There’s something magical about the smell of a freshly baked apple pie wafting through your home. It’s a moment that captures memories of family dinners, laughter-filled kitchens, and the comfort of tradition.
Among the countless recipes available, the Joy of Cooking apple pie recipe stands out as a timeless classic—a recipe that brings warmth, nostalgia, and, of course, a slice of perfection to your table.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker, a home cook who is looking to expand your repertoire, or someone in search of the perfect apple pie for your next gathering, this blog is for you.
You’ll find out what makes this recipe special, how to make it at home, and some simple ideas to make your pie even better.
What Makes the Joy of Cooking Apple Pie Recipe So Special?
Why does this particular recipe have such a devoted following? The Joy of Cooking apple pie is cherished for its balance between simplicity and sophistication. It has a buttery, flaky crust and a filling that perfectly mixes the sweet and tangy taste of apples.
The recipe is smart because it brings out the fruit’s natural flavors instead of hiding them with too much sugar. Plus, this recipe has been shared through many generations.
It’s versatile enough to be customized to fit almost every preference and palate, yet it always retains its signature comfort factor—a true hallmark of baking excellence.
Ingredients Needed for the Joy of Cooking Apple Pie Recipe
Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe. Each one helps create the perfect mix of flavors and textures.
For the crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
- 6–8 tbsp iced water
For the filling:
- 6–7 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix work wonderfully)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (to balance the sweetness of the apples)
Nutritional Information of the Apple Pie
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 slice) Notes |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
| Sodium | 160mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 46g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 25g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Vitamin C | 6% of Daily Value (DV) |
| Iron | 4% of Daily Value (DV) |
Equipment Needed
Baking the perfect apple pie doesn’t involve complicated gadgets. With a few basic tools, you’re ready to roll (quite literally)!
- Pie dish (9-inch recommended)
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter or food processor (for making the crust)
- Peeler and corer for apples
- Pastry brush for the egg wash
Step-by-Step Recipe for the Joy of Cooking Apple Pie
Now that you have all the ingredients and equipment ready, let’s dive into making this delicious apple pie:
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by making the pie crust, the base of your apple pie. Mix cold flour, butter, and a little salt in a bowl or food processor. Cut the butter into the flour until it looks like small crumbs.
Slowly add cold water, one spoon at a time, and mix gently until the dough sticks together. Divide the dough into two parts, roll them into flat circles, wrap in plastic, and put them in the fridge for at least an hour.
This helps make a flaky, buttery crust that goes perfectly with the warm apple filling.
Step 2: Create the Apple Filling
While the dough cools, make the apple filling. Peel, core, and slice the apples evenly, about 1/4 inch thick so they cook well.
Mix the slices in a bowl with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a bit of lemon juice to balance the sweetness. Let it sit for a few minutes to bring out the apples’ natural flavors and juices, which will taste delicious in the pie.
Step 3: Roll Out the Crust
When the dough is ready, sprinkle a little flour on your surface and rolling pin. Roll out one piece of dough into a big circle, about 12 inches wide and thin like paper. Gently place it in your pie dish and press it into the edges.
Cut off any extra dough, but leave about half an inch around the edges so you can seal it later. Now your bottom crust is ready for the apple filling!
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Pour your prepared apple filling into the pie dish with the bottom crust, and spread it out evenly. Roll out the second piece of dough and place it on top of the filling.
Press the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal them, and make a pretty pattern if you want. Use a knife to cut small slits in the top so steam can escape while it bakes.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Before transferring the pie to the oven, brush the top crust with a light coating of egg wash using your pastry brush. This will give the pie a golden, glossy finish when baked.
For extra sweetness and texture, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over the top. These small details enhance the visual appeal and flavor of your masterpiece.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and put the pie on the middle rack. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and you see the filling bubbling through the slits.
Check the pie while it bakes so it doesn’t get too dark. If the edges start to brown too much, cover them with foil. Soon, your kitchen will smell like apples and spices, letting you know the pie is almost ready.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
When the pie is fully baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. This helps the filling firm up, so it’s easier to cut.
Serve the apple pie warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some whipped cream. Enjoy your homemade dessert.
Congrats on making a delicious apple pie from scratch using the Joy of Cooking recipe—way to go! If you’re a fan of their recipes, you’ve gotta try their Buttermilk Pancakes. It’s the perfect breakfast treat! Don’t be shy about experimenting—throw in some cranberries or pecans for a little extra flavor boost.
Joy of Cooking Apple Pie Recipe
Equipment
- Pie dish (9-inch recommended)
- Rolling Pin
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter or food processor (for making the crust)
- Peeler and corer for apples
- Pastry brush for the egg wash
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter cold, cut into cubes
- 6 –8 tbsp iced water
For the filling:
- 6 –7 medium apples Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix work wonderfully
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice to balance the sweetness of the apples
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
- Start by making the pie crust, the base of your apple pie. Mix cold flour, butter, and a little salt in a bowl or food processor. Cut the butter into the flour until it looks like small crumbs. Slowly add cold water, one spoon at a time, and mix gently until the dough sticks together. Divide the dough into two parts, roll them into flat circles, wrap in plastic, and put them in the fridge for at least an hour. This helps make a flaky, buttery crust that goes perfectly with the warm apple filling.
Step 2: Create the Apple Filling
- While the dough cools, make the apple filling. Peel, core, and slice the apples evenly, about 1/4 inch thick so they cook well. Mix the slices in a bowl with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a bit of lemon juice to balance the sweetness. Let it sit for a few minutes to bring out the apples’ natural flavors and juices, which will taste delicious in the pie.
