Homemade Apple Pie – Fraîche Living | Comfort Food Made Simple

Apple pie is more than dessert—it’s a slice of tradition. With its buttery crust, tender baked apples, and warm cinnamon aroma, it’s a dish that brings comfort and nostalgia to every table. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just craving a cozy treat, this recipe captures the essence of homemade baking without being complicated.

This Apple Pie – Fraîche Living version is simple, approachable, and designed to impress. From choosing the right apples to baking a golden crust, we’ll walk you through each step so you can create a pie that feels both classic and unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Recipe

This apple pie is everything you want in a dessert: warm, flavorful, and universally loved. The balance of tart apples, caramelized sweetness, and flaky crust makes every bite satisfying.

It’s easy to make, adaptable for different tastes, and guaranteed to wow your family or guests. Most of all, it’s more than food—it’s a memory-maker. Serve it with ice cream or whipped cream, and watch it become the centerpiece of your gathering.

What You’ll Need

For this apple pie, you’ll need just a few simple pantry staples and fresh apples. Here’s the full list:

• Pie crust – 2 rounds (homemade or store-bought)
• Apples – 6 to 7 medium (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled and sliced
• Sugar – ½ cup granulated
• Brown sugar – ¼ cup, packed
• All-purpose flour – 2 tablespoons (to thicken the filling)
• Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
• Nutmeg – ¼ teaspoon
• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon (to keep apples bright and balance sweetness)
• Butter – 2 tablespoons, cut into small cubes
• Egg wash – 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for a golden crust)

Optional: coarse sugar for sprinkling on top.

How to Make Apple Pie Recipe

1. Prep the crust – Roll out your bottom crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Chill while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the filling – Toss sliced apples with sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until well coated.
3. Assemble the pie – Pour apple mixture into the crust, dot with butter, and cover with the top crust (lattice or full). Seal and crimp the edges.
4. Brush and sprinkle – Brush the top with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
5. Bake – Place on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 50–60 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
6. Cool before serving – Let rest at least 2 hours so the filling sets.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate cozy treat.

You Must Know

Before baking, a few simple tips make all the difference:

• Choose the right apples – A mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp or Gala) gives the best balance.
• Chill your crust – Cold dough leads to flaky layers. If it warms up, pop it in the fridge before baking.
• Prevent soggy bottoms – Bake the pie on the lower oven rack and use a glass or metal dish for even heat.
• Let it rest – Cutting too soon will make the filling run. Cooling helps it set for neat slices.

These small details will turn your apple pie from good to bakery-level delicious.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Baking apple pie is simple, but precision helps you nail it every time:

• Oven temperature – Keep steady at 375°F (190°C). Too hot, and the crust burns before apples cook. Too low, and it turns pale.
• Check halfway – If edges brown too fast, cover them loosely with foil.
• Juicy filling – Don’t skip the flour or cornstarch; they thicken the apple juices into a syrupy filling.
• Golden finish – The egg wash gives shine and crunch, making your pie look as good as it tastes.

With these steps, you’ll get a flaky crust, tender apples, and the perfect balance of sweet and tart.

Add Your Touch Apple Pie Recipe

One of the best parts of apple pie is how easily you can make it your own. A few ideas:

• Spices – Add cloves, allspice, or cardamom for a warmer flavor.
• Toppings – Swap the top crust for a crumb streusel made with butter, oats, and brown sugar.
• Flavored sugars – Mix a little vanilla or maple syrup into the filling for extra depth.
• Serving twist – Try it with caramel drizzle, a cheddar cheese slice (a classic pairing in some regions), or spiced whipped cream.

Your apple pie can be as traditional or creative as you’d like—make it a signature dessert!

Storing & Reheating

Apple pie keeps well, so you can enjoy it for days:

Classic recipes reimagined

• Room temperature – Cover loosely and keep on the counter for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator – Store in the fridge for up to 5 days; cover with foil or wrap tightly.
• Freezer – Wrap individual slices or the whole pie in plastic and foil; freeze up to 3 months.

To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10–15 minutes, or briefly in the microwave. The oven keeps the crust crisp, while the microwave is faster for a quick treat.

Chef’s Helpful Tips for Apple Pie Recipe

A few pro touches can make your apple pie even better:

Holiday dessert favorites

• Use a mix of apples – Combining tart and sweet apples gives the best balance of flavor.
• Don’t skip chilling – Keep both the crust and assembled pie cold before baking for maximum flakiness.
• Bake on a sheet pan – It catches any drips and keeps your oven clean.
• Vent the top crust – Lattice designs or small slits let steam escape, preventing a soggy pie.
• Slice evenly – Uniform apple slices cook at the same rate, giving you a consistent filling.

These little details elevate your pie from homemade to show-stopping.

FAQ for Apple Pie Recipe

Can I make apple pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

More cozy dinner ideas

Which apples are best?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are the most reliable, but mixing varieties is even better.

Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Freeze the pie unbaked for up to 3 months, then bake straight from frozen (just add 15–20 minutes to the time).

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Brush the bottom crust lightly with egg white before adding the filling.

Is it okay to reduce the sugar?
Yes, especially if you’re using sweeter apples. Adjust to taste without worry.

Conclusion

Apple pie isn’t just dessert—it’s a tradition that brings comfort, warmth, and joy to any table. With its flaky crust, spiced apple filling, and inviting aroma, it’s a recipe that never goes out of style. Whether you’re making it for the holidays, a family gathering, or simply to enjoy on a cozy evening, this Apple Pie – Fraîche Living recipe gives you all the tools to succeed.

The beauty of this pie is its balance of simplicity and versatility. You can keep it classic, or add your own personal twist with spices, toppings, or creative serving ideas. No matter how you choose to make it, one thing is certain: it will fill your home with delicious scents and your heart with a sense of tradition.

So grab your apples, roll out that dough, and get ready to bake a pie that will earn you compliments, smiles, and maybe even a few requests for seconds. Apple pie has always been more than a dessert—it’s a memory in every bite.