Old-Fashioned Apple Pie with Cinnamon Crust

Few desserts capture the essence of comfort and nostalgia quite like an Old-Fashioned Apple Pie. With its flaky, buttery cinnamon-infused crust and sweet-tart apple filling bubbling beneath a golden lattice top, this pie is a timeless classic that has graced family tables for generations.

The aroma alone — cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramelized apples wafting through the kitchen — feels like a warm hug. Whether it’s served during holidays, Sunday dinners, or cozy autumn nights, this pie symbolizes home, love, and tradition.

Why I Love This Recipe

I adore this recipe because it embodies everything I love about home baking — simple ingredients, warm flavors, and pure comfort. The crust is extra special — tender, flaky, and kissed with cinnamon for an aromatic twist.

Inside, the filling balances sweetness and tartness perfectly, letting the natural flavor of apples shine. Every bite feels like a journey through cozy fall afternoons and family gatherings.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• It’s a classic American dessert that never goes out of style.
• The cinnamon crust adds an extra layer of warmth and fragrance.
• Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or cozy weekends.
• You can easily adjust the filling to your taste — more spice, less sugar, more tartness!
• The aroma of apples and cinnamon baking together is pure magic.

This isn’t just dessert — it’s a beautiful tradition in every slice.

Recipe Time & Yield

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour (for the dough)
• Baking Time: 50–60 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)
• Servings: 8 slices
• Calories: ~420 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert

Ingredients

For the Cinnamon Pie Crust:

• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 6–8 tbsp ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6–7 medium apples (about 6 cups, peeled, cored, and sliced — use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed (for dotting on filling)

🥚 For Finishing:

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp milk or cream
• 1 tbsp coarse sugar (for sprinkling, optional)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Make the cinnamon crust and chill it.
2. Prepare the apple filling with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Roll out the dough, fill with apple mixture, and top with the second crust or lattice.
4. Brush with egg wash and bake until golden and bubbling.
5. Cool slightly, then serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Make the Cinnamon Pie Crust

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
4. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, and wrap in plastic wrap.
5. Chill for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine apple slices, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and vanilla.
2. Toss well to coat and let sit for 10–15 minutes to allow juices to release.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. On a floured surface, roll out one dough disc into a 12-inch circle and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.
3. Spoon the apple filling into the crust and dot the top with butter cubes.
4. Roll out the second dough disc and place it on top, or cut into strips to make a lattice pattern.
5. Trim and crimp the edges to seal.
6. Whisk the egg and milk together, then brush the top crust with the mixture.
7. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.

Step 4: Bake

1. Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch drips) and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
2. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 30–40 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
3. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

1. Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing — this helps the filling set.
2. Serve warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve

• Serve slices warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream.
• Add a drizzle of salted caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee, chai, or apple cider for the ultimate comfort treat.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for best flavor and texture (e.g., Granny Smith + Honeycrisp).
• Chill your dough well — cold butter = flaky crust.
• If the filling seems too juicy, drain excess liquid before adding to the crust.
• Vent the top crust to let steam escape.
• Let the pie rest before cutting — this ensures cleaner slices.

Variations

1. Caramel Apple Pie:
   Add ¼ cup caramel sauce to the apple filling for a rich twist.
2. Dutch Apple Pie:
   Replace the top crust with a crumbly streusel topping made from butter, brown sugar, and oats.
3. Maple Cinnamon Apple Pie:
   Substitute part of the sugar with pure maple syrup for deeper flavor.
4. Mini Apple Hand Pies:
   Use this recipe to make small hand pies — perfect for parties or lunchboxes!
5. Vegan Version:
   Use plant-based butter and a flax egg for the crust; it still turns out flaky and delicious.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration:

• Store leftover pie (covered) in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes before serving.

Freezing (Unbaked):

• Assemble the pie, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 1 hour 10 minutes, covering edges if needed.

Freezing (Baked):

• Let the pie cool completely, then wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for 15–20 minutes before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9-inch pie dish
• Rolling pin
• Pastry cutter or food processor
• Mixing bowls
• Pastry brush
• Baking sheet (for catching drips)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the best apples for apple pie?
A mix of Granny Smith (tart) and Honeycrisp (sweet) gives perfect flavor balance.

Q2: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Store wrapped dough in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months.

Q3: Why is my pie soggy at the bottom?
Make sure your filling isn’t too wet and bake on the lowest oven rack to ensure a crisp bottom crust.

Q4: Can I skip the cinnamon in the crust?
Yes — the pie will still be delicious, but the cinnamon adds a wonderful warmth and aroma.

Q5: Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely, though homemade yields a flakier and richer result.

Conclusion

The Old-Fashioned Apple Pie with Cinnamon Crust is a timeless dessert that celebrates simplicity, warmth, and tradition. Its golden, flaky crust envelops a luscious apple filling bursting with cinnamon-spiced comfort.

This pie isn’t just a treat — it’s a slice of nostalgia that brings families together and fills your kitchen with the sweetest aroma. Serve it warm, share it with love, and savor the taste of true homemade happiness.