A year round favorite, this classic apple pie boasts of sweet bourbon spiced apples that are baked into a flaky pie crust.
Unpopular opinion here but I don't like soft, mushy pies. It seems around the web this isn't a very common opinion. But I love the contrast of a flaky crust and crisp, slightly softened apple slices. I'm all about texture.
Today's apple pie stays true to its intended form. The filling is strictly apples- no raisins, no nuts. Not that there's anything wrong with some mix-ins but I wanted to keep it simple.
My next opinion on apple pie is that it should always have a splash of bourbon and vanilla. Not one or the other- both. The flavors fuse so well together and give the filling a grown-up feel that everyone can enjoy.
There also seems to be a debate about which apples work best. Growing up I always remember being told that Granny Smith were the proper apple to bake with since the tartness of the apple pleasantly contrasts the sweetness of the filling. I disagree completely. They don't contrast well. You just get a bite of sour apples that taste like you really tried to sweeten them up with a lot of sugar. Some people enjoy that taste, I don't. Disclaimer: I have a serious sweet tooth.
I always opt for Honey Crisp apples because they are what I usually have on hand. They are crisp as the name suggests and delightfully sweet making them perfect for snacking which is the main reason I keep a large bowl of apples on my table. I digress. If you insist on having a little contrast to the sweetness, I suggest Pink Lady apples which offers a nice balance of sweet and tart.
Let's talk crust next.
I wanted some texture to my crust and found the key to it was mixing flours. Today's recipe calls for AP flour and almond flour. It offers the crust more of a cookie-like texture. Speaking of which, if you have any leftover dough scraps afterwards, pie crust cookies make a delicious snack to have on hand. 😉
Finally, toppings.
Ice cream is of course a classic as is whipped cream which is my usual go-to. Recently however, I've discovered two additional toppings that suit this recipe so well- custard or caramel sauce.
In today's photos, I opted to drizzle the homemade caramel sauce I had made over the weekend for a separate recipe.
On the second night of indulging in pie, I had homemade custard leftover and decided since I didn't have cream, I'd sub it. It was quite a French experience and reminded me of Crème fraîche with it's thick and creamy consistency. Why hadn't I thought of this before?
So there you have it, a few serving suggestions to up your apple pie game.
More Apple Recipes to Love
Upside Down Apple Pie - We’re revisiting a vintage classic today with this Upside Down Apple Pie with a caramelized walnut topping baked over a golden, flakey crust and sweet apples in the middle.
Apple Rhubarb Pie - This pie is sweet and tart, but add a flaky crust and some fresh cream for something blissfully delightful. Summer isn’t over yet! Savor the season’s finest flavors in this fabulous pie.
Viennese Apple Strudel - Thin, flaky layers of filo dough are baked with apple slices, warm spices and nuts between each fold to create this beautiful, golden Viennese Apple Strudel.
Summer Apple Cake - This 'cake' boasts of a sweet, aromatic filling wrapped in a soft, shortbread-like crust. It’s a pure delight for the warmer evenings when served with a scoop of fresh cream.
Classic Apple Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 apple pie 1x
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cup AP flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons shortening
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2-3 tablespoons ice water
- 1 egg, beaten for brushing
- Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling
For the Filling:
- 5-6 Pink Lady apples- peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoons bourbon or rum
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
For the Crust:
- In the bowl of a food processor, combine flours, sugar, salt, butter, and shortening. Pulse until the mixture resembles a sandy consistency. Add 2-3 tablespoons of ice water and pulse until a soft, pliable dough forms. If you need to add more water, add one tablespoon at a time, pulsing between each addition.
- Turn the dough out onto a slightly floured surface, and shape into a disk and wrap in clingfilm. Refrigerate for about an hour until ready to use.
For the Filling:
- In a large bowl, toss together apples, sugar, lemon juice, bourbon, vanilla, and spices. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk water and cornstarch together until smooth and milky. Set aside.
- In a large fry pan over medium heat, melt a pat of butter and sauté the apples until slightly softened. Once the juice begins to simmer, add the cornstarch mixture and toss the apples until completely thickened. Set aside.
Building & Baking:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- On a floured surface, divide the chilled dough and roll out one half to 1/4-inch thick circle. Fit to a 9-inch cake dish. Trim the edges and blind bake the crust for about 12-15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, and while the crust is still hot, brush with the beaten egg wash. This will help keep the crust from getting soggy from the fruit filling. Leave the crust to cool completely before adding the apple filling.
- In the meantime, roll out the remaining dough for the lattice topping.
- Fill the crust with prepared apple filling. Arrange the lattice topping and press gently to the edge of the crust. Brush with the egg wash and sprinkle with Turbinado sugar. Bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the temperature of your oven. Once the filling begins to bubble and the crust is golden, your pie is done.
- Remove and let cool completely before serving. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
**Photographed with the Emerging Green 12-Piece Bamboo Flatware Set. Shop our Amazon Store for more decor and home good products we love!
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DAVID J MYERS says
Catherine, Now I'm really craving a nice slice...or two...of apple pie! Love honey crisp apples and the idea of bourbon and vanilla added in and AP flour blended with almond flour...wow! I'd try my first slice straight up...the second with quality vanilla bean ice cream or gelato. The next day, I'd give the homemade caramel sauce a go... Apple rhubarb pie is another favorite! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
Alison says
This apple pie is the best ever! The added bourbon gives it that bit of edge that brings out the flavors of the sweet apples!
Rachel says
You had me at flaky, crisp crust. Yum! I want to eat the whole pan!
Mairead says
The lattice pastry crust for this pie looks amazing. I love the idea of adding a little bourbon to the filling for extra depth of flavor.
Roxana says
I can tell this is going to be one spectacular apple pie. Not the usual recipe. I like the addition of almond flour and the interesting flavors in the filling.
Heather says
I'm drooling. This looks so good. I can't wait to make it.
Yeah Lifestyle says
Such a delicious and classic recipe! We don't get Honey Crisp here so I will try with the Pink Lady version. I know my whole family will enjoy this
Kitchen Mosaic Backsplash says
That apple pie looks out of this world! I would love to make your recipe, can't wait!
Rhian Westbury says
I've never made a fruit pie of any sort, it's not something I've grown up with or had a lot of, but apple is my fav fruit so this sounds yummy x
Michelle says
Your pie is gorgeous. And homemade apple pie filling is a must! So much better that way!
Eloise says
Holy yum yum I want some ; )
That classic apple pie looks amazing. I'll have to try this recipe next weekend, thanks!
Marysa says
It is already apple picking season here, and I can't wait to make some pies! Your recipe sounds delicious.
Everything Enchanting says
I love apple pie ❤️ I have never made it in my kitchen, though! Your recipes are always easy to follow so I can now give it a try 🙂
Edyineth Melgarejo says
Wow this looks absolutely delicious! I'll be making this recipe this fall! Thank you!
Jupiter Hadley says
I love juicy apple pies! They are so delicious.
Tina Basu says
OMG this looks so good and tempting! Loved the photos and the classic recipe. A pie always make you happy!