Easy Deep-Dish Apple Pie Recipe

If you’re anything like me, Thanksgiving isn’t complete without a homemade apple pie. Keep reading to discover how to make the ultimate easy deep-dish apple pie that’s sure to impress.

Perfectly easy baked deep-dish apple pie with a golden crust, with one slice served on a plate beside it.

Type of Cuisine:

American

Prep Time: 1 hour.

Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

How Many Servings?

8-10 servings

Tips, Tricks & Suggestions
Ingredients
Preparation
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Apple pie, easy to make and packed with flavor, is the perfect dessert for your Thanksgiving table. Let me take you back 20 years to when I ran my café—a cozy little spot where this deep-dish apple pie quickly became a customer favorite. The aroma of warm apples, fragrant cinnamon, and buttery crust would fill the air, drawing in everyone who passed by.

This recipe has been with me ever since, earning a permanent place on my Thanksgiving table. The flaky crust is a masterpiece, and the filling—packed with tender apples and warm spices—delivers comfort in every bite. The best part? Preparing the crust beforehand makes it stress-free on the big day. Whether hosting or bringing a dish to share, this easy apple pie is the ultimate grand finale to your Thanksgiving celebration. Trust me, it’s not just a dessert; it’s a tradition.

Simple Ingredients for Your Easy Apple Pie

Transition Description: “Now, let’s dive into the straightforward yet essential ingredients that make this easy apple pie a true delight. With just a handful of components, you’ll be well on your way to creating a masterpiece with everyone asking for seconds.

All-purpose flour provides a sturdy foundation for your flaky pie crust, ensuring it will withstand the delicious filling.
Unsalted butter is the key to a rich, buttery crust, melding perfectly with the flour for a melt-in-your-mouth pastry.
Ice water: Helps bind and keep the dough together, contributing to the crust’s perfect texture.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile, balancing the sweetness of the apple filling.
Large apples: The show’s star, these sweet and tart apples deliver that classic apple pie taste and tender texture.
Sugar and light brown sugar: Sweetens the apple filling and adds depth with caramel notes.
Lemon juice: Provides a refreshing zing that balances the sweetness and adds a touch of brightness.
Cinnamon and nutmeg: The dynamic duo of spices that infuse your filling with warm, comforting flavors.
Unsalted butter (again): Adds richness and a silky texture to the apple filling.
Egg wash: Gives your pie a beautiful golden sheen, making it as appealing as it is delicious.

What Makes a Deep-Dish Apple Pie Special?

A deep-dish apple pie is all about indulgence. Unlike standard pies, this version features a 10-11 inch diameter and a depth of about 2 inches, allowing for more gooey, spiced apple filling. It’s a decadent treat that takes your apple pie game to the next level!

Essential Tools for the Perfect Pie

The right tools make all the difference. A food processor helps you easily achieve a flaky, buttery crust, while a quality rolling pin ensures the dough is perfectly rolled out. These tools are your secret weapons for pie-making success.

Choosing the Best Apples

The secret to the best deep-dish apple pie lies in the apples. A mix of Crispin and Granny Smith apples provides the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. These varieties hold their shape beautifully during baking, ensuring every slice looks and tastes incredible.

Make-Ahead Tips for Easy Apple Pie

Thanksgiving prep can be hectic, but this deep-dish apple pie is here to help. Here’s how to get ahead:

Pie Dough: Make your crust up to a week in advance and store it in the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge the day before baking for a stress-free start.
Apple Filling: Prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature before assembling your pie to save time and enhance the flavors.

Essential Baking Tips for Apple Pie

Keep these four tips in mind for a perfect deep-dish apple pie:

More Apples, More Flavor: Deep-dish pies require extra filling—close to 6 pounds of apples—for a rich, flavorful result.
To prevent Sogginess, Toss sliced apples with sugar and lemon juice, let them sit for 10 minutes, and then drain excess liquid in a colander to avoid a soggy crust.
Cold Butter for Flakiness: Use cold butter to achieve a flaky crust. Keep it chilled until you’re ready to incorporate it into the dough, especially in a warm kitchen.
Handle Dough Gently: Roll out the dough carefully and efficiently to maintain its light, flaky texture.

How to Make Easy Deep-Dish Apple Pie Recipe

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Preparation

In a food processor, combine the flour and ½ teaspoon of salt with a quick pulse.
Add 1 cup of chilled, cubed butter and pulse for about 10 seconds, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add the ice water and pulse again until the dough begins to come together.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface, divide it into two portions, and shape each into a large disc.
Wrap each disc securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of one hour.

