The smell of warm apples and cinnamon filling the kitchen is one of the best parts of baking at home. Homemade apple pie brings together a golden crust, tender fruit, and a sweet, gently spiced filling. It is perfect for family desserts, weekend baking, or sharing with friends.

With prepared pie dough and a few everyday ingredients, we can create this classic treat at home. Below are the ingredients, followed by seven steps from rolling the crust to serving the first slice.

Ingredients

Prepare everything before starting. For the crust, you need:

- 2 rounds of prepared pie dough

- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour for dusting

For the filling, you need:

- 6–7 cups peeled, thinly sliced tart apples (900–1,100 g)

- ⅓ cup granulated sugar (67 g)

- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar (73 g)

- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (30 g)

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml)

- 1 tablespoon butter (14 g)

For the topping, you need:

- 1 large egg white

- 1–2 teaspoons coarse sugar, optional

- Vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce, optional

This makes 8 servings. Plan for about 20 minutes of preparation and 60–70 minutes of baking, plus cooling time.

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Crust

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place a rack in the lowest position. Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour. Roll one round of dough into a circle about ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick, large enough to cover a 9-inch pie dish.

Carefully place the dough inside the dish and gently press it against the bottom and sides. Leave about ½ inch of extra dough around the rim for sealing. Refrigerate the prepared crust while making the filling to help it stay firm.

Step 2: Slice the Apples

Wash and dry the apples, then peel them and remove their cores. Slice the fruit into pieces about ⅛–¼ inch (3–6 mm) thick. Similar-sized slices cook more evenly and create a tender filling.

Place the slices in a large bowl and add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Toss gently until the juice coats the fruit. This adds a fresh, tangy note and helps slow browning.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Stir well to break up any clumps. Pour this mixture over the apples and toss for 1–2 minutes until the slices are evenly coated.

Remove the pie crust from the refrigerator and spread the filling inside. Cut the butter into small pieces and distribute them over the apples. This adds richness as the fruit softens in the oven.

Step 4: Create the Lattice Top

Roll the second round of dough into another circle about ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick. Cut it into narrow pieces approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. Lay several pieces across the filling, leaving small gaps.

Fold back alternate pieces and place another piece across them in the opposite direction. Return the folded pieces to their original positions and repeat until a woven pattern forms. Trim excess dough and press the ends of the top pieces against the bottom crust. Pinch the edges together to seal the pie and create a neat rim.

Step 5: Brush the Crust

Whisk the egg white in a small bowl until lightly foamy. Use a pastry brush to apply a thin layer over the dough. If desired, sprinkle 1–2 teaspoons of coarse sugar over the top for extra crunch.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Place the pie on the lowest oven rack and bake for 60–70 minutes. Check it after 30–40 minutes. If the edges or top become too dark, loosely cover the browned areas with aluminum foil.

The pie is ready when the crust is golden brown and the apple filling bubbles through the lattice. These bubbles indicate that the filling is hot and beginning to thicken.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Transfer the baked pie to a wire rack and let it cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This allows the juices to settle, helping each piece hold its shape. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature, with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce if desired.

Lykkers, if this is your first lattice, cut the dough strips a little wider than you think you need, since wider strips are easier to lift and weave without tearing. Would you choose vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or a plain slice? Share your favorite way to enjoy apple pie!