10 Apple Pie Recipes Everyone Should Try

Okay, let’s be real for a second. Nothing—and I mean nothing—says comfort like a warm slice of apple pie. It’s the dessert that shows up at every holiday table, the one that makes your kitchen smell like a candle commercial, and honestly? It’s the only acceptable reason to turn on your oven in the middle of August. (Fine, maybe also for that frozen pizza, but we don’t talk about that.)

But here’s the thing: not all apple pies are created equal. Some are gooey masterpieces. Others are… sad, soggy disappointments. And I’ve eaten enough mediocre pie in my life to know that the recipe makes all the difference.

So, I rounded up 10 apple pie recipes that range from classic to crazy, traditional to trendy. Whether you’re a crust-obsessed purist or a “throw everything in the skillet” rebel, there’s something here for you. I’ve tested each of these (tough job, I know), and I’m spilling all the tea—er, cinnamon.

Grab your apron. And maybe a glass of milk. Or wine. We’re about to get cozy. 🙂

1. The Classic Double-Crust Apple Pie

Why It’s Awesome: Because some things don’t need fixing. This is the pie your grandmother made, your mom perfected, and you’ll probably fight your siblings for the last slice. It’s timeless, reliable, and exactly what you picture when someone says “apple pie.”

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 6–8 tablespoons ice water
• 6–7 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons butter (for dotting)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the crust. In a large bowl, whisk flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender until mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until dough just comes together. Divide into two disks, wrap, and chill for at least an hour.
2. Prep the filling. Toss sliced apples with lemon juice, both sugars, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Let it sit for 15 minutes—this draws out the juices that make that syrupy goodness.
3. Roll the dough. On a floured surface, roll out one disk into a 12-inch circle. Gently transfer to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim the edges but leave about ½ inch of overhang.
4. Fill it up. Pile those beautiful apples into the crust. Dot with butter. (Yes, you need the butter. Trust me.)
5. Top it off. Roll out the second disk and place it over the filling. Crimp the edges together, cut a few vents on top, and brush with an egg wash for that golden, glossy finish.
6. Bake. Pop it in a preheated 425°F oven for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 375°F and bake for another 40–45 minutes. Cover the edges with foil if they brown too quickly.
7. Cool. This is the hardest part. Let it cool at least 2 hours so the filling sets. Or don’t. I won’t judge if you burn your tongue.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s the gold standard. The cinnamon balances the tart apples perfectly, and the buttery, flaky crust will make you question every store-bought pie you’ve ever eaten. This recipe never fails, and it’s the one I bring to every family gathering just to watch my uncle try to claim the leftovers.

2. Dutch Apple Pie (Crumb Topping Forever)

Why It’s Awesome: Let’s be honest—sometimes a top crust is overrated. Dutch apple pie skips it entirely and replaces it with a buttery, brown sugar crumble that is basically edible glitter. IMO, this is the pie for people who love texture as much as flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 single pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 6 cups Honeycrisp apples, peeled and sliced
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup cold butter, cubed
• ½ teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare crust. Fit your crust into a 9-inch pie pan and crimp the edges. Pop it in the fridge while you work on the filling.
2. Mix apples. Combine apples, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Let them sit for 10 minutes to release some of that lovely juice.
3. Make the crumble. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, brown sugar, oats, and salt. Cut in cold butter with a fork or your fingers until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs.
4. Fill and top. Pour apple mixture into the chilled crust. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the top, pressing down gently so it sticks.
5. Bake. Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch drips) and bake at 375°F for 50–55 minutes. If the topping starts getting too dark, tent it with foil.
6. Cool and devour. Let cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Why You’ll Love It

The crumb topping gives you that addictive sweet crunch in every single bite. And because there’s no top crust, it’s ridiculously easy to pull together. I’ve served this at brunches, and people literally hover around the pie plate like vultures. It’s a crowd-pleaser.

3. Skillet Apple Pie (Cast Iron for the Win)

Why It’s Awesome: Who needs a pie dish when you have a cast iron skillet? This version is rustic, insanely quick to assemble, and gives you the crispiest, most buttery crust edges imaginable. Plus, it looks gorgeous straight from the oven to the table.

