Browned Butter Apple Pie

JUMP TO THE RECIPE >

Hi there! 🍎 If there’s one dessert that feels like a warm hug in food form, it’s definitely apple pie. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner, a holiday celebration, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this recipe is your go-to for the perfect apple pie.

I get it—baking can feel a little intimidating at first (hello, homemade pie crust 🙃), but trust me, you’ve got this! I’ll walk you through every step, from choosing the best apples to creating a golden, flaky crust that’ll make you feel like a total pro. Let’s make your kitchen smell like fall heaven and create a pie that’s not just delicious but totally Instagram-worthy too. 😍 Ready? Let’s do this!

The Best Apple Pie Recipe Ever

Ingredients (What You’ll Need)

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to apple pie magic! Here’s everything you’ll need for this classic recipe:

For the Crust 🥧:

• 2 store-bought or homemade pie crusts

For the Filling 🍏:

• 1.5 kg (about 3.3 lbs) of apples (use a mix of tart and sweet varieties, like Granny Smith and red apples)

• 200 g (1 cup) sugar

• 1 g (2 tsp) lemon juice

• 2 g (½ tsp) molasses

• 30 g (3 tbsp) flour

• Less than 1 g (⅛ tsp) salt

• 2 g (1 tsp) cinnamon

• 1 g (¼ tsp) nutmeg

• 6 g (1 tsp) vanilla extract

Optional (For Finishing Touches):

• 30 g (2 tbsp) milk or 1 egg (for brushing the crust)

• 12 g (1 tbsp) sugar (for sprinkling on top)

• 3 Tbsp butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

We’re going step by step to make this apple pie a success. Even if you’re new to baking, you’re in great hands.

1. Prep the Apples

Start by peeling and finely slicing the apples. You want them thin enough to cook evenly but not so thin they turn to mush (about ¼ inch slices is perfect).

In a large bowl, toss the apples with sugar, lemon juice, molasses, flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this mixture aside while you move to the next step.

2. Brown the Butter (Optional but worth it!)

If you’re using the optional 3 tablespoons of butter, here’s where the magic happens. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring or swirling the pan occasionally. Cook until the butter melts, foams up, and turns a toasty golden-brown color. (It’ll smell nutty and amazing—like caramel meets heaven.)

Once browned, immediately reduce the heat to medium-low to prevent burning, and move to the next step.

3. Cook the Filling

Add the apple mixture to the skillet with the browned butter. Stir everything together, making sure the apples are coated with that nutty, buttery goodness. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the apples soften and the mixture becomes sticky and luscious—about 15–20 minutes.

Once done, transfer the filling to a large bowl and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract for a final boost of flavor.

4. Assemble the Pie

• Roll out one of your pie crusts and carefully place it into a pie dish. Press the crust into the edges of the dish, and trim any excess, leaving about a 4 cm (1½ inch) overhang. Pop the dish in the freezer while the filling cools—this keeps your crust extra flaky.

• Roll out your second pie crust for the top layer. You can leave it as a solid circle or cut it into strips for a lattice design. (If you’ve never done a lattice before, don’t worry—it’s easier than it looks and super forgiving!)

  
  

Once the filling is completely cooled, pour it into the chilled bottom crust. Place the top crust over the filling or weave your lattice. Seal the edges by pinching them with your fingers or pressing with a fork.

5. Add the Finishing Touches

To get that beautiful, bakery-style shine, brush the top crust with milk or a beaten egg. Sprinkle some sugar on top for a little sparkle—it’s optional but totally worth it!

If using a solid top crust, don’t forget to cut a few small slits in the center for steam to escape.

6. Bake

Preheat your oven to 200ºC (about 400ºF).

• Place the pie on the lower rack and bake for 10 minutes.

• After that, cover the top with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning, and bake for another 35–40 minutes. The filling should be bubbling, and the crust should look golden and flaky.

  
  

Once out of the oven, let the pie cool for at least an hour before slicing. I know it’s hard to wait, but this lets the filling set, so you get picture-perfect slices.

Baking Tips for Apple Pie Success

Okay, let’s make sure your pie is absolutely amazing with some handy tips. Whether this is your first time baking or you’re already on your way to pie pro status, these little tricks will make a huge difference. Ready to level up your baking game? Let’s do it! 🥧✨

1. Keep Your Ingredients Cold

This is the #1 secret to a flaky crust! Cold butter and ice-cold water are your best friends here. Warm butter will melt into the dough too quickly, and you’ll lose all those lovely, flaky layers. If things start to soften while you’re working, pop the dough back in the fridge for a few minutes—it’ll make all the difference.

2. Don’t Skip the Chill Time

I know waiting can be hard, but chilling your crust before rolling and again after assembling the pie is key. It helps the dough relax (yes, your dough needs to chill, too) and keeps the butter firm, so your crust doesn’t shrink or droop in the oven. Trust me, it’s worth the extra time.

