Cinnamon Apple Pie Recipe

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When I think of Cinnamon apple pie, I think of my grandmother’s kitchen, filled with laughter and the sound of apples being peeled and sliced. The combination of tart apples, sweet cinnamon, and a perfectly flaky crust created an irresistible symphony of flavors that still makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Every slice was a taste of home, a slice of love.

How to make Cinnamon Apple Pie

Cinnamon Apple Pie is a classic dessert made with a buttery pastry crust filled with spiced apples, usually flavored with cinnamon, sugar, and sometimes nutmeg or cloves. The filling is typically made by tossing sliced apples (often tart varieties like Granny Smith) with sugar, cinnamon, and a thickener such as flour or cornstarch to create a sweet, slightly syrupy mixture as it bakes.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust (Double Crust Recipe):

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (chilled and cubed)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 6-8 tbsp ice water

For the Apple Pie Filling:

• 6-7 medium apples (about 2 ½ pounds)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For Assembly:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp milk or water
• Granulated sugar (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Make Your Pie Crust

1. Prepare your workspace: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar until well combined.
2. Cut in butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. (Tip: Work quickly to prevent the butter from warming up.)
3. Add ice water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, gently mixing until the dough just starts to hold together. Avoid adding too much water—this can make the crust tough.
4. Shape and chill: Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape them into flat discs. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days). Chilling is crucial for a flaky crust!

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

• Peel and slice the apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples (about ¼-inch thickness). Uniform slices ensure even baking.
• Season the apples: In a large mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, flour, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the apples to release some of their natural juices.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out the first crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the chilled dough discs into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, letting the edges hang over slightly.
3. Fill with apple mixture: Spoon the prepared apple filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of unsalted butter for added richness.
4. Roll out the second crust: Roll out the second dough disc into another 12-inch circle. Place it over the apple filling. Trim the excess crust and seal the edges by crimping them with your fingers or pressing them with a fork.
5. Vent the top: Using a sharp knife, cut 4-6 small slits or a decorative pattern in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

1. Egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of milk or water. Brush this mixture over the top crust for a golden finish.
2. Sugar sprinkle (optional): Lightly sprinkle granulated sugar or sanding sugar over the crust for a sweet and slightly crunchy finish.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

1. Place the pie on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C). Continue baking for an additional 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
2. Check for doneness: If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield.
3. Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This helps the filling set.

Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Apple Pie

• Use cold ingredients for the crust: The key to a flaky crust is keeping the butter and water cold. Warm butter melts into the dough, giving you a dense crust instead of a tender, flaky one.
• Choose the right apples: A combination of tart Granny Smith apples and sweet Honeycrisp apples gives the filling the perfect balance of flavor.
• Avoid overly juicy filling: Letting the apple mixture sit for 10-15 minutes allows the juices to release, preventing a soggy pie.
• Don’t skip the egg wash: The egg wash not only gives the crust a golden, glossy finish but also helps seal the edges.
• Cool completely before slicing: As tempting as it is to slice into the pie fresh out of the oven, the filling needs time to set. Cooling prevents the slices from falling apart.

What to serve with

Cinnamon Apple Pie is a dessert that can truly stand on its own. With its sweet, spiced apples and flaky, buttery crust, it’s a masterpiece in every bite. However, adding the right accompaniment can elevate your pie to a whole new level.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of classic vanilla ice cream is the all-time favorite pairing. Its subtle sweetness enhances the spiced apples without overpowering the flavors. Opt for French or bean vanilla ice cream for richer depth.
• Cinnamon Ice Cream: Want to double down on the warm, spicy notes? Cinnamon ice cream mirrors the flavors of the Cinnamon Apple Pie while adding a cool, silky twist.
• Caramel or Salted Caramel Ice Cream: This pairing brings out the caramelized notes from the brown sugar and baked apples, creating a luscious contrast between sweet and salty.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a homemade Cinnamon Apple Pie allows for creativity in the kitchen, especially if you’re accommodating dietary restrictions, preferences, or simply out of a key ingredient.

Crust Substitutes

Flour: All-Purpose Flour Alternatives

• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Many come with xanthan gum to mimic the texture of traditional flour.
• Whole Wheat Flour: For a nuttier, heartier crust, substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
• Almond Flour: Ideal for a low-carb option. Combine almond flour with a binding agent like arrowroot or xanthan gum.

Butter: Non-Dairy and Lower Calorie Options

• Vegan Butter or Margarine: Choose a high-quality vegan butter or margarine for a dairy-free crust. Brands like Earth Balance work well.
• Coconut Oil: Use solid coconut oil in place of butter for a subtle coconut flavor. Freeze it and grate for the best texture.
• Applesauce or Greek Yogurt (For Reduced Fat): Replace half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt to reduce fat while keeping the crust moist.

Sugar: Reducing or Replacing Sweeteners

• Coconut Sugar: Swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar for a natural, caramel-like sweetness.
• Stevia, Erythritol, or Monk Fruit Sweetener: Use these sugar substitutes in a much smaller quantity, as they are sweeter than regular sugar. Check the conversion on product packaging.

Egg: Egg Wash Alternatives

• Milk or Cream: Simply brush the crust with milk or cream for a similar golden finish.
• Non-Dairy Milk: Use almond, soy, or oat milk for an egg-free, dairy-free glaze.

Filling Substitutes

• Apples: Options for Variety and Flavor
• Different Apple Varieties: If Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are unavailable, try Pink Lady, Fuji, or Braeburn apples, each offering unique sweet-tart profiles.
• Pears or Quinces: These fruity options provide a subtle twist when mixed with apples or used alone.
• Sugar: Natural Sweeteners and Reductions
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Use these liquid sweeteners sparingly; start with half the amount and adjust to taste since they have distinct flavors.
• Brown Rice Syrup or Agave Nectar: These provide a mild sweetness without overpowering the apple’s natural flavor.

Thickener: Flour Alternatives

• Cornstarch: Use an equal amount of cornstarch instead of flour for a glossy, clear filling.
• Arrowroot Powder: A great thickening agent that results in a smooth filling, replacing flour in equal parts.

Cinnamon and Spices: Spice Mixes and Variations

• Apple Pie Spice or Pumpkin Pie Spice: These ready-made blends often contain cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices, simplifying the spice element.
• Cardamom or Allspice: Add a small amount for a unique aromatic twist.

Lemon Juice: Substitutes for Brightness and Acidity

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Use half the amount to replicate lemon juice’s acidity without the citrus flavor.
• Orange or Lime Juice: These juices add a slight citrus variation.

Vanilla Extract: Flavor Boosts

• Almond Extract: With its strong aroma, use sparingly (about half the amount) for a nutty undertone.
• Maple or Bourbon Vanilla: Adds a rich, distinctive flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Nothing compares to the satisfaction of slicing into a homemade Cinnamon Apple Pie and hearing the crunch of the flaky crust before tasting the perfectly spiced apple filling inside.

More Pie Recipes:

• Popeyes Apple Pie Recipe
• Jello Chocolate Pudding Pie Recipe
• Copycat Reese’s Caramel Apple Pie Recipe
• Homemade Apple Pie Oreos Cookies Recipe