Simple Apple Pie Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a cozy winter dessert that delivers total comfort food vibes with barely any effort, this simple apple pie recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s the kind of homemade apple pie that fills your kitchen with warm cinnamon smells and makes you feel like you’ve just stepped into the coziest cabin ever. The filling is soft, juicy, and gently sweet, the pastry bakes up beautifully golden, and every slice feels like a little edible hug.
Apple pie has been loved for generations, mostly because it never tries to be anything other than pure comfort. This version leans into that exact feeling, but makes everything super approachable by using ready-rolled shortcrust pastry. You get the nostalgia of an old-fashioned recipe with the breeziness of an easy apple pie that takes way less fuss than the big bakery-style ones. The layered apple filling gives you the perfect mix of saucy and tender, which makes this one of those comfort recipes you’ll want to make all winter long.
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WHY THIS SIMPLE APPLE PIE RECIPE WORKS
Shortcrust pastry: Using pre-rolled dough keeps this feeling like a true homemade apple pie without all the stress. It turns flaky, soft, and golden while supporting the filling beautifully.
Granny Smith apples: Their tartness balances the sweetness and they keep their shape, making them ideal for a winter dessert where you want texture, not apple mush.
Sugar: Just a small amount so the pie stays bright and not overly sweet. It lets the apples shine.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and coziness, which is exactly what you want in comfort recipes like this.
Chunky apple sauce: Cooking and mashing some apples creates a saucy layer that prevents dryness and gives the filling a perfect consistency.
Step 1: Create some apple sauce
Peel all eight apples, taking a moment to enjoy that fresh apple smell because it already feels like comfort food. Dice three of the apples into tiny pieces and pop them into a small saucepan with a splash of water. Add half the sugar and the cinnamon, then let everything cook gently over low heat. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks. After a few minutes, the apples will soften and collapse. Mash them lightly until you’ve got a thick, chunky apple sauce that smells exactly like a winter dessert should.
Step 2: Create the Crust
Slice the remaining apples into thin wedges and set them aside. Grab your shortcrust pastry and gently place it into your pie dish, easing it into the edges so it sits snug and smooth. Trim the excess, keeping in mind to save at least half for the lattice topping. No need to pre-bake anything here; this really is an easy apple pie from start to finish.
Step 3: Fill the pie
Start assembling the filling by laying half the apple slices into the base of the pie. Overlap them just slightly so they bake evenly. Pour the warm chunky apple sauce on top, spreading it gently so every slice gets coated. Add the remaining apple slices over the sauce, creating a second, neat layer and sprinkle a pinch or two of both the sugar and the cinnamon, you can add as much or as little as you enjoy. This two-part filling method is exactly why this simple apple pie recipe works so well. You get juiciness without sogginess and structure without dryness.
Step 4: Create the apple pie top
Roll out the remaining pastry and slice it into long strips. Lay half across the pie in one direction, then weave the others through to make a cute, rustic lattice. It doesn’t need to look perfect; homemade apple pie always looks better when it’s a bit imperfect. Pop the pie into a 375 degree oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top turns golden and you can see gentle bubbling underneath the lattice.
Apple Pie FAQ
How do I know the pie is done?
Look for golden pastry and bubbling juices around the edges.
Can I use different apples?
Yes, but choose firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady so the pie stays structured.
Do I need to blind bake the crust?
Nope. This recipe is meant to be easy and the crust bakes perfectly without any extra steps.
Can I add more spices?
Totally. Nutmeg, clove, or allspice make it even more of a winter dessert.
Can I make the pie ahead?
You can prep the filling a day before, then assemble and bake when you’re ready.
Is this pie good cold?
Absolutely. It firms up beautifully overnight and tastes even more classic the next day.
What’s the best way to serve it?
Warm with vanilla ice cream if you want peak comfort food energy.
Apple Pie Variations:
Caramel apple pie: Drizzle caramel over the filling before adding the lattice.
Crumble topping: Swap the lattice for a buttery crumble for a more rustic winter dessert.
Maple version: Use maple syrup instead of sugar for deeper sweetness.
Mixed apples: Use multiple varieties for a more complex flavor.
Extra-spiced version: Add nutmeg, ginger, and allspice for a full-on cozy comfort recipe.
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Simple Apple Pie
Ingredients
- 14 oz pre-rolled shortcrust pastry
- 8 Granny Smith apples
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Splash of water
Instructions
- Peel all the apples. Dice three and cook them with a splash of water, half the sugar, and a decent pinch of the cinnamon until soft. Mash gently to create a warm, chunky apple sauce.
- Thinly slice the remaining apples. Line your pie dish with half the pastry, pressing it gently into the edges so it fits snugly.
- Layer half the sliced apples in the dish, spread the chunky sauce over them, then add the remaining apple slices in an even layer. If desired, sprinkle extra sugar and cinnamon on top.
- Cut the leftover pastry into long strips and weave them across the top to form a simple lattice. Trim and tidy the edges if needed.
- Bake the pie at 375F for 40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the filling is bubbling.
