A slice of classic spiced apple pie holds a special place in our hearts, inviting us back to warm kitchens, lively gatherings, and quiet evenings curled up with a good book. This homemade beauty, with its buttery, flaky crust and a filling bursting with tender slices of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples, coated in cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves, manages to balance sweet and tart in every bite. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting treat after dinner or want to dazzle your friends and family with a timeless dessert, this recipe promises a mouthwatering experience from start to finish. You'll spend about an hour prepping, another hour baking, and then wait a patient hour as it cools to the perfect serving temperature—so don’t rush the process! Along the way, you’ll soak in the aromatic spices swirling through the kitchen air, the gentle hum of conversation as the pie bakes, and that irresistible tug of curiosity as you wander back to the oven door to peek at the bubbling filling. This is pie that captures memories in its crust and flavor.
One of my favorite parts of baking this pie is the crust-making process itself. Creating a flaky base starts by chilling the butter and cutting it into the flour, salt, and a pinch of sugar—then you bring the dough together with cold, icy water, all while keeping the mixture tender and crisp. After an hour-long chill in the fridge, you’ll roll, shape, and trim the crust, turning a simple dough into a golden embrace for your spiced apples. Speaking of fillings, I always recommend blending a couple of different apple varieties—Granny Smith lends that bright, tart kick while Honeycrisp offers juicy sweetness. Tossed with brown sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and a squeeze of lemon juice, these apple slices soak up a wonderful spice blend before baking. As the pie bakes for fifteen minutes at high heat, then at 350°F for up to forty-five minutes more, the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrance that truly defines cozy cooking. Though it’s rated intermediate in difficulty, I promise that with a little patience and a lot of enthusiasm, you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable dessert.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CLASSIC BAKED SPICED APPLE PIE
Great ingredients make for great pie, and this recipe relies on pantry staples plus the freshest apples you can find. Each component plays a specific role, from building the structure of the crust to packing the filling with juicy flavor and just the right hint of spice. Here’s why every single item matters:
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the pie crust, providing structure and that tender crumb we all adore.
- Salt: A little pinch goes a long way to enhance the natural flavors in both the dough and the filling.
- Granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the crust and the filling, helping it caramelize beautifully in the oven.
- Unsalted butter: Cold butter cut into the flour creates those flaky layers we crave when biting into the crust.
- Ice water: Keeps the butter cold as you work, binding the dough together without melting those precious fat pockets.
- Apples: A mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp (or your favorites) balances tartness and sweetness for a dynamic filling.
- Brown sugar: Brings a rich, molasses-like flavor that deepens the taste of the filling’s syrup.
- Ground cinnamon: The signature spice that wraps around each apple slice in warm, familiar flavor.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a gentle earthiness that perfectly complements the cinnamon.
- Ground cloves: A little goes a long way in introducing an aromatic depth to the spice blend.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the apple juices as they bake, ensuring a luscious but not runny filling.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates all the flavors, tying the spices and apples together with a sweet, floral note.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the filling, balancing sweet and spice while preventing the apples from browning.
- Egg yolk: Combined with milk for an egg wash that gives the crust its golden sheen.
- Milk: Thins out the egg wash so it spreads evenly and bakes to a beautiful glossy finish.
HOW TO MAKE CLASSIC BAKED SPICED APPLE PIE
Baking this pie may seem involved, but each step builds on the last to create that perfect balance of flaky crust and tender, spiced apples. Follow these instructions closely, and you’ll have a bakery-worthy dessert right at home:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Ensuring the oven reaches the right temperature before the pie goes in helps set the crust quickly, keeping it crisp and golden.
2. In a large bowl, mix all-purpose flour, salt, and granulated sugar. Add the diced unsalted butter, and use a pastry blender (or two knives) to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until a dough forms.
3. Divide the dough into two equal halves, shape each into a ball, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour. This resting period solidifies the butter and relaxes the gluten for an ultra-flaky crust.
4. Meanwhile, in another large bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are well coated in the spice mixture.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one ball of chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Carefully lift and place it into the pan, allowing the edges to drape over. Trim any excess dough, leaving a slight overhang.
6. Fill the crust with the prepared apple mixture and dot the top with small pieces of unsalted butter for extra richness.
7. Roll out the second ball of dough and gently place it over the filling. Trim the excess, then seal the edges by pressing the top and bottom crusts together. Use a fork or your fingers to crimp the edges, then cut several small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
8. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk and milk together to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture evenly over the entire top crust to encourage a deep golden color.
