Pi Day Apple Pie
A classic flaky crust filled with tart apples and cinnamon, baked to golden perfection with a lattice top that celebrates the circle of life. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 115 minutes layers all-purpose flour, teaspoon salt, cold butter 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 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold butter
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 6 cups tart apples
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
- Step 1: For crust: In a large bowl, mix 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Cut in 1 cup cold cubed butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 1/4 cup ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough forms.
- Step 2: Divide dough in half, form discs, wrap, and refrigerate 1 hour.
- Step 3: For filling: In a large bowl, combine 6 cups sliced tart apples, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Toss until apples are coated.
- Step 4: Roll out one dough disc into a 12-inch circle. Place in 9-inch pie dish. Add apple filling and dot with 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. Roll out second disc, cut into 1-inch strips, and weave into a lattice top.
- Step 5: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 50-55 minutes until crust is golden and filling bubbles — cover edges with foil if browning too quickly. Cool 2 hours before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pi Day Apple Pie take to make?
Total time is about 115 minutes (60 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 Pi Day Apple Pie?
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 Pi Day Apple Pie?
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 Pi Day Apple Pie 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 Pi Day Apple Pie?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
