Classic Scratch Apple Pie with Cinnamon and Nutmeg
A flaky, buttery pie crust filled with tender apple slices spiced with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, baked to golden perfection. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 80 minutes layers all-purpose flour, (cold, cubed) unsalted butter, ice water into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (cold, cubed) unsalted butter
- 6 tbsp ice water
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 cups (peeled and thinly sliced) apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 (beaten for egg wash) egg
Instructions
- Step 1: To make the crust, combine 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 tsp salt in a large bowl. Cut in 1 cup cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 2: Gradually add 6 tbsp ice water, 1 tbsp at a time, mixing gently with a fork until dough just comes together. Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for 1 hour.
- Step 3: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, toss 6 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples with 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1 tbsp lemon juice until evenly coated.
- Step 4: Roll out one dough disc on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle and fit into a 9-inch pie plate. Fill with the apple mixture, mounding slightly in the center.
- Step 5: Roll out second dough disc into a 12-inch circle, cut slits for steam, and place over filling. Trim excess dough and crimp edges to seal.
- Step 6: Brush the top crust with 1 beaten egg for shine. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 40 minutes until crust is golden and filling bubbles.
- Step 7: Let pie cool at least 2 hours before slicing to allow filling to set.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Scratch Apple Pie with Cinnamon and Nutmeg take to make?
Total time is about 80 minutes (25 min prep + 55 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Classic Scratch Apple Pie with Cinnamon and Nutmeg?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Scratch Apple Pie with Cinnamon and Nutmeg?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Classic Scratch Apple Pie with Cinnamon and Nutmeg for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Classic Scratch Apple Pie with Cinnamon and Nutmeg?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
