Warm Apple Pie with Flaky Crust and Cinnamon

Total Time: 1 hr 35 mins Difficulty: Beginner
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Introduction

Apple pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a warm hug in the form of food. Known as one of the most iconic American desserts, this pie has deep roots in both European and American traditions, where apples and spices symbolized comfort, abundance, and family gatherings.

This Warm Apple Pie with Flaky Crust and Cinnamon is a celebration of seasonal flavors. A buttery, golden crust encases tender spiced apples, baked until bubbling and fragrant. The cinnamon adds warmth, while a touch of nutmeg brings depth. Fresh out of the oven, it fills the kitchen with the irresistible scent of fall and holidays.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it feels like home. The flaky, buttery crust paired with gooey, cinnamon-coated apples reminds me of cozy evenings, family dinners, and festive holidays. What makes it even more special is its versatility—you can enjoy it warm with vanilla ice cream, drizzle it with caramel, or pair it with a dollop of whipped cream.

It’s also a recipe that invites creativity: whether you cut the top into a lattice, cover it fully, or decorate with pastry leaves, each pie becomes a work of art.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

  • It’s the quintessential comfort dessert.
  • A crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, holidays, and celebrations.
  • The flaky crust + spiced apple filling is pure perfection.
  • The aroma of baking apple pie is as wonderful as the taste itself.
  • You’ll learn how to make a homemade crust that’s both tender and crisp.

Preparation & Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling dough)
  • Cooking Time: 55–65 minutes
  • Total Time: ~2 hours 30 minutes

Servings & Nutritional Info

  • Servings: 8 slices
  • Calories per serving: ~400–450 kcal (without ice cream/whipped cream)

Course & Cuisine

  • Course: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American (Classic Comfort Food)

Ingredients

For the Flaky Pie Crust (makes top & bottom crust):

  • 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 6–8 tbsp ice water

For the Apple Filling:

  • 6–7 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced thin
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (55g) brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
  • 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into small pieces, dotted on filling before baking)

For Egg Wash:

  • 1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp milk

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Make the Crust

  1. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, and salt.
  2. Cut cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until coarse crumbs form.
  3. Add ice water gradually until dough holds together.
  4. Divide dough in half, shape into discs, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

  1. In a bowl, toss sliced apples with sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla.
  2. Let sit for 10 minutes to release juices.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Roll out one dough disc into a 12-inch circle, fit into a 9-inch pie dish.
  3. Pour apple filling inside and dot with butter pieces.
  4. Roll out second disc and cover pie (or create a lattice top). Seal edges and crimp.
  5. Brush top with egg wash, cut slits for steam if using full cover.

Step 4: Bake

  1. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
  2. Reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake 35–45 minutes more, until crust is golden and filling is bubbling.
  3. Cool at least 1 hour before slicing for filling to set.

How to Serve

Serve the apple pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream. Pair with hot apple cider, coffee, or spiced tea for the ultimate cozy experience.

Recipe Tips

  • Keep butter and water cold for a flaky crust.
  • Mix apples—Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness.
  • Shield the pie edges with foil halfway through baking to prevent burning.
  • Let pie cool before slicing to avoid a runny filling.

Variations

  • Dutch Apple Pie: Add a buttery crumble topping instead of a top crust.
  • Caramel Apple Pie: Mix caramel sauce into filling or drizzle on top after baking.
  • Cheddar Apple Pie: Add sharp cheddar cheese to the crust for a savory twist.
  • Mini Hand Pies: Use the same recipe but cut dough into circles and fold into hand-held pies.
  • Spiced Apple Pie: Add cloves, allspice, or cardamom for extra warmth.

Freezing & Storage

  • Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 1 day.
  • Refrigerator: Keeps up to 4–5 days.
  • Freezer (Unbaked): Assemble pie, wrap well, and freeze up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding ~20 minutes to baking time.
  • Freezer (Baked): Wrap cooled pie tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge and warm in oven before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

  • 9-inch pie dish
  • Rolling pin
  • Pastry cutter (or food processor)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Pastry brush (for egg wash)

Conclusion

The Warm Apple Pie with Flaky Crust and Cinnamon is a timeless dessert that captures the heart of comfort food. With its buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and irresistible aroma, it’s a dessert that brings families together and makes any occasion feel special. Whether served plain, with ice cream, or drizzled in caramel, it’s guaranteed to be the centerpiece of your table and a recipe you’ll return to year after year.

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Warm Apple Pie with Flaky Crust and Cinnamon

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 65 mins Total Time 1 hr 35 mins
Calories: 400–450 kcal per serving

Description

Apple pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a warm hug in the form of food. Known as one of the most iconic American desserts, this pie has deep roots in both European and American traditions, where apples and spices symbolized comfort, abundance, and family gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Flaky Pie Crust (makes top & bottom crust):

For the Apple Filling:

For Egg Wash:

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, and salt. Cut cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until coarse crumbs form. Add ice water gradually until dough holds together. Divide dough in half, shape into discs, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, toss sliced apples with sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla. Let sit for 10 minutes to release juices.
  3. Step 3: Assemble the Pie: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out one dough disc into a 12-inch circle, fit into a 9-inch pie dish. Pour apple filling inside and dot with butter pieces. Roll out second disc and cover pie (or create a lattice top). Seal edges and crimp. Brush top with egg wash, cut slits for steam if using full cover.
  4. Step 4: Bake: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake 35–45 minutes more, until crust is golden and filling is bubbling. Cool at least 1 hour before slicing for filling to set.
Keywords: Warm Apple Pie with Flaky Crust and Cinnamon
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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:

Q1: What are the best apples for pie?

A mix of tart and sweet apples—like Granny Smith + Honeycrisp—gives the best balance.

Q2: My crust shrinks while baking. How can I prevent this?

Chill the assembled pie before baking, and avoid overworking the dough

Q3: Can I make the crust ahead?

Yes, pie dough can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months.

Q4: Do I need to pre-cook the apples?

Not for this recipe. The apples cook perfectly in the oven.

Samantha Doe Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Samantha, a full-time food blogger, mother of 2 beautiful daughters and a lovely wife. I live in New Jersey with my family. Loves traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.

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