When you need a dessert that’s warm, comforting, crowd-pleasing, and incredibly simple to make, this Easy Apple Pie Dessert is the answer. It’s the kind of recipe that fills the house with the nostalgic smell of cinnamon and baked apples — the aroma that instantly makes everyone feel at home.
This pie has a tender, buttery crust and a juicy, perfectly spiced apple filling that comes together with almost no effort. Whether you’re feeding a big family, hosting a gathering, or contributing to a potluck, this apple pie is guaranteed to make everyone happy and leave zero leftovers.
2. Ingredients
This easy apple pie uses simple, inexpensive staples that create a classic, comforting dessert.
Ingredients List
Pie Filling:
- 6–7 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Crust:
- 1 package store-bought pie crust (2 rounds)
or make homemade if you prefer - 1 tablespoon butter (cut into small pieces)
Optional Toppings:
- Caramel sauce
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar dusting
Key Ingredients
- Apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart varieties for balanced flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Adds depth and warm caramel undertones.
- Cinnamon + Nutmeg: Essential classic spices that make apple pie comforting.
- Lemon Juice: Prevents browning and brightens the flavor.
- Pie Crust: Store-bought crust saves time and guarantees perfect results.
Optional Add-Ons / Variations
- Add raisins or dried cranberries
- Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans
- Add a pinch of cloves for deeper spice
- Use puff pastry instead of pie crust
- Create a crumble topping with oats and brown sugar
- Brush crust with cinnamon sugar for extra flavor
3. Step-By-Step Instructions
This recipe uses simple steps: prepare apples, fill crust, bake, cool — done!
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples.
- In a large bowl, combine apples with sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt.
- Stir until all apple slices are evenly coated.
- Roll out the first pie crust into a pie dish.
Cooking Steps
- Pour the apple filling into the pie crust.
- Dot the top with small pieces of butter.
- Place the second crust on top (whole or lattice style).
- Seal edges and cut small slits for ventilation.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until crust is golden and filling is bubbling.
- If crust browns too quickly, cover edges with foil.
- Let the pie cool for at least 1 hour to allow filling to set.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm or room temperature with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A drizzle of caramel
- Fresh whipped cream
- A hot cup of tea or coffee
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar
This pie truly feeds everyone happily!
4. Tips, Substitutions & Notes
Pro Tips for Better Results
- Mix apple varieties for deeper flavor.
- Slice apples evenly so they cook consistently.
- Chill the pie for 10 minutes before baking for a flakier crust.
- Bake on the bottom oven rack to avoid soggy crust.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much flour (creates a gummy filling).
- Cutting apples too thick — they may stay firm.
- Skipping the cooling step — filling will spill everywhere.
- Not venting the top crust — steam needs to escape.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar
- Swap lemon juice with orange juice
- Use gluten-free pie crust
- Replace sugar with honey (reduce amount slightly)
Texture, Flavor, or Health Variations
- Add oats or almond flour to make a crumble topping
- Add extra cinnamon for a stronger spice flavor
- Use maple syrup for a richer sweetness
- Make a mini version in muffin tins for individual servings
5. Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Cover loosely to keep crust crisp.
Freezing
- Freeze baked pie for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
- Warm slices in the oven at 300°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Microwave for 20–30 seconds (crust will be softer).
6. Nutrition (Optional)
(Approximate per slice)
- Calories: ~280–340
- Carbs: ~45g
- Fat: ~10–14g
- Sugar: ~25g
- Fiber: ~3–4g
7. Conclusion
This Easy Apple Pie Dessert is comforting, classic, and perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal effort. With its sweet cinnamon apples, flaky crust, and irresistible aroma, it’s a dessert everyone loves and asks for again. Whether for holidays, parties, or cozy nights in, this recipe never fails to make people happy.