If you have a soft spot for warm, fragrant desserts that bring comfort with every bite, then you absolutely must try this Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie Recipe. This pie is the ultimate autumn treat, flawlessly marrying tender, spiced apples with a buttery, flaky crust that’s baked to golden perfection. With every slice, you’ll experience the cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that feels like a hug in dessert form. Whether for a holiday gathering or a weekend indulgence, this pie promises to brighten your baking repertoire and become an instant favorite.

Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients for this Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie Recipe are straightforward staples that combine to create layers of flavor and beautiful texture. Each component plays an essential part, from the flaky crust that cradles the filling to the warm spices that make every bite unforgettable.

All-purpose flour: The base for the flaky pie crust, providing structure and tenderness.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors and balances the sweetness.
Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness in both the crust and filling for balanced flavor.
Unsalted butter, chilled and diced: The key to a rich, flaky crust packed with buttery goodness.
Ice water: Keeps the dough cool to ensure flakiness and ease in rolling out.
Medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix): Crisp and tart apples provide the perfect filling texture and flavor.
Brown sugar: Adds depth and a subtle molasses sweetness to the apple mixture.
Ground cinnamon: The warm spice star that makes this pie so inviting.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle earthy flavor that complements the cinnamon.
Ground cloves: A pinch adds complexity and warmth to the spice blend.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling so it’s perfectly set once baked.
Vanilla extract: Enhances and rounds out the apple and spice flavors.
Lemon juice: Brightens the filling and prevents the apples from browning.
Unsalted butter (for dotting the filling): Adds extra richness and a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Egg yolk: Used in the egg wash to give the crust a beautiful golden sheen.
Milk: Mixed with the egg yolk for the perfect glaze on the crust.

How to Make Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Chill the Pie Dough

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. Then, cut in the chilled, diced butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just starts to come together. Divide this dough into two balls, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour. This chilling is crucial to creating that flaky, tender crust we all love.

Step 2: Make the Spiced Apple Filling

While the dough chills, toss your peeled, cored, and sliced apples in a large bowl with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. This combination ensures your filling is sweet yet tangy, vibrantly spiced, and perfectly thickened to hold its shape after baking.

Step 3: Roll Out Dough and Assemble the Pie

On a lightly floured surface, roll out one chilled dough ball to fit your 9-inch pie pan. Gently transfer the dough into the pan, trimming any excess edges. Pour the apple mixture into the crust, evenly distributing it, and dot the surface with small pieces of the unsalted butter for extra richness. Now, roll out the second dough ball and cover the filling, sealing and crimping the edges tightly to hold in all those delicious juices.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Cut several small slits into the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking, preventing a soggy crust. Mix together the egg yolk and milk in a small bowl and brush this glaze over the pie top for a gorgeous golden finish that will be the envy of all your guests.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the pie into the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes to jump-start the crust’s golden color. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35 to 45 minutes until the apples are tender and the crust is delectably golden. Allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack — patience pays off when enjoying this dreamy Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie Recipe.

How to Serve Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie Recipe

Garnishes

A warm slice of this pie is heavenly on its own, but topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream takes it to another level. A sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts or a dusting of cinnamon adds texture and an inviting aroma your friends and family will adore.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a cup of rich coffee, a warm chai latte, or even a generous mug of hot cider to complement the pie’s spiced apple flavors perfectly. For a festive touch, pair with a sharp cheddar cheese slice, echoing a timeless tradition that balances sweet and savory in a delightful way.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress at your next gathering, try serving mini versions of the pie in ramekins for individual portions or plate slices with an artistic drizzle of caramel sauce. Adding a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar can elevate the presentation, making this Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie Recipe look as amazing as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your pie loosely with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to four days, so you can savor every last crumb without worry.

Freezing

If you want to make this pie ahead of a busy holiday, it freezes beautifully either before or after baking. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap followed by foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen pies retain their flavor and texture for up to two months.

Reheating

Reheat your leftover slice in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes to restore the crispness of the crust and warm that luscious filling. Microwaving is quicker but might soften the crust, so the oven is your best bet for enjoying the pie as if freshly baked.

FAQs

What kind of apples are best for this pie?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are fantastic choices because they hold their shape well while providing a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, which complements the spices beautifully.

Can I make the crust ahead of time?

Absolutely! The crust dough can be made and chilled up to two days before baking. Just keep it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble your pie.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Using cornstarch in the filling helps thicken the juices. Also, baking at a high temperature initially gives the crust a good start before slowing the heat, and venting the top crust allows steam to escape, keeping it crisp.

Is it okay to mix different types of apples?

Definitely. Combining tart and sweet apples adds complexity to the flavor and texture of your pie, making it more interesting and delicious.

Can I use pre-made pie crust?

Yes, pre-made crust works well if you’re short on time. Just be sure to enhance the filling as described and follow the baking instructions to get the best results.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the comforting, warm flavors of this Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie Recipe. It’s a true testament to the magic of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. I promise, once you make this pie, it will become your go-to recipe for every occasion that calls for a sweet, spiced hug from the oven. So, grab those apples and start baking — your taste buds are in for a treat!

Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie Recipe

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4.3 from 241 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie features a flaky homemade crust filled with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples, creating the perfect comforting dessert for any occasion. With a balance of sweet and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this pie brings out the rich flavors of fresh apples baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
6 to 8 tablespoons ice water

Filling

6 to 8 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Finishing

1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon milk

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for initial baking of the pie.
Make pie dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. Add diced chilled butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Divide the dough into two equal parts, shape each into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Prepare apple filling: In a separate large bowl, mix the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Toss everything thoroughly to coat the apple slices evenly in the spice and sugar mixture.
Roll out bottom crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough ball into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Transfer the dough to the pie pan, pressing it gently to fit and trimming any excess dough hanging over the edge.
Add filling: Pour the prepared apple mixture into the crust-lined pie pan, spreading it evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of unsalted butter to add richness.
Roll out top crust: Roll out the second dough ball similarly and place it over the apple filling. Trim the edges to align with the bottom crust, then seal and crimp the edges to prevent leaking. Cut several small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
Apply egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk. Brush this egg wash mixture evenly over the top crust to promote a beautiful golden sheen when baked.
Bake pie: Place the pie on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35 to 45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown and crisp.
Cool before serving: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling helps the filling to set and makes slicing easier. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For best results, use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
Keep all ingredients, especially butter and water, very cold to ensure a flaky crust.
Chilling the dough before baking prevents shrinking and maintains texture.
The slits in the top crust help steam escape and prevent the filling from bubbling over.
Egg wash provides a glossy, golden finish but can be omitted or replaced with milk for a lighter crust.
Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to avoid a runny filling.

Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American