A timeless apple pie with a buttery, flaky crust and warmly spiced apple filling. Beautifully finished with a lattice top and perfect for any celebration.
The crust: Make a homemade pie crust or prepare a storeo-bought pie crust. Be sure it's chilled before using.
Roll out the chilled pie dough: On a lightly floured work surface, roll out one chilled pie crust until it's 12 inches in diameter, turning the dough about a quarter turn every few rolls. Fit the dough into a 9 to 10-inch pie plate. I use a deep dish pie plate that's 1½-2-inches deep. Chill while making the filling.
Make the filling: In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg until combined.
Optional pre-cook: I don't always do this, but it deepens the flavors and gives the apples a head start toward softening while they bake. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
Filling the pie: Spoon the filling into the crust, mounding slightly in the center. If you precooked the apples, it's fine if they're still on the warm side.
Prepare the second crust: Roll it into a 12-inch diameter circle. Cut an even number of strips using a pizza cutter or pastry wheel. Arrange the strips in a woven lattice pattern, threading strips over and under one another on the top of the pie filling (see my lattice tutorial for more details). Use a small paring knife or kitchen shears to trim off excess dough. Fold the overhang back towards the center and crimp or flute the edges to seal.
Egg wash: Lightly brush the top of the pie crust with the egg wash, then sprinkle the top with coarse sugar, if using.
Bake: Bake at 400℉ for 25 minutes. I like to place a cookie sheet on the rack below to catch any juices. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for an additional 35-45 minutes, or until the pie is golden and the filling is bubbling through the vents. Use a pie crust shield or foil to prevent the edges from overbrowning. Cool at room temperature for about 2 hours before serving.
Notes
Make Ahead: Bake the pie up to 1 day in advance. Let it cool completely, then cover loosely with foil and store at room temperature.
Storage: Store leftovers at room temperature for 1 day, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Warm slices in a 300°F oven for best texture.
Freezing: Bake the pie, cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm before serving.
Crust Options: This pie works beautifully with my All-Butter Pie Crustor your favorite store-bought crust.
Preventing Soggy Bottoms: Start the pie on a preheated baking sheet, use evenly sliced apples, and bake until the filling is bubbling.
Doneness Cue: The filling should be bubbling and reach about 200°F in the center. Bubbling is the clearest sign the thickener has activated.
Browning Tip: If the crust begins to darken too quickly, tent with foil or use a pie shield during the final bake.