Perfect Apple Pie Recipe With Flaky Crust – A Timeless Classic

There’s something impossibly cozy about a warm apple pie straight from the oven — the way the kitchen fills with cinnamon-scented steam, the golden, flaky crust that cracks just so when you slice it, and the sweet-tart apple filling that tastes like home. This recipe teaches you how to make a reliably tender, ultra-flaky crust and a spiced apple filling that holds its shape but melts on the tongue. It’s approachable for confident beginners and satisfying for seasoned bakers who want a fail-proof classic.

Perfect Apple Pie Recipe With Flaky Crust – A Timeless Classic

We’ll walk through a buttery, flaky double-crust method (no-fuss lattice optional), tips for keeping the crust tender, how to choose and prep the best apples, and a few small tricks — like chilling times and a quick egg-wash — that make your pie look bakery-perfect. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a weekend treat, or for that perfect Pinterest photo, this recipe balances flavor and visual charm.

1- Classic Flaky-Crust Apple Pie

This classic flaky-crust apple pie is the foundation of every great pie baker’s repertoire. With perfectly spiced apples and a buttery crust that bakes up golden and crisp, this recipe proves that timeless flavors never go out of style. It’s simple enough for weeknight baking but impressive enough to serve on holidays or family gatherings.

Complete Recipe

Ingredients
For the crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 6–8 tbsp ice water

For the apple filling:

• 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp mix)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For finishing:

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the crust: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour until pea-sized crumbs form. Add ice water 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together. Divide into two disks, wrap, and chill for 1 hour.

2. Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, combine sliced apples with both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla. Toss gently and set aside.

3. Assemble the pie: Roll out the first dough disk and place it into a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with the apple mixture. Dot the top with a few small butter pieces (optional).

4. Top crust: Roll out the second dough disk and place it on top or create a lattice. Trim and crimp edges.

5. Finish: Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.

6. Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Bake for 20 minutes, then reduce to 350°F (177°C) and bake another 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbling.

7. Cool: Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to help the filling set.

2- Deep-Dish Cinnamon Apple Pie

If you love extra apple filling and thick, juicy slices packed with warm spice, this Deep-Dish Cinnamon Apple Pie is your perfect match. Baked in a tall dish, it holds more fruit, more cinnamon, and more cozy comfort in every bite. The crust stays flaky, while the filling becomes beautifully tender without turning mushy.

Complete Recipe

Ingredients
For the crust:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 8–10 tbsp ice water

For the filling:

• 7–8 cups sliced apples (mix of Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Granny Smith)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp allspice
• ¼ tsp cloves (optional)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 4 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for drizzling)

For finishing:

• 1 egg (egg wash)
• Coarse sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare crust: Mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add ice water until dough forms. Divide into two larger disks and chill 1 hour.
2. Make the filling: Combine apple slices with sugars, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla, and melted butter. Toss evenly.
3. Assemble: Line a deep-dish pie plate with rolled-out crust. Add filling, pressing gently to pack the apples.
4. Top crust: Add the second rolled-out crust or a thick lattice. Seal and crimp edges.
5. Finish: Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
6. Bake: Start at 425°F (218°C) for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°F (177°C) and bake 50–60 minutes until golden and bubbling.
7. Cool: Let cool for at least 2–3 hours for a clean slice.

3- Caramel Apple Pie With Buttery Crust

This Caramel Apple Pie takes the classic version to the next level with a rich, homemade caramel sauce folded right into the filling. Every slice delivers soft, spiced apples coated in silky caramel, all wrapped in a tender, buttery crust. It’s decadent, gooey, and absolutely irresistible — perfect for fall gatherings or dessert lovers who want a little extra indulgence.

Complete Recipe

Ingredients
For the crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 6–8 tbsp ice water

For the caramel sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ tsp salt

For the apple filling:

• 6 cups sliced apples (Honeycrisp + Granny Smith)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup homemade caramel (from above)

For finishing:

• Egg wash
• Coarse sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the crust: Combine dry ingredients, cut in cold butter, and add ice water until dough forms. Chill for 1 hour.
2. Make the caramel: Heat sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until melted and amber. Add butter and whisk. Slowly pour in heavy cream and whisk until smooth. Add salt, cool slightly.
3. Prepare filling: Toss sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla, and cooled caramel.
4. Assemble: Line pie dish with rolled crust, add caramel apple filling.
5. Top crust: Add second crust or lattice. Seal and crimp.
6. Finish: Brush with egg wash, sprinkle sugar.
7. Bake: Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 20 minutes, then 350°F (177°C) for 35–40 minutes. Filling should bubble and crust should be golden.
8. Cool: Rest at least 2 hours for caramel to set.

