Homemade Apple Pie Recipe - Dessert for Two (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Christina Lane · This post may contain affiliate links · 68 Comments

All the fall flavors you could ask for in one small dish! This small homemade apple pie in a 6-inch pie pan is perfect for using up 2 apples. I always use Honeycrisp apples here, and the results are amazing.

Homemade Apple Pie Recipe - Dessert for Two (1)

You will love this Easy Apple Pie

I did not think there was a way to improve upon apple pie. That is, until a coworker brought in loads of fresh-picked Honeycrisp apples. My apple pie recipe was good, but with Honeycrisp apples, it's great.

The only way to treat apples fresh off the tree with respect is to ensure they are tucked into nothing but a homemade pie crust. I believe that so many people resort to the box because of the quest for the appearance of perfection. A pre-made dough seasoned with chemicals will ensure that you don't have to patch and repair your dough when rolling, but that's not the point.

Pie is meant to smell perfect and taste perfect, but not look perfect.

If you're scared, ease into it with my mini apple pie. You will need a 6-7" pie dish and just 2 apples. I use my grandmother's glass mini pie pan, but metal is fine. The only way you can mess up this recipe is to put too much water into the dough, or slice the apples too thick. Take your time; enjoy the process. When the pie comes out of the oven, you'll agree there's no better way to spend a Fall day than baking.

Homemade Apple Pie Recipe - Dessert for Two (2)

I believe in making a seasonal to-do list, and making as many pies from scratch with fruit picked by me (or a coworker) is at the top of my Fall list. Scribble 'make a homemade apple pie' on your Fall to-do list. You won't regret it.

Homemade Apple Pie Recipe - Dessert for Two (3)

Yield: 6

Apple Pie from Scratch

Homemade Apple Pie Recipe - Dessert for Two (4)

A classic apple pie. Easy to make and delicious to eat!

Ingredients

  • FOR THE CRUST:
  • 5 ounces (1 cup) unbleached flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, diced
  • ¼ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 3-4 tablespoons cold water
  • FOR THE FILLING:
  • 2 medium Honeycrisp apples
  • ¾ teaspoon orange zest
  • ⅛ teaspoon allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons milk, for brushing on crust
  • coarse sugar for sprinkling on crust (optional)

Instructions

  1. First, make the crust: Stir together the flour and salt in a medium bowl.
  2. Add the cold, diced butter and blend it using a pastry cutter or two knives. When the butter is the size of peas, use your hands to squeeze the dough in your hands. The warmth of your hands will help the dough come together in a few minutes. When the dough holds together in a clump when squeezed in your hands, place the bowl in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
  3. After 10 minutes, remove the flour mixture from the fridge and add the apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons of ice water. Stir this mixture together with a fork until it comes together. Add more water as needed. Donâ??t add more than 5 tablespoons of water.
  4. Shape the dough into a flat disk, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
  5. Have ready a 6-7â? metal pie tin and preheat the oven to 425°.
  6. Peel and thinly slice the apples. Cut the slices in half so that you have apple slices about 2â? long. Place the apples into a bowl and toss with the orange zest, cinnamon, allspice and sugar. Allow to set while you roll out the crust.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough in half, but allow slightly more dough for the bottom crust. Roll out the bottom crust into a circle 1â? larger than the diameter of the pie pan. Drape the crust over the pie tin and gently fit it up the sidesâ??do not stretch the dough.
  8. Now, roll out the top into a 7â? circle. Have ready on the side. Pour the apple filling into the bottom crust, pressing the mixture down firmly to eliminate air gaps. Lay the top crust gently over the apples. Pinch the seams together prettily and cut two slits in the center of the crust for ventilation. Brush the pie lightly with milk and sprinkle extra sugar on top.
  9. Bake on the lowest oven rack for 20 minutes. Lower the oven temperature to 350° and move the pie to the middle rack to continue baking another 15-20 minutes, until filling is bubbling. Let cool at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 361Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 70mgCarbohydrates: 73gFiber: 3gSugar: 12gProtein: 8g

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

More Pies and Cobblers

  • Apple Crisp Dessert
  • Raspberry Pie Cookies
  • Southern Fresh Peach Cobbler Recipe
  • Crustless Pumpkin Pie

Reader Interactions

Comments

    • Christina Lane says

      I don't, I'm sorry. I'm not familiar with it.

      Reply

  1. Trent says

    Hello. I am going to try your approach to bake a smaller version of the homemade apple pie my mom taught me how to make. She has since passed away. Her recipe includes Crisco butter flavored shortening. In your opinion, could I use butter instead of Crisco, like your recipe? Thank you again for your pie recipe and narrative. It has given me the inspiration to bake a smaller version of my mom's long-cherished recipe. Take care.

    Reply

    • Christina Lane says

      Thanks for sharing with me. I'm sorry to hear about her passing. Yes, you can use butter and crisco interchangeably.

      Reply

  2. Danette says

    HI where can I find the small pie plate to bake apple pie in.what size pie plate did you use in this recipe?thank you

    Reply

    • Angela Nicola says

      Did u see u need to proof read ur typing of recipe because it looks like a robot wrote it. It has all kinds of weird symbols and stuff, I don’t think you want there. Doesnt look like anyone told you so I thought I should; i’d appreciate it if someone told me, especially if I wrote out such a beautiful recipe! Thank you. I did manage to still make it and it was beautiful!

