When searching for easy dessert recipes for a crowd, nothing beats the timeless appeal of a homemade apple pie. This Best Apple Pie Recipe delivers everything you want in a classic dessert: a flaky, golden crust and a filling that is the perfect balance of tart and sweet. It is a showstopper that feeds the whole family and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect for Large Gatherings
Apple pie is the ultimate communal dessert. Whether it is Thanksgiving, a summer barbecue, or a Sunday family dinner, a large pie serves 8 generous slices (or more if you cut them thin). It holds its shape beautifully, making it easy to slice and serve without making a mess, which is essential when you are hosting a crowd.
The Perfect Spiced Filling
The filling is not just about apples; it is about the syrup that coats them. A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice creates a warm, aromatic sauce that thickens perfectly as it bakes, ensuring no soggy bottom crusts.
Ingredients
- 2 rounds Pie dough
- 6 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
- 0.75 cup Sugar
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp Nutmeg
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss sliced apples with sugar, flour, spices, and lemon juice.
- Line pie dish with dough, add filling, and top with second crust.
- Vent the top crust and brush with egg wash.
- Bake at 425°F for 15 mins, then reduce to 375°F for 40 mins.
Nutrition
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
You will need Granny Smith apples for their tartness and firm texture. High-fat butter is crucial for the crust to ensure flakiness. Fresh lemon juice prevents browning, and a mix of brown and white sugar adds depth to the sweetness.
Smart Substitutions
If Granny Smith apples are too tart for your liking, mix them 50/50 with Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious apples. You can use store-bought refrigerated pie crusts to save time, though homemade is always superior. For a dairy-free version, use a high-quality vegan butter stick substitute for the crust.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase
Start by preparing your pie dough and chilling it; cold dough is the secret to a flaky crust. Peel, core, and slice your apples into 1/4-inch thick slices. Toss them in a large bowl with the sugars, spices, flour, and lemon juice.
Cooking Phase
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the bottom crust and place it in your pie dish. Pile the apples high in the center. Top with the second crust, crimp the edges tightly, and cut ventilation slits. Brush with an egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 40-50 minutes until the filling bubbles.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
To avoid a gap between the top crust and the apples (the dreaded “dome”), mound the apples high in the center and press the top crust down gently. Also, baking on a preheated baking sheet helps cook the bottom crust faster, preventing sogginess.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not slice the apples too thin, or they will turn to mush. Conversely, slices that are too thick won’t cook through. Aim for consistency. Also, allow the pie to cool completely (at least 3 hours) before slicing to let the filling set.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
Serve a slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce. Fresh whipped cream with a dash of cinnamon is also a crowd favorite.
Pairing Suggestions
If you are putting together a dessert table, this pie goes wonderfully alongside other baked goods. For cookie lovers, you might want to bake a batch of these Chocolate Chip Cookies to offer a handheld option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1? Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, apple pie is actually better the next day as the juices have time to thicken. You can bake it up to 24 hours in advance and keep it at room temperature.
Q2? Why is my pie runny?
This usually happens if the pie wasn’t baked long enough for the thickener (flour or cornstarch) to activate, or if the apples were very juicy. Let it cool fully to help it set.
Q3? Can I freeze apple pie?
Yes. You can freeze the assembled, unbaked pie for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
This Best Apple Pie Recipe is a staple for any home baker. It captures the essence of comfort food and is one of the most reliable easy dessert recipes for a crowd. With a golden crust and tender spiced apples, it is sure to become a requested favorite at all your gatherings.
| Granny Smith | Tart, Firm, Holds Shape |
|---|---|
| Honeycrisp | Sweet, Crisp, Juicy |
| Golden Delicious | Milder, Softer Texture |
| Braeburn | Spicy-Sweet, Firm |