Ingredients

• 1 store-bought or homemade pie crust (enough for one crust)
• 6 cups apples (mix of Granny Smith and Gala)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat skillet. Place your cast iron skillet in the oven and preheat to 375°F. (This helps create a crispier bottom crust.)
2. Mix filling. In a bowl, combine sliced apples, both sugars, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. Roll crust. Roll your pie crust into a circle slightly larger than your skillet. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and melt the butter in it, swirling to coat.
4. Fill and top. Pour the apple mixture into the skillet. Drape the crust over the top, tucking the edges into the sides of the pan. Cut a few slits for steam and brush with egg wash.
5. Bake. Pop it back in the oven for 40–45 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
6. Rest. Let it sit for 15 minutes before serving. It’s molten hot in there.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s got that rustic, one-pan charm that feels both fancy and effortless. The cast iron gives the crust a slightly crispy, caramelized edge that you just don’t get with regular pie plates. And the cleanup? Minimal. I’m a fan.

4. Caramel Apple Pie (Because Sugar Is Life)

Why It’s Awesome: Take a classic apple pie and drown it in caramel. That’s it. That’s the recipe. This one is for the sweet-toothed rebels who believe dessert should never be subtle.

Ingredients

• 1 double pie crust
• 7 cups apples (Pink Lady or Braeburn)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep crust. Line your pie plate with one crust and chill.
2. Mix apples. Toss apples with sugars, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Add caramel. Pour half the caramel sauce over the apples and stir gently to coat.
4. Fill and top. Transfer the apple mixture into the crust, dot with butter, and drizzle remaining caramel over the top. Place the second crust on top, crimp, and vent.
5. Bake. Bake at 375°F for 50–55 minutes. If the crust browns too fast, cover with foil.
6. Cool. Let cool completely. The caramel needs time to set.

Why You’ll Love It

Every bite is sticky, sweet, and utterly decadent. I once brought this to a potluck and watched a grown man take a fork to the pan before it was even cut. It’s that good.

5. French Apple Pie (With a Brandy Twist)

Why It’s Awesome: Because sometimes you want your pie to give you a little hug and maybe a buzz. This version adds a splash of brandy to the filling, giving it a sophisticated, boozy depth that pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

• 1 double pie crust
• 7 cups apples (Golden Delicious work great)
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons brandy
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep crust. Line your pie plate with one crust and refrigerate.
2. Make filling. In a bowl, combine apples, sugar, flour, brandy, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon zest. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
3. Assemble. Pour filling into crust, dot with butter, and add top crust. Crimp edges, cut vents, and brush with egg wash.
4. Bake. Bake at 375°F for 50–55 minutes.
5. Rest and serve. Let cool for at least 2 hours. The boozy flavor intensifies as it cools.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s warm, comforting, and slightly fancy. The brandy cuts through the sweetness and adds a complexity that makes people ask, “What’s in this?” Just smile mysteriously.

6. Apple Hand Pies (The Perfect On-the-Go Treat)

Why It’s Awesome: Because sometimes you don’t want to share. Hand pies are mini, portable, and dangerously addictive. They’re also a great way to use up leftover dough or apples.

Ingredients

• 1 double pie crust
• 2 cups diced apples
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon flour
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Extra sugar for sprinkling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep filling. Mix apples with sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
2. Roll dough. Roll out your pie crust into a large rectangle and cut into 4-inch circles or squares.
3. Fill. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Fold over and press edges with a fork to seal.
4. Bake. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar, and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until golden.
5. Cool slightly. They’re best when warm but not scalding.

Why You’ll Love It

They’re cute, they’re fun, and they let you eat pie with zero commitment. Plus, you can freeze them and bake as needed. Meal prep, but make it dessert.

7. Salted Caramel Bourbon Apple Pie

Why It’s Awesome: Because caramel and bourbon are a match made in heaven. Add a little sea salt on top, and you’ve got a pie that’s balanced, bold, and unforgettable.

