Easy Apple Pie Recipe with Premade Crust: Foolproof Fall Baking

Apple pie. The quintessential comfort dessert. The aroma alone evokes feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and cozy autumn evenings. But let’s be honest, making a pie from scratch, especially the crust, can be intimidating and time-consuming. This recipe takes all the stress out of apple pie baking by utilizing a premade crust, allowing you to focus on the delicious, spiced apple filling. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a homemade-tasting apple pie that’s secretly simple to make. This recipe is so easy, even a complete beginner can achieve pie perfection. Prepare for rave reviews and requests for seconds!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe’s success lies in its simplicity and smart shortcuts. Using a premade pie crust eliminates the most challenging part of pie-making. But we don’t sacrifice flavor! The apple filling is packed with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of allspice, creating that classic apple pie taste we all crave. The combination of different apple varieties provides a complex flavor profile and ensures the filling doesn’t become mushy. A simple cornstarch slurry thickens the filling to the perfect consistency, preventing a soggy bottom crust. Finally, a generous pat of butter adds richness and helps the filling caramelize beautifully. This recipe balances ease with deliciousness, making it the perfect choice for busy bakers or anyone new to pie making.

Ingredients

• Premade Pie Crust: 1 box (usually contains 2 crusts), thawed according to package directions.
• Apples: 6-7 medium apples (a mix of varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Gala works best), peeled, cored, and sliced.
• Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup.
• Brown Sugar: ¼ cup, packed.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons.
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon.
• Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon.
• Ground Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon.
• Ground Allspice: ⅛ teaspoon (optional).
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons, cut into small cubes.
• Egg Wash: 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of milk or water (optional, for a shiny crust).
• Turbinado Sugar: 1 tablespoon (optional, for sprinkling on top).

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gently unroll one of the premade pie crusts and place it in a 9-inch pie plate. Crimp the edges of the crust to create a decorative border. You can use a fork to press along the edges or create a more elaborate design with your fingers.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice (if using), and salt. Toss gently to ensure the apples are evenly coated.
3. Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the lemon juice. This will help prevent the apples from browning and add a touch of brightness to the filling.
4. Assemble the Pie: Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust. Dot the top of the filling with the cubed butter.
5. Top with Crust (Optional): If you have a second pie crust, you can create a top crust. Unroll the second crust and either place it whole over the filling, cutting slits to allow steam to escape, or cut it into strips to create a lattice top. If using a lattice top, weave the strips over and under each other, securing the ends to the crimped edge of the bottom crust. If using a whole top crust, trim any excess crust and crimp the edges to seal.
6. Egg Wash (Optional): If desired, brush the top crust with the egg wash. This will give the crust a beautiful golden-brown sheen.
7. Sprinkle with Sugar (Optional): Sprinkle the top crust with turbinado sugar for added sweetness and crunch.
8. Bake the Pie: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, tent the pie with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
9. Cool Completely: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This is crucial for the filling to set properly.

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Apples: A mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Gala, will provide the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overfill the Pie: Overfilling the pie can cause the filling to bubble over during baking. Leave about ½ inch of space between the filling and the top of the crust.
• Prevent a Soggy Bottom Crust: Blind baking the bottom crust for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling can help prevent a soggy bottom crust. To blind bake, line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, then remove the parchment paper and weights and continue with the recipe.
• Adjust Baking Time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Check the pie frequently and adjust the baking time as needed.
• Let it Cool Completely: Patience is key! Allowing the pie to cool completely allows the filling to set properly, making it easier to slice and serve.
• Use a Pie Shield: If your crust is browning too quickly, use a pie shield or strips of aluminum foil to cover the edges of the crust during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Apple pie can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.

Refrigerator: For longer storage, store the pie in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.

Freezer: To freeze apple pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight before serving. You can reheat the pie in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQ

Can I use different types of apples? Absolutely! Experiment with different apple varieties to find your favorite flavor combination. Some other great options include Braeburn, Fuji, and Pink Lady apples.

Can I add other spices to the filling? Yes! Feel free to add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the filling for a unique flavor twist.

Can I use a different type of crust? While this recipe is designed for a premade pie crust, you can certainly use a homemade crust if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

My filling is too runny. What can I do? If your filling is too runny, you can try adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to a small amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the filling and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the filling thickens.

My crust is burning. What can I do? If your crust is browning too quickly, tent the pie with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking. You can also use a pie shield to protect the edges of the crust.

Conclusion

With this easy apple pie recipe, you can enjoy a delicious, homemade-tasting pie without spending hours in the kitchen. The premade crust saves time and effort, while the flavorful apple filling is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a pie that will become a family favorite. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of fall with every slice!