Step 3: Roll Out the Crust
- When the dough is ready, sprinkle a little flour on your surface and rolling pin. Roll out one piece of dough into a big circle, about 12 inches wide and thin like paper. Gently place it in your pie dish and press it into the edges. Cut off any extra dough, but leave about half an inch around the edges so you can seal it later. Now your bottom crust is ready for the apple filling!
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
- Pour your prepared apple filling into the pie dish with the bottom crust, and spread it out evenly. Roll out the second piece of dough and place it on top of the filling. Press the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal them, and make a pretty pattern if you want. Use a knife to cut small slits in the top so steam can escape while it bakes.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
- Before transferring the pie to the oven, brush the top crust with a light coating of egg wash using your pastry brush. This will give the pie a golden, glossy finish when baked. For extra sweetness and texture, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over the top. These small details enhance the visual appeal and flavor of your masterpiece.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and put the pie on the middle rack. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and you see the filling bubbling through the slits. Check the pie while it bakes so it doesn’t get too dark. If the edges start to brown too much, cover them with foil. Soon, your kitchen will smell like apples and spices, letting you know the pie is almost ready.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- When the pie is fully baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. This helps the filling firm up, so it’s easier to cut. Serve the apple pie warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some whipped cream. Enjoy your homemade dessert.
Notes
Creative Ways to Serve Apple Pie
If you have some leftover pie, don’t throw it away! Try these fun and delicious ideas to enjoy your apple pie in different ways:
- Crumble up the remaining pie and serve it as a topping over vanilla ice cream or yogurt.
- Cut the pie into small squares and serve as finger food at parties.
- Heat up slices of apple pie and drizzle warm caramel sauce on top for an indulgent dessert.
- Use the pie crust to create mini tart shells. Fill them with a layer of custard or chocolate ganache, then add sliced apples and bake for a unique twist on traditional apple tarts.
With its classic flavor, versatile nature, and irresistible smell when baking, apple pie is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Try out this recipe and make it your own with different varieties of apples or adding your favorite spices.
Storage Suggestions for Leftover Apple Pie
Can’t finish your pie in one sitting? Store it properly to enjoy later:
- At Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the leftover pie within two days, cover it loosely with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store it at room temperature. This works best for pies without dairy-based fillings.
- Refrigeration: To keep pies with custard or cream fresh longer, put them in a sealed container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the fridge. They will stay fresh for 4-5 days.
- Freezing: Want to save your pie for later? Freeze it! Wrap the whole pie or slices tightly in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer-safe bag or container to keep them fresh. Your pie can stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. To eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating or enjoying.
With these tips, you can savor every bite of your apple pie, no matter how long it lasts!
Tips for Baking the Perfect Apple Pie
I know making a pie at home can feel hard and takes a lot of time. But with these simple tips from expert bakers, your apple pie will turn out golden and tasty every time:
- Don’t rush the dough-making process. Chilling it for at least an hour makes all the difference in creating a flaky crust.
- Keep your ingredients cold while making the crust to ensure it stays flaky.
- Use different varieties of apples for a more complex flavor profile. Granny Smith apples provide tartness, while Honeycrisp or Gala add sweetness.
- When rolling out the dough, do not twist or stretch it as this can cause shrinkage and unevenness in the crust.
- Use aluminum foil to cover the edges of the pie crust if it starts to get too brown while baking.
- Let the pie cool before slicing and serving to allow the filling to set. This will make it easier to cut and serve.
With these tips and tricks, you’ll become a pro at making apple pie in no time. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different crust designs or add your own personal touch to the filling.
Conclusion
Making an apple pie is more than just following a recipe—it’s about bringing warmth and comfort to your home with every bite. From creating the perfect crust to filling it with the delightful sweetness of apples and spices, each step is an opportunity to infuse love into your creation.
Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, the joy of crafting something so timeless and delicious is incomparable. Remember, every pie is unique, just like your creativity in the kitchen.
So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and savor the magic of baking an apple pie from scratch.
FAQ
How can I make the pie crust more flavorful?
You can enhance the flavor of your pie crust by adding a pinch of cinnamon, a splash of vanilla extract, or even substituting part of the water with chilled apple cider. Additionally, using high-quality butter or incorporating cream cheese can add richness and depth.
What are the best apples for pie?
The best apples for pie are those that hold their shape and offer a balance of sweetness and tartness. Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and Fuji are popular choices for creating a flavorful and textured filling.
Can I use pre-made pie dough?
Yes, you can use pre-made pie dough for convenience. Look for high-quality options in the refrigerated section, and if possible, opt for all-butter varieties for a rich, homemade flavor.
Should I pre-cook the apple filling before baking?
Cooking the apple filling first helps control how soft and sweet your pie will be. It also keeps the crust from getting soggy by reducing extra liquid. If you’d rather skip this step, you can bake the apples raw, but make sure to add something like cornstarch or flour to soak up the juices.
How do I prevent my pie crust from getting soggy?
To stop the bottom crust from getting soggy, you can bake it first before adding the filling. You can also sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs, crushed cookies, or flour on the bottom to soak up extra moisture. Putting the pie on a hot baking sheet while it cooks will also help make the crust crispy and well done.
What spices can I add to enhance the flavor?
Classic apple pie spices are cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, but you can try using allspice, cardamom, or a little ginger to make new flavors. Adjust the spices to match your taste, and don’t be afraid to try something different for a pie that’s uniquely yours.