Mark as complete

In a large bowl, combine the apple slices, ½ cup of sugar, and lemon juice. Stir well to coat the apples evenly, then let them sit for 15 minutes to marinate.

Mark as complete

After 15 minutes, drain the apple mixture in a colander to remove any excess liquid. Return the drained apples to the bowl and mix in the light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon of salt until evenly coated.

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Preheat your oven to 425°F. Roll out one disc of chilled pie dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to an 11-inch diameter, 2-inch deep pie dish, gently pressing it into the edges to prevent shrinkage during baking.

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Spoon the prepared apple filling evenly into the pie crust. Dot the top of the filling with 1 tablespoon of small butter pieces for added richness.

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Roll out the second disc of chilled pie dough into a 12-inch circle and carefully lay it over the apple filling.

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Crimp or flute the edges to seal the pie, then cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the crust with egg wash and, if desired, sprinkle with coarse sugar for a golden, sparkling finish.

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Cover the edges of the pie with a crust shield or aluminum foil to prevent them from browning too quickly.

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Place the pie on a large baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven at 425°F for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 45–60 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.

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10.

Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set properly. Slice, serve, and enjoy your delicious deep-dish apple pie!

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Reviews

Easy Deep-Dish Apple Pie Recipe

Rana Madanat

November 12, 2022

Get ready to bake the ultimate deep-dish apple pie! This pie combines the perfect blend of sweet and tart apples with a flaky, buttery crust. Follow this easy recipe to make a Thanksgiving dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Type of Cuisine:

American

Prep Time: 1 hour.

Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

How Many Servings?

8-10 servings

Ingredients:

1X 2X 3X

Adjust Servings

	2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
	1 cup unsalted butter (cut into cubes and cold)
	½ cup ice water
	½ teaspoon salt
	1 egg washed (1 large egg beat with one tablespoon of milk)
	Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)

For the Apple Filling:

	10 large apples (cored, peeled, and sliced into ¼ inch slices. About 12 cups or 6 lb of apples)
	½ cup sugar
	½ cup light brown sugar
	Juice of one lemon
	2 teaspoons cinnamon
	¼ teaspoon nutmeg
	1 teaspoon salt
	1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Preparation

In a food processor, combine the flour and ½ teaspoon of salt with a quick pulse. Add 1 cup of chilled, cubed butter and pulse for about 10 seconds, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water and pulse again until the dough begins to come together. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface, divide it into two portions, and shape each into a large disc. Wrap each disc securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of one hour.

In a large bowl, combine the apple slices, ½ cup of sugar, and lemon juice. Stir well to coat the apples evenly, then let them sit for 15 minutes to marinate.

Spoon the prepared apple filling evenly into the pie crust. Dot the top of the filling with 1 tablespoon of small butter pieces for added richness.

Roll out the second disc of chilled pie dough into a 12-inch circle and carefully lay it over the apple filling.

Cover the edges of the pie with a crust shield or aluminum foil to prevent them from browning too quickly.

Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set properly. Slice, serve, and enjoy your delicious deep-dish apple pie!

Recipe Tips & Suggestions

Pie Shield or Foil:

To prevent the edges of your crust from burning while ensuring the middle gets fully cooked, consider using a pie shield or a strip of aluminum foil around the edge for the first half of the baking time.

Temperature Check:

An oven thermometer can ensure your oven is at the precise temperature required. Oven temperatures can often be inaccurate and this simple tool will help eliminate guesswork.

Taste Test:

Before committing to a large batch of filling, consider doing a small taste test by microwaving a spoonful of your apple mixture. This allows you to adjust sugar or spice levels before it's too late.

Egg Wash:

For that golden, shiny crust, don’t forget to apply an egg wash (one beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water) before baking.

Cooling Time:

Resist the urge to cut into your pie immediately. Letting it cool for at least 2-4 hours will allow the filling to set, making for cleaner, more picturesque slices.

Spice it Up:

A pinch of nutmeg or a sprinkle of allspice can add another layer of flavor to your apple filling. If you're feeling adventurous, a splash of bourbon or brandy could also add an unexpected twist.

Storage Smarts:

If by some miracle you have leftovers, storing the pie properly is key. Cover it lightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and it can be stored at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to four.

Make it A-la-mode:

Serving the pie with vanilla ice cream or homemade whipped cream takes it to the next level, offering a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.

Nutrition Information

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.

Easy Deep-Dish Apple Pie Recipe

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Simple Ingredients for Your Easy Apple Pie