Warm, buttery, and bursting with cinnamon-spiced apples, this flaky apple pie is everything you dream about when autumn hits—or frankly, any time you crave something nostalgic and homey. With its golden, crisp crust and juicy filling, each bite melts in your mouth and takes you back to simpler times. Whether served alone or with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, this pie is destined to become a family classic.

What sets this apple pie apart is the attention to texture. The crust is impossibly flaky thanks to a tried-and-true dough technique, while the filling layers are packed high with tender apple slices, softly caramelized and kissed with warm spices. It’s the kind of pie that makes the kitchen smell like a holiday morning and brings people to the table before the timer dings.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the baking, assembling your tools will make the process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

9-inch Pie Plate: A standard glass or ceramic pie dish ensures even heat distribution, helping the bottom crust crisp up just right.
Mixing Bowls: Multiple sizes help organize your dry and wet ingredients separately.
Rolling Pin: Crucial for rolling the pie dough evenly to ensure a uniform crust thickness.

Pastry Blender or Food Processor: Helps cut butter into the flour quickly without warming it, which is essential for flakiness.
Apple Peeler/Corer/Slicer: Speeds up prep time and ensures uniform apple slices for consistent baking.
Pastry Brush: Perfect for egg wash to get that golden, glossy crust.

Pie Shield or Aluminum Foil: Prevents the crust edges from over-browning during baking.

Having the right tools ensures that your crust bakes evenly, your filling cooks thoroughly, and your pie turns out bakery-beautiful every time.

Ingredients for the Flaky Apple Pie

Each ingredient in this flaky apple pie plays a key role in creating that signature balance of crusty, gooey, and fragrant.

All-Purpose Flour: The base for the pie crust, providing structure and a tender bite.
Unsalted Butter: Cold and cubed; essential for that irresistibly flaky crust and buttery flavor.
Ice Water: Keeps the dough cool, ensuring the butter stays solid before baking.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the crust.
Granny Smith Apples: Tart, firm apples that hold their shape beautifully when baked.
Brown Sugar: Adds rich sweetness and a hint of molasses depth to the filling.

Granulated Sugar: Balances the tartness of the apples.
Ground Cinnamon: Brings warmth and that classic apple pie aroma.
Nutmeg: Adds a subtle spice complexity.

Cornstarch: Thickens the filling to prevent a runny pie.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavor and prevents the apples from browning.
Egg: For the egg wash to give the crust its golden sheen.

Milk or Cream: Mixed with the egg for a smooth, glossy finish.

How To Make the Flaky Apple Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough comes together. Divide into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least one hour.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. In a large bowl, toss them with lemon juice, both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Let sit for 10–15 minutes so the juices can blend and thicken.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a circle large enough to fit your pie plate. Gently place it into the dish, trimming any overhang.

Step 4: Fill and Top

Spoon the apple mixture into the crust, mounding slightly in the center. Dot with a few pieces of butter if desired. Roll out the second disk of dough and place over the filling. Trim, seal, and crimp the edges. Cut slits or a decorative pattern on top to allow steam to escape.

Step 5: Apply Egg Wash

Whisk together the egg and milk (or cream). Brush the top crust evenly for that beautiful golden color.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the pie on the middle rack for 45–55 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. Use a pie shield or foil if the edges brown too quickly.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the filling set properly.

How to Serve and Store Flaky Apple Pie

Flaky apple pie is at its best when served warm, ideally within a few hours of baking. It pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a cozy touch, warm individual slices in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

To store leftovers, allow the pie to cool completely, then cover with foil or plastic wrap. Keep it at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to re-crisp the crust. For longer storage, wrap the pie tightly and freeze for up to three months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the bottom crust from getting soggy?

Blind baking the bottom crust for a few minutes before adding the filling can help, or place a baking sheet on the lowest rack to preheat and set the crust quickly.

What are the best apples for apple pie?

Granny Smiths are a go-to for their tartness and firmness, but Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or a mix can add great flavor depth.

Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?

Absolutely! Pie dough can be made up to 3 days ahead and kept chilled. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, though you can leave the skins on for a more rustic feel.

How can I make the pie more flavorful?

Try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the filling.

Why is my crust not flaky?

Flakiness depends on cold butter and minimal handling. If the dough gets too warm or overworked, it loses that airy texture.

Want More Pie Ideas with a Twist?

If this flaky apple pie has you in a cozy baking mood, here are a few more pies you’ll love from the Life With Olivia recipe box:

Apple Enchiladas: A Sweet and Comforting Treat

Heavenly Raspberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

And for more sweet inspiration, follow my daily baking adventures on Pinterest: Life With Olivia Pinterest

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for a lattice top or a solid crust? Maybe added a splash of vanilla or swapped apples? I love seeing how everyone makes it their own.

Have a question or a fun pie tip to share? Drop it below — baking is better together!

Flaky Apple Pie

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 8 slices
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This flaky apple pie delivers a perfect balance of buttery crust and tender, cinnamon-sweet apple filling. Whether for holidays or cozy weekends, it’s the ultimate comfort dessert that’s sure to impress.

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in cold butter with a pastry blender until crumbly. Gradually add ice water until dough forms. Divide in two, wrap each half in plastic, and chill for 1 hour.

2. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine sliced apples with lemon juice, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Let sit 10–15 minutes.

3. Roll out one dough disk and fit into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim edges.

4. Pour in the apple filling and spread evenly. Dot with butter if desired.

5. Roll out the second dough disk and lay it over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges. Cut vents or a decorative pattern into the top.

6. Whisk together egg and milk, then brush over the top crust.

7. Bake in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 45–55 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Cover edges with foil if they brown too fast.

8. Cool at least 2 hours before slicing for clean cuts.