      Reply

      • Christina Lane says

        Hi Angela! Yes, this is a very old recipe, and when it converted to a new recipe card, some of the symbols were changed into weird things. I'm sorry! I fixed it.

        Reply

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Homemade Apple Pie Recipe - Dessert for Two (2024)

FAQs

What are the two best apples for apple pie? ›

The best apples for making apple pie
  • Braeburn. This apple is a descendant of Granny Smith, but slightly sweeter. ...
  • Cortland. ...
  • Crispin (Mutsu). ...
  • Golden Delicious. ...
  • Granny Smith. ...
  • Honeycrisp. ...
  • Jonagold or Jonathan. ...
  • Northern Spy.
Oct 8, 2021

Can you make an apple pie the day before and bake it the next day? ›

If made ahead without baking, the pastry crust can become too wet and end up soggy after baking. The best way to make your apple pie in advance? Bake the pie completely, then chill it overnight, allowing the pie to sit at room temperature for at least an hour before serving.

How do you keep an apple pie fresh for 2 days? ›

Ideally, apple pie (or any fruit pie) should be stored in the refrigerator, either with a lid or covered tightly with plastic wrap. It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator, but always be sure to check in on your leftovers to make sure they still look and smell good before diving in.

What is the sweetest apple for apple pie? ›

Honeycrisp apples are known for their intense sweetness and crisp snap. They're a delicious apple to incorporate into either pie or crisp filling because they pack a bold punch in the flavor department and are neither too wet nor too firm when cooked.

What is the sweetest apple to bake with? ›

Honeycrisp (Sweet)

They're extra juicy and very crisp with a honey-sweet flavor that translates wonderfully into baked goods. AND they are the star of the show in my Honeycrisp apple sangria.

Should you cook apples before putting in pie? ›

Should you cook the apples before baking apple pie? You don't have to pre-cook the filling before spooning it into the pie crust, but it's a quick step I recommend. Just 5 minutes on the stove begins the softening process, and also helps the flavors start to mingle.

Should I pre bake apple pie crust? ›

You do not need to pre-bake a pie crust for an apple pie or any baked fruit pie really, but we do freeze the dough to help it stay put. Pre-baking the pie crust is only required when making a custard pie OR when making a fresh fruit pie. you should probably get: Pie weights are super helpful to have for pre-baking.

Can apple pie sit out on the counter overnight? ›

How long can I leave apple pie unrefrigerated? According to the USDA, fruit pies in an airtight container can stay unrefrigerated at room temperature for up to two days. When refrigerated, apple pie can remain for up to one week.

What apples not to use for pie? ›

For more on all these apples, including what they look and taste like, see our baking apple guide below. There are a few apples that don't make the cut. While great for snacking, Gala, Fuji and Red Delicious are the most common apples that won't hold up in the oven and will give you a watery-mushy pie, tart or cake.

What is the best thickener for apple pie filling? ›

Very often flour or cornstarch is used, but in certain instances tapioca, arrowroot and potato starch can also help achieve the desired consistency. Tapioca starch is preferable for products that will be frozen because it will not break down when thawed.

How do you make the bottom crust of an apple pie not soggy? ›

Sprinkle dried breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes, or other types of cereal, on the bottom crust before filling and baking in the oven.

Should apple pie be refrigerated after baking? ›

A basic apple pie made with sugar will last up to two days at room temperature in an airtight container. Afterward, it needs to go in the refrigerator and will last for up to two days. Apple pie made with a sugar substitute or without sugar will last up to two days in the fridge.

Can you prepare a pie the night before? ›

You can bake a fruit-based pie a few days in advance as long as it's stored properly. Loosely cover: After baking and cooling your pie, loosely cover it with aluminum foil. Store: store for at room temperature for up to two days, or up to seven days in the fridge according to USDA guidelines.

Can I make pie the day before Thanksgiving? ›

You can prepare and bake the pie up to two days in advance, and it will still taste great on the big day. Just make sure you store the pie in the refrigerator—not on the kitchen counter—until you are ready to serve it.

What are the best apples to use for apple pie or apple crisp? ›

What Makes A Good Apple For Apple Crisp? The best apples for baking keep their structure under heat, which prevents the chunks of fruit from turning into mush after baking. The firm and crisp Granny Smith and Honeycrisp varieties are popular apples to use in apple pies and apple crisps.

What are the top 5 apples for baking? ›

For the best pies, crisps, and other baked treats, apples need to be firm enough to hold their own during the cooking process. We call these apples “baking apples” and to namedrop, they include Braeburn, Cortland, Honey Gold, Jonathan, Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, Haralson, and Newtown Pippin.

What are the best apples for applesauce and apple pie? ›

The following apples are great choices for your next batch of homemade applesauce.
  • Cortland.
  • Golden Delicious.
  • Gala.
  • McIntosh.
  • Granny Smith.
Nov 18, 2022

What are the best apples for pies and turnovers? ›

Apple turnover cinnamon filling

Apples – Granny Smith apples are my favourite apple option. Good balance of tartness with sweet, and they hold their shape. Most red apple varieties will break down more so you end up with a compote inside (which makes base soggy), and are sweeter.

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