple Pie in the fridge?
Absolutely! Store your leftover pie in an airtight container or tightly cover it with plastic wrap. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Just make sure to keep it chilled to preserve its deliciousness.

Can I freeze Old-Fashioned Apple Pie, and how do I do it properly?
Yes, freezing is a great way to keep your pie fresh for up to 3 months! First, cool the pie completely after baking. Then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to bring back that crisp crust.

What if my pie filling turns out too runny or too thick?
A common hiccup! If it’s too runny, next time increase the cornstarch slightly to help thicken the juices. If it’s gummy or too thick, reduce the cornstarch a bit. Remember to toss the apple slices well so the thickener coats them evenly—that’s the secret to a perfect filling that holds its shape without oozing.

Is Old-Fashioned Apple Pie safe for pets if they sneak a bite?
While a tiny crumb isn’t likely to harm your furry friend, this pie contains ingredients like sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg that aren’t ideal for pets. I recommend keeping your pie out of reach and sticking to pet-friendly treats to keep their tummies happy and safe.