Nothing beats the cozy feeling of slicing into a perfectly baked, spiced apple pie on a crisp autumn evening. This Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie brings together a delicate, flaky crust and a warm, fragrant filling that sings with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. As the crust turns golden brown and the filling bubbles ever so slightly at the seams, you’ll know you’ve created something truly special. Whether you’re gathering around the table for a family dinner or hosting a festive fall gathering, this homemade dessert delivers on both flavor and nostalgia.
Baking this pie is a rewarding experience that feels like a warm hug for your senses. From selecting a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp apples, to chilling and rolling out a buttery dough, to the final brush of an egg wash that yields that irresistible golden sheen—every step invites you into the heart of baking. With an intermediate difficulty level, around 1 hour of hands-on prep, 1 hour of baking, and another hour of rest time, this recipe suits home cooks who love a bit of a challenge. At roughly 400 calories per slice and designed as a dessert course, it’s perfect for cozy evenings, weekend brunches, or seasonal celebrations.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CLASSIC BAKED SPICED APPLE PIE
Before diving into the kitchen, let’s talk about the star players that make this pie unbeatable. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building structure, flavor, texture, and aroma—so gather everything with care and enthusiasm!
- All-purpose flour
Provides the structure for a tender, flaky pie crust. Its moderate protein content ensures the dough holds together without becoming tough.
- Salt
Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness in both the crust and the filling, ensuring each bite tastes well-rounded.
- Granulated sugar
Adds a subtle sweetness to the crust and helps with browning, creating a light golden color and a hint of caramel notes.
- Unsalted butter (for crust)
Chilled and diced to keep the dough cold; these pockets of butter melt in the oven to create a flaky, tender crust.
- Ice water
Binds the dough while keeping the butter cold, which is crucial for flakiness. Adding it tablespoon by tablespoon prevents the dough from getting too sticky.
- Apples
A blend of Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your favorites gives a balance of tartness and sweetness. Sliced apples provide the juicy, tender filling.
- Brown sugar
With its molasses content, it lends a richer, deeper caramel flavor that complements the tart apples.
- Ground cinnamon
Offers that quintessential warm, spicy sweetness that pairs perfectly with baked apples.
- Ground nutmeg
Contributes a warm, slightly nutty undertone that deepens the spice profile.
- Ground cloves
A little goes a long way, giving the filling a complex, aromatic kick.
- Cornstarch
Acts as a thickening agent, ensuring the juices released by the apples become a luscious sauce rather than a watery puddle.
- Vanilla extract
Rounds out the flavors with a sweet, floral note that ties everything together.
- Lemon juice
Adds bright acidity to balance sweetness and prevents the apple slices from browning too quickly.
- Unsalted butter (for filling)
Dotted over the apples, it melts into pockets of rich, buttery goodness for extra flavor.
- Egg yolk
Combined with milk to create an egg wash that gives the crust a shiny, golden finish.
- Milk
Lightens the egg wash and ensures an even, lustrous sheen on the baked crust.
HOW TO MAKE CLASSIC BAKED SPICED APPLE PIE
Let’s stroll through the process step by step, turning those quality ingredients into a picture-perfect pie. From crafting the ideal crust to coaxing out the sweet-tart juices of the apples, you’ll learn the key techniques that make this recipe a success.
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), positioning a rack in the center. A thoroughly heated oven ensures a crisp crust from the very first minutes of baking.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and granulated sugar. Add the chilled, diced butter and use a pastry blender (or two forks) to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly stir in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, just until the dough starts to clump. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour to relax the gluten and firm up the butter.
3. While the dough chills, prepare the filling. In another large bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Toss until every apple slice is evenly coated with that sweet-spice mixture.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a circle large enough to line a 9-inch pie pan, leaving a slight overhang. Gently transfer the dough to the pan, pressing it into the bottom and sides, and trim any excess.
5. Spoon the apple mixture into the crust, ensuring the filling is piled evenly. Dot the top with the small pieces of butter to create pockets of richness as it bakes.
6. Roll out the second disk of dough to cover the filling. Lay it gently over the apples, trim the edges, then seal and crimp the crust edges to lock in the juices. Cut several small slits on the top to allow steam to escape while baking.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk to create a smooth egg wash. Brush the mixture evenly over the top crust to achieve a glossy, golden finish.
8. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes at 425°F. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is a beautiful golden brown.
9. Remove the pie and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack. This resting period helps the filling to set, making it easier to slice beautiful, neat wedges.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CLASSIC BAKED SPICED APPLE PIE
There is something wonderfully communal about serving a warm apple pie fresh from the oven. The flavors and aromas invite everyone to gather around the table, creating a cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for family dinners or celebrating seasonal milestones. When presenting your Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie, think about complementary textures and flavors that will elevate each slice. A simple scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream can provide a cool contrast to the hot, spicy filling, while crunchy elements like chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce add layers of indulgence. Don’t be afraid to get creative—these serving ideas will help you tailor each slice to your guests’ preferences and make your dessert the star of the show.
- Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The hot filling melts the ice cream ever so slightly, creating a divine sweet-and-spiced custard.
- Top each slice with a dollop of fresh whipped cream seasoned with a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract for an ultra-light, airy finish.
- Dust the crust lightly with powdered sugar and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. This simple flourish adds a touch of elegance and amplifies the aroma of warm spices.
- Drizzle slices with homemade caramel sauce and a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts. The buttery caramel and crunchy nuts bring another layer of texture and decadence.
HOW TO STORE CLASSIC BAKED SPICED APPLE PIE
Proper storage ensures you can enjoy slices of this spiced apple pie long after the oven cools down. Whether you need to keep leftovers for a couple of days or freeze portions for later, the goal is to maintain that tender crust and perfectly saucy filling. Pay attention to temperature and wrapping techniques to lock in moisture without making the crust soggy. When storing in the fridge, allow the pie to reach room temperature first to prevent condensation. For freezing, an extra layer of protection helps avoid freezer burn and flavor loss. With the right approach, you’ll preserve the taste and texture of your Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie so it feels just-baked whenever you indulge.
- Room temperature: Store loosely covered with foil or a pie dome at room temperature for up to 2 days. This preserves the crispness of the crust while keeping the filling moist.
- Refrigeration: Cover the pie with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, warming individual slices in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Freezing whole pie: Wrap the fully cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes.
- Freezing individual slices: Place cooled slices on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. Reheat in a low oven or microwave for a quick treat.
CONCLUSION
What a journey! From mixing flour, butter, and ice water to rolling out that beautiful crust, to tossing apple slices in a symphony of sugars and spices, you’ve crafted a Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie that’s both visually stunning and deeply comforting. This pie captures the very essence of fall recipes—showcasing tart and sweet apples, warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, all encased in a golden, flaky shell. It’s an intermediate-level baking adventure that rewards patience and care with every bite. With roughly 400 calories per slice, it serves as a delightful dessert that pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream, making it ideal for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or cozy weekend indulgences.
Feel free to print this article and save it for future baking sessions—whether you revisit it next spring or keep it as a fall staple. You’ll also find a FAQ section below to answer any lingering questions about technique, ingredient swaps, or troubleshooting tips. If you decide to give this spiced apple pie a whirl, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment, share your baking triumphs or questions, or let me know if you’ve developed any clever twists on the recipe. Your feedback and stories are what make this baking community so special. Happy baking!
Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie
Description
This classic baked spiced apple pie combines the tartness of fresh apples with warm spices, encased in a buttery, flaky crust. Perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
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In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar. Add diced butter and mix with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until dough forms. Divide dough in half, shape each half into a ball, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour.
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In another large bowl, combine sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Toss until apples are well coated.
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Roll out one ball of dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Place the rolled dough into the pan, trimming any excess edges.
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Fill the crust with the apple mixture and dot with small pieces of butter.
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Roll out the second ball of dough and place over the filling. Trim, seal, and crimp the edges. Cut several small slits on the top to allow steam to escape.
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In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk and milk, then brush this mixture over the pie crust.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes, or until apples are soft and crust is golden brown.
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Allow pie to cool in the pan on a wire rack before serving.
Note
- For best results, use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor.
- To prevent crust edges from burning, cover them with strips of aluminum foil during baking.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delicious dessert experience.
- You can make the pie crust a day in advance to save time on the day of baking.