3. Brown Your Butter (Optional but So Good!)

If you’re feeling fancy—and you totally should—brown the butter before adding the apples. It takes just a couple of minutes, and the flavor payoff is huge. Brown butter adds this rich, nutty, caramel-like vibe to your filling that makes people go, “Whoa, what’s your secret?” Spoiler: it’s browned butter. 😉

4. Mix Up Your Apples

You know how some apples are super tart and others are naturally sweet? Combining a mix of both (like Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness) gives your pie the perfect flavor balance. Plus, some apples soften while others hold their shape, so you get that dreamy, textured filling.

5. Avoid the Dreaded Soggy Bottom

No one wants a pie with a mushy crust, right? Here’s how to keep yours crisp and delicious:

• Chill your bottom crust before adding the filling—it keeps the butter from melting too fast.

• Bake your pie on the lowest rack in the oven. This puts the crust closer to the heat, which helps it crisp up.

  
  

6. Pre-Cook Your Apples

This step might feel like extra work, but it’s worth it. Cooking your apple filling on the stovetop before baking does two magical things:

• It cooks the apples evenly so you don’t end up with crunchy bits.

• It thickens the juices into a gooey, caramel-like filling that won’t make your crust soggy.

  
  

  Bonus tip: Let the filling cool completely before adding it to the crust. A hot filling can melt the butter in the dough, and we don’t want that.

  
  

7. Make Room for Steam

If you’re going with a solid top crust, don’t forget to cut a few little slits in the center. These vents let steam escape while your pie bakes, so the filling doesn’t bubble over or make the crust soggy. Pro tip: Get creative and cut your vents into cute shapes like hearts or leaves for extra style points.

8. Egg Wash for That Bakery Look

Want your pie to look like it came straight from a bakery? Brush the top crust with a beaten egg (or just the yolk) mixed with a little milk or cream before baking. It’ll give your crust that shiny, golden finish that says, “I totally know what I’m doing.” Sprinkle a little sugar on top for sparkle if you’re feeling extra fancy. ✨

9. Watch the Edges

Pie edges tend to brown faster than the rest of the crust. To keep them from burning, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil or use a pie shield about 15-20 minutes into baking. That way, you get a perfectly golden crust all over—no burnt bits here!

10. Cool It (Literally)

I know, I know—waiting an hour for your pie to cool is pure torture when it smells that good. But cooling time is essential! It lets the filling set, so when you slice into your pie, you get perfect slices instead of a gooey mess. Pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea and let the pie work its magic.

11. Crust Decorations = Bonus Points

If you want to get a little artsy, use cookie cutters or a knife to cut shapes out of your top crust. Stars, hearts, or leaves are super cute and easy to make. Even just a simple lattice crust can make your pie look extra fancy with minimal effort.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re officially ready to bake a pie that’ll make everyone say, “Wait, you made this?!” I can’t wait for you to try it out!

Apple Pie Serving Suggestions

So, your pie is out of the oven, cooled, and ready to shine. Now comes the fun part—deciding how to serve it! 🥧✨

1. The Classic Combo: Apple Pie à la Mode

There’s nothing quite like the magic of warm apple pie paired with a scoop (or two) of cold, creamy vanilla ice cream. The ice cream melts just enough to mingle with the cinnamon-spiced filling and buttery crust—it’s basically dessert heaven. Bonus points if the ice cream is homemade!

2. Drizzle It Up

Want to take things up a notch? Drizzle some caramel sauce or honey over your pie for an extra layer of sweetness. You can even sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for that trendy sweet-and-salty combo.

3. Whipped Cream Dreams

If you’re a whipped cream lover (same), pile it high on your slice of pie! Whether it’s store-bought or homemade, the light, fluffy cream adds the perfect touch of indulgence. For bonus flavor, try whipping in a little cinnamon or maple syrup.

4. Coffee or Tea Pairings

Apple pie and coffee are a match made in cozy heaven. A dark roast coffee brings out the warm spices in the filling, while a chai latte or spiced tea complements the cinnamon and nutmeg beautifully. It’s the ultimate afternoon treat.

5. Brunch-Worthy Leftovers

Leftover pie? Lucky you! Apple pie isn’t just for dessert—it makes a fabulous breakfast, too. Try heating up a slice and serving it with Greek yogurt or a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s basically fruit, so it’s totally brunch-approved. 😉

6. Seasonal Garnishes

If you’re serving your pie for a special occasion, dress it up with a few seasonal touches! Sprinkle crushed pecans or walnuts on top for a bit of crunch, or add a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive vibe. You could even garnish each plate with a cinnamon stick or a slice of fresh apple for a pretty presentation.

Apple pie is one of those desserts that feels at home anywhere—whether it’s the centerpiece of a Thanksgiving table or just a sweet treat for a Tuesday night. However you serve it, I know it’ll be amazing. 🥰

Now, Go and Enjoy Your Apple Pie!

And there you have it—your guide to baking the ultimate apple pie! 🥧

From the warm, spiced filling to the flaky, buttery crust, every bite of this apple pie feels like a little celebration. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about making it from scratch (even if you take a shortcut or two—no judgment here!).

So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and let’s make your kitchen smell like a dream. And hey, don’t forget to share your pie pics and let me know how it turned out! Did you try the browned butter? Did you go for a classic crust or a fancy lattice top? I’d love to hear about it in the comments. 😊

Thanks for hanging out and baking with me—until next time, keep those ovens warm and your spirits high. Happy baking! 💛