Ingredients

• 1 double pie crust
• 7 cups mixed apples
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons bourbon
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup caramel sauce
• Sea salt for sprinkling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep crust. Line pie plate with one crust.
2. Mix filling. Combine apples, brown sugar, bourbon, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Let sit for 10 minutes.
3. Assemble. Pour filling into crust, drizzle with caramel sauce, and cover with top crust. Crimp edges, vent, and brush with egg wash.
4. Bake. Bake at 375°F for 50 minutes. If browning too fast, cover edges.
5. Finish. Out of the oven, sprinkle with sea salt.
6. Cool. Let cool 2 hours before serving. Yes, I said two hours.

Why You’ll Love It

The bourbon brings warmth, the caramel brings sweetness, and the salt brings balance. This one’s for grown-ups who appreciate a dessert that doesn’t treat you like a child.

8. Healthy-ish Apple Pie (No Sugar, No Guilt)

Why It’s Awesome: For those times when you want pie but also want to wear jeans the next day. This version uses natural sweeteners and a whole-grain crust. It’s not a salad, but hey—it’s pie.

Ingredients

• 1 whole wheat pie crust
• 7 cups apples
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ginger
• 2 tablespoons butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep crust. Fit whole wheat crust into pie plate.
2. Mix filling. Toss apples with maple syrup, coconut sugar, flour, cinnamon, and ginger.
3. Fill. Pour into crust, dot with butter, and cover with another whole wheat crust or a lattice.
4. Bake. Bake at 375°F for 45–50 minutes.
5. Cool. Let it set for at least an hour.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s lighter, less sweet, and honestly still delicious. I serve this to my health-conscious friends, and they always go back for seconds.

9. Lattice-Top Apple Pie (Because It’s Pretty)

Why It’s Awesome: We eat with our eyes first, and this pie is a showstopper. The lattice isn’t just for looks—it lets steam escape, which keeps the filling from getting watery.

Ingredients

• 1 double pie crust
• 7 cups apples
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep crust. Line pie plate with one crust.
2. Make filling. Toss apples with sugar, lemon juice, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Assemble lattice. Roll out the second crust and cut into strips. Layer strips over the filling in a woven pattern.
4. Trim and crimp. Fold the edges under and crimp.
5. Bake. Bake at 375°F for 50–55 minutes. If the edges brown too fast, cover with foil.
6. Cool. Let it cool for a few hours so the filling thickens.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s gorgeous, and the lattice lets the apples peek through. It’s the pie that’ll earn you Instagram likes and family praise.

10. Apple Pie in a Jar (Yes, Really)

Why It’s Awesome: It’s cute, it’s individual, and it’s basically apple crisp in a jar. Great for gifting, picnics, or just eating with a tiny spoon while watching Netflix.

Ingredients

• 1 single pie crust
• 4 cups diced apples
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon flour
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup oats
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep jars. Lightly grease 4 small mason jars.
2. Make filling. Combine apples, sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Divide among jars.
3. Top with crumble. Mix oats, brown sugar, and melted butter. Sprinkle over the apples.
4. Add crust. Cut small circles of pie crust and place on top of each jar. Cut small vents.
5. Bake. Place jars on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.
6. Cool. Let them cool enough to handle. Then dig in.

Why You’ll Love It

They’re adorable, perfectly portioned, and make you feel like a culinary genius. I’ve given these as gifts and gotten texts about them months later.

Related Recipies

• 7 Easy Meal Prep Lunches
• Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps
• Easy Halloween Treats For Party
• Final Thoughts: Which One Are You Making First?

So there you have it: 10 apple pie recipes that cover every mood, skill level, and dietary excuse. Whether you’re a crust purist, a crumb-crunching fanatic, or a boozy-bourbon believer, one of these is calling your name.

Don’t stress about perfection. The best apple pie is the one you make with love—and maybe a little extra butter. I’ve burned crusts, used too much cinnamon, and once forgot the sugar entirely (don’t ask). But I kept baking, kept tasting, and kept sharing. That’s the whole point.