9. Bake the pie on the center rack for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
10. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CLASSIC BAKED SPICED APPLE PIE
There’s nothing quite like presenting a freshly baked apple pie, its crust glowing with warmth and the filling bubbling just beneath those decorative vents. How you serve it can elevate this classic dessert from wonderful to unforgettable. Think about pairing textures, contrasts, and complementary flavors to make each mouthful a celebration. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, these serving ideas bring out the very best in your pie and ensure every guest—or family member—asks for seconds.
- Warm scoop of vanilla ice cream: Place a generous scoop on a hot slice so it slowly melts into the nooks and crannies of the pie, creating a creamy contrast to the tender apples.
- Cinnamon-spiked whipped cream: Whip heavy cream with a touch of sugar and a pinch of ground cinnamon until soft peaks form. Dollop it over each serving for a light, airy complement.
- Golden caramel drizzle: Warm some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce and lightly drizzle it in a zigzag pattern across the pie. The sweet, buttery ribbons add depth and a glossy finish.
- Rustic cheddar pairing: For a taste of tradition, serve thin slices of sharp cheddar alongside your pie. The sharpness cuts through the sweetness, creating a harmonious flavor balance.
HOW TO STORE CLASSIC BAKED SPICED APPLE PIE
Storing your leftover apple pie properly ensures that each slice remains as close to the original bakery-fresh quality as possible. Keeping the crust crisp and the filling juicy depends on controlling humidity and temperature. While it’s tempting to stash that pie in the fridge or freezer right away, consider how long you’ll store it and which method will preserve both texture and flavor best. Below are tried-and-true strategies for short-term and long-term storage, so your pie stays sensational whenever you’re ready to dig in again.
- Room temperature (up to 2 days): Cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil or a pie keeper lid to protect the crust from drying out. Store in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to keep that flaky shell crisp.
- Refrigeration (3–4 days): Wrap the cooled pie in plastic wrap, focusing on the exposed crust edges to prevent them from becoming soggy. Place in the fridge to extend freshness while maintaining the pie’s overall texture.
- Freezing whole pie (up to 2 months): Wrap the fully cooled pie tightly in two layers of plastic wrap, then a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze on a flat surface. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Freezing individual slices: For grab-and-go treats, wrap each cooled slice in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. This method helps you enjoy a single portion without thawing the entire pie.
CONCLUSION
From pulling together the perfect flaky crust to layering spiced apple slices that tickle your taste buds, this Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie recipe is your ticket to dessert bliss. We’ve covered every detail—from key ingredients like all-purpose flour and cold butter to the spices that warm your kitchen and heart. You’ve learned how to make, bake, and serve your pie with enthusiasm, and you’ve got foolproof storage tips to keep leftovers tasting amazing. Keep in mind the overall timeline—about one hour to prepare, one hour to bake, and one hour to rest—and you’ll have a pie that’s not only stunning to look at but also gorgeously balanced in flavor. Go ahead, print this article or save it to your favorite recipe file so it’s there whenever you’re ready to share a slice of nostalgia and cozy comfort with loved ones. And don’t forget, there’s an FAQ waiting for you below if you need quick answers to any burning questions!
I hope this guide has you feeling excited and confident to bake your own Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Feel free to leave a comment, ask questions, or share any tips you discovered along the way. Whether you need help with dough consistency, apple selection, or getting that golden-brown finish, your feedback and curiosities are always welcome. Happy baking!
Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie
Description
Experience the warm, comforting blend of sweet and tart apples with aromatic spices in a buttery, flaky crust. This pie is a timeless dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
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In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar. Add diced butter and mix with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until dough forms. Divide dough in half, shape each half into a ball, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour.
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In another large bowl, combine sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Toss until apples are well coated.
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Roll out one ball of dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Place the rolled dough into the pan, trimming any excess edges.
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Fill the crust with the apple mixture and dot with small pieces of butter.
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Roll out the second ball of dough and place over the filling. Trim, seal, and crimp the edges. Cut several small slits on the top to allow steam to escape.
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In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk and milk, then brush this mixture over the pie crust.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes, or until apples are soft and crust is golden brown.
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Allow pie to cool in the pan on a wire rack before serving.
Note
- For best results, use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor.
- To prevent crust edges from burning, cover them with strips of aluminum foil during baking.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delicious dessert experience.
- You can make the pie crust a day in advance to save time on the day of baking.