4- Dutch Apple Pie With Crumb Topping

Dutch Apple Pie is the perfect choice if you love a buttery, crunchy streusel topping instead of a traditional top crust. This version combines tender spiced apples with a golden crumble made of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon — creating a pie that’s crisp on top, juicy inside, and beautifully comforting. It’s easier to assemble than a double crust and always a crowd-pleaser.

Complete Recipe

Ingredients
For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 4–5 tbsp ice water

For the apple filling:

• 5–6 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the crumb topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Make crust: Combine dry ingredients, cut in butter, add ice water until dough comes together. Press into a disk and chill 30–60 minutes.

2. Make filling: Toss sliced apples with sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla.

3. Make crumb topping: Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly.

4. Assemble: Roll out crust and place in a pie dish. Add apple filling, then sprinkle crumb topping generously over the apples.

5. Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45–55 minutes until topping is golden and filling is bubbling. If needed, cover edges with foil.

6. Cool: Let cool at least 1 hour before slicing.

5.Salted Caramel Crumble Apple Pie

For a sweet–salty twist that instantly elevates traditional apple pie, this Salted Caramel Crumble Apple Pie delivers gooey caramel filling beneath a buttery, golden streusel. It’s rich, decadent, and full of texture — tender apples, thick caramel, and a crisp crumble that adds the perfect crunch. This recipe is ideal for dessert lovers who want a bakery-style twist without complicated steps.

Complete Recipe

Ingredients
For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 4–5 tbsp ice water

For the filling:

• 5–6 cups sliced apples
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

For the crumble:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of sea salt

For finishing:

• Extra salted caramel for drizzling

Instructions

1. Make crust: Combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter, add ice water until dough forms. Chill 30–60 minutes.
2. Prepare filling: Toss apples with sugars, cinnamon, lemon juice, cornstarch, and salted caramel.
3. Make crumble: Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter until coarse crumbs form.
4. Assemble: Roll out crust into a pie dish. Add apple filling. Top generously with crumble.
5. Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45–55 minutes until golden and bubbly.
6. Finish: Drizzle warm salted caramel over the top before serving.
7. Cool: Rest 1 hour before slicing for perfect structure.

6- Maple Apple Pie With Flaky Butter Crust

Maple syrup brings a warm, deep sweetness to this apple pie, creating a cozy autumn flavor that’s richer than traditional sugar-based fillings. The apples simmer down into a glossy, lightly caramelized mixture, while the buttery crust stays crisp and flaky. This recipe is especially perfect for fall holidays, brunch tables, or anyone who loves natural, refined sweetness.

Complete Recipe

Ingredients
For the crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 6–8 tbsp ice water

For the filling:

• 6 cups sliced apples
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For finishing:

• Egg wash
• Maple drizzle (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare crust: Mix flour, sugar, and salt; cut in butter; add ice water until dough comes together. Chill 1 hour.

2. Prepare filling: Toss apples with maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla.

3. Assemble: Roll out bottom crust and place in pie dish. Add maple apple filling.

4. Top crust: Place second crust or create a lattice. Crimp edges.

5. Finish: Brush with egg wash and optionally drizzle a thin line of maple across the top.

6. Bake: Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 20 minutes, reduce to 350°F (177°C), and continue baking for 35–40 minutes until golden.

7. Cool: Allow to cool at least 2 hours for the filling to set.

7- Honey Apple Pie With Warm Spices

This Honey Apple Pie is naturally sweetened with rich, floral honey, creating a comforting and aromatic flavor profile. The honey caramelizes as the pie bakes, coating the apples in a glossy, lightly sticky sweetness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. It’s a wholesome twist on the classic pie — perfect for tea-time, brunch, or anyone who loves desserts with natural sweetness and warm spices.

Complete Recipe

Ingredients
For the crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 6–8 tbsp ice water

For the filling:

• 6 cups apples, sliced
• ½ cup honey
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For finishing:

• Egg wash
• Light honey drizzle (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare crust: Combine flour, sugar, and salt; cut in cold butter; add ice water until dough forms. Chill 1 hour.
2. Make filling: Mix apples with honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla until evenly coated.
3. Assemble: Roll out bottom crust and place in the pie dish. Pour in the honey apple filling.
4. Top crust: Add second crust or create a honeycomb-style lattice for extra charm.
5. Finish: Brush with egg wash; drizzle a touch of honey over the top if desired.
6. Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45–55 minutes until golden and bubbling.
7. Cool: Cool at least 1–2 hours to let the honey filling thicken.

