🛒 What You’ll Need: Pantry Staples, Maximum Joy

Grab these cozy ingredients—you probably already have most:

For the Crust:

3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1 cup (2 sticks / 225g) cold unsalted butter, cubed

½ cup (120ml) ice water (plus more if needed)

👉 Or use 2 store-bought pie crusts to save time!

For the Filling:

6 cups (about 6 medium) peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples

→ Use Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn for best texture

¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar

¼ cup (50g) brown sugar

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

1½ tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp nutmeg (optional but delicious!)

1 tsp lemon juice (keeps apples bright and adds zing)

1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Finish (Optional):

Egg wash: 1 egg + 1 tbsp water (for golden shine)

Coarse sugar (for sparkle!)

Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (because yes)

That’s it.

No corn syrup.

No gelatin.

Just real food, baked into brilliance.

💡 Pro tip: Toss apples in lemon juice right after slicing to prevent browning.

🔥 How to Make It: Step-by-Step, Slice-by-Slice

Let’s cook this like we’re making edible sunshine—one golden square at a time.

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Grease a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a food processor or bowl:

Mix flour and salt.

Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Gradually add ice water, 1 tbsp at a time, until dough comes together.

Divide in half—1 slightly larger than the other.

👉 Wrap and chill 15 mins (optional, but helps with handling).

Step 3: Roll & Line

On a floured surface, roll the larger half into a rectangle ~12x17 inches.

Carefully transfer to prepared pan, pressing gently into corners.

Trim excess or fold over edges for a rustic look.

Step 4: Make the Filling

In a large bowl:

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Toss apples, sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla until evenly coated.

👉 Let sit 10 mins—this draws out juices and enhances flavor.

Step 5: Fill & Top

Spread apple mixture evenly over bottom crust.

Roll out the second dough piece to match size.

Place over filling. Crimp edges with a fork or pinch to seal.

Cut 4–5 slits in the top to vent steam.

Step 6: Glaze & Bake

Brush top with egg wash (optional).

Sprinkle with coarse sugar (highly recommended!).

Bake 35–45 minutes, until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling.

👉 Tent with foil halfway through if browning too fast.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Let cool at least 30 minutes—this sets the filling.

Cut into rectangles or squares with a sharp knife.

Serve warm—with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Because life is short. And apple pie is eternal.

Bonus: Leftovers keep beautifully for 3–4 days covered at room temp—or freeze for 3 months!

💡 Pro Tips for Next-Level Success

Tip

Why It Works

✅ Use cold butter

Creates flakier crust

✅ Don’t skip chilling

Easier to roll, less shrinkage

✅ Drain excess juice before baking? No—juices thicken as it bakes

✅ Make ahead: Assemble unbaked; refrigerate overnight

Bake fresh when ready

✅ Freeze it: Cool completely, wrap tightly, freeze

Thaw and reheat at 325°F

🍽️ When to Serve These Golden Gems

🍂 Fall harvest dinners

🦃 Thanksgiving (a must-have alternative to pumpkin!)

🎉 Church potlucks and bake sales

🫶 To someone who says, “I don’t eat pie” —watch them ask for seconds

Because once they taste that cinnamon-apple, flaky-crusted magic?

They’ll be converted.

❤️ Final Thought: Great Food Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

You don’t need 17 ingredients or a culinary degree to make something magical.

Sometimes, all it takes is:

A few crisp apples

A stick of butter

And the courage to say: “Today, I’m baking joy.”

And when your partner says, “Did you get this from a bakery?”

Or your kid hugs you after the first bite…

You’ll know:

You didn’t just make pie.

You made love.