8- Brown Butter Apple Pie With Nutty Aroma

Brown butter adds a deep, nutty richness to this apple pie that sets it apart from the classic version. As the butter browns, it develops toasty caramel notes that blend beautifully with cinnamon, apples, and a flaky golden crust. The result is a fragrant, gourmet-style pie that tastes like it came from an artisan bakery — yet it’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home.

Complete Recipe

Ingredients
For the crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 6–8 tbsp ice water

For the filling:

• 6 cups sliced apples
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 6 tbsp browned butter (cooled slightly)

For finishing:

• Egg wash
• Sugar sprinkle (optional)

Instructions

1. Make crust: Combine dry ingredients, cut in butter, add ice water until dough forms. Chill 1 hour.
2. Brown the butter: Melt butter over medium heat until it smells nutty and turns golden brown. Let cool slightly.
3. Prepare filling: Toss apples with sugars, spices, lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla, and browned butter.
4. Assemble: Roll out crust and place in pie dish. Add filling.
5. Top crust: Add second crust or lattice and crimp edges.
6. Finish: Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
7. Bake: Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 20 minutes, then 350°F (177°C) for 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbling.
8. Cool: Allow to cool for at least 2 hours for flavors to deepen.

9- Apple Pie With Cheddar Cheese Crust

This unique twist on classic apple pie combines sweet, spiced apples with a savory, sharp cheddar cheese crust. The buttery crust has grated cheddar mixed right into the dough, giving the pie a beautifully golden color and a subtle cheesy aroma. Slightly sweet, slightly savory, and incredibly comforting — this old-fashioned combination is beloved by pie enthusiasts who enjoy bold, balanced flavors.

Complete Recipe

Ingredients
For the cheddar crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 6–8 tbsp ice water

For the filling:

• 6 cups sliced apples
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For finishing:

• Egg wash
• Optional: Extra cheddar shreds for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Make cheddar crust: Combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add butter and cut in until crumbly. Mix in cheddar cheese. Add ice water until dough forms. Chill 1 hour.
2. Prepare filling: Toss sliced apples with sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla.
3. Assemble: Roll out cheddar crust and place into pie dish. Add apple filling.
4. Top crust: Add second cheddar crust or lattice, crimp edges.
5. Finish: Brush with egg wash; optionally sprinkle a small amount of cheddar on top for extra golden color.
6. Bake: Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 20 minutes, then at 350°F (177°C) for 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbling.
7. Cool: Cool at least 2 hours before slicing for clean pieces.

10- Rustic Skillet Apple Pie (Cast Iron Pie)

A Rustic Skillet Apple Pie brings all the charm of traditional country baking into your kitchen. Baked in a cast iron skillet, this version develops an extra-crispy bottom crust, beautifully caramelized edges, and a warm, deep apple flavor. It’s hearty, homey, and visually stunning — the kind of dessert that looks effortlessly impressive on any table.

Complete Recipe

Ingredients
For the crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 6–8 tbsp ice water

For the filling:

• 6 cups sliced apples
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp butter (to melt in the skillet)

For finishing:

• Egg wash
• Sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Make crust: Combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add ice water until dough forms. Chill 1 hour.

2. Prepare filling: Mix apples with sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla.

3. Preheat skillet: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Let it slightly caramelize (1–2 minutes).

4. Assemble: Roll out crust and gently press into the warm skillet. Add apple filling.

5. Top crust: Add second crust or create a rustic, torn-edge lattice.

6. Finish: Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.

7. Bake: Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 20 minutes, then at 350°F (177°C) for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbling.

8. Cool: Allow to cool at least 1–2 hours before slicing.

Final Thoughts

Apple pie is more than just a dessert — it’s a warm, nostalgic experience that brings comfort, celebration, and flavor to any table. Whether you prefer a classic double-crust version, a crumb-topped Dutch pie, or a gourmet twist like brown butter or cheddar crust, each variation offers its own unique charm. These ten apple pie recipes give you a delicious range of styles, from simple and cozy to indulgent and bakery-worthy.

With flaky crusts, perfectly spiced fillings, and plenty of opportunities to get creative, apple pie will always remain a timeless classic. Bake one for a holiday, a gathering, or simply to make your home smell incredible — because nothing says “welcome” quite like a warm apple pie fresh from the oven.