Timeless Cinnamon Apple Pie: 1 Perfect Recipe

Timeless Cinnamon Apple Pie has a way of making any day feel special. I remember my grandmother baking this every fall, the entire house filling with the most incredible aroma of warm apples and sweet cinnamon. That scent alone was enough to make my mouth water! It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a memory, a feeling of home. This classic cinnamon apple pie recipe is truly the best way to capture that nostalgic feeling, and I’m so excited to share how you can make this homemade cinnamon apple pie from scratch. It’s a labor of love, but oh-so-worth-it. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Timeless Cinnamon Apple Pie

This isn’t just any apple pie; it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll fall in love:

• An absolutely irresistible taste that perfectly balances sweet and tart apples with warm, aromatic spices.
• It’s surprisingly manageable, even with the homemade crust – a truly rewarding baking project!
• Enjoy an old-fashioned apple pie with cinnamon that feels like a warm hug.
• It’s a budget-friendly way to create a show-stopping dessert using simple, accessible ingredients.
• This recipe is incredibly family-friendly, guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• The prep time is reasonable, making it feasible for a weekend treat without taking all day.
• You get that authentic, comforting flavor you expect from an old-fashioned apple pie with cinnamon.
• It’s a fantastic way to use up seasonal apples, making it a sustainable and delicious choice.

Ingredients for Timeless Cinnamon Apple Pie

Gather these ingredients for a truly authentic taste of home. The key to the best apple pie filling cinnamon flavor lies in the quality of your apples and spices, along with a few simple tricks.

• For the Pie Crust:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – this forms the base of our flaky crust
• 1 teaspoon salt – enhances all the flavors
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar – adds a hint of sweetness to the crust
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed – crucial for that signature flaky texture
• 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water – use just enough to bring the dough together
• For the Apple Filling:
• 6 cups thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp recommended) – a mix of tart and sweet is perfect
• ¾ cup granulated sugar – adjust based on apple sweetness
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – the star spice!
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – adds warmth and depth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – brightens the apple flavor and prevents browning
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – helps thicken the filling
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces – adds richness to the filling
• For the Topping:
• 1 egg – for a beautiful golden egg wash
• 1 tablespoon milk – mixed with egg for the wash
• Additional sugar for sprinkling – for that delightful crunchy finish

How to Make Timeless Cinnamon Apple Pie

Follow these simple cinnamon apple pie instructions to create a dessert that will transport you back to simpler times. The aroma alone is worth the effort!

1. Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Cut in 1 cup cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining. Gradually add 6 to 8 tablespoons of ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix! Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill. This step is critical for a flaky crust.
2. Step 2: Make the Apple Filling. While the dough chills, prepare your apple filling. In a large bowl, gently toss 6 cups thinly sliced apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp is ideal) with ¾ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour. Let this mixture sit for about 30 minutes, allowing the apples to release some of their juices and the flavors to meld. This marinating step enhances the apple flavor.
3. Step 3: Preheat Oven and Assemble. Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a lightly floured surface, carefully roll out one disc of chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Gently transfer it to a 9-inch pie pan, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Pour the prepared apple filling into the crust-lined pan, spreading it evenly. Dot the top of the filling with 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, cut into small pieces.
4. Step 4: Top the Pie. Roll out the second disc of dough. You can either place it over the filling as a solid top crust (cutting steam vents with a knife) or cut it into strips to create a beautiful lattice top. Trim any excess dough from both crusts and crimp the edges together securely to seal. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon milk to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture evenly over the top crust, then sprinkle generously with additional sugar for a delightful crunch.
5. Step 5: Bake and Cool. Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips). Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling and tender when pierced with a knife. If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, loosely tent them with aluminum foil. Following these simple cinnamon apple pie instructions will ensure a perfectly baked pie. Once baked, place the pie on a wire rack and let it cool for at least 2 hours. This cooling period is essential for the filling to set properly, ensuring clean slices.

Pro Tips for the Best Timeless Cinnamon Apple Pie

Achieving that truly perfect cinnamon apple pie involves a few little secrets. These tips will help you nail it every time, ensuring your homemade dessert is a showstopper. Remembering what makes a timeless apple pie is all about the details!

• Always use a mix of apples, like Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness, to create a complex flavor profile.
• Don’t skip chilling the pie dough; it’s the absolute key to achieving that wonderfully flaky crust.
• Allow the pie to cool completely for at least 2-3 hours before slicing. This lets the filling set properly, preventing a runny mess.

What’s the secret to a perfect cinnamon apple pie?

The secret lies in balancing the apple variety for flavor and texture, ensuring your crust is perfectly flaky through proper chilling, and most importantly, allowing ample cooling time for the filling to set. For more baking tips, check out King Arthur Baking’s ingredient guides.

Can I make this old-fashioned apple pie with cinnamon ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the entire pie, unbaked, up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I avoid common mistakes with homemade cinnamon apple pie from scratch?

Avoid overworking your dough, as this leads to a tough crust. Also, make sure not to underbake; the filling needs to bubble to ensure it’s set. Finally, always let your pie cool properly before slicing! For more on pie crust techniques, see Food Network’s guide to pie crust.

Best Ways to Serve Grandma’s Cinnamon Apple Pie Recipe

This homestyle cinnamon apple pie is wonderfully versatile and tastes divine served in so many ways. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that brings comfort to any table. Here are my favorite ways to enjoy a slice of this classic dessert:

• Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream: This is the ultimate pairing! The cold, creamy vanilla ice cream melting into the warm, spiced apple filling is pure bliss.
• With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: For a lighter touch, a generous swirl of freshly whipped cream adds a lovely creaminess without overpowering the pie’s flavor.
• Alongside Cheddar Cheese: A slice of sharp cheddar cheese might sound unusual, but it’s a traditional pairing that cuts through the sweetness and enhances the apple and cinnamon notes beautifully.

Nutrition Facts for Timeless Cinnamon Apple Pie

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in each delicious slice of this classic dessert. This serving size provides a satisfying taste of homemade goodness. For more information on nutritional values, you can refer to USDA’s FoodData Central.

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: Approx. 350-400
• Fat: Approx. 18-22g
• Saturated Fat: Approx. 10-12g
• Protein: Approx. 4-5g
• Carbohydrates: Approx. 45-50g
• Fiber: Approx. 3-4g
• Sugar: Approx. 25-30g
• Sodium: Approx. 200-250mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

How to Store and Reheat Timeless Cinnamon Apple Pie

Properly storing your delicious timeless cinnamon apple pie ensures it stays fresh and flavorful. After baking, my first step is always to let it cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours. This is crucial for the filling to set properly. Once cooled, you can store it airtight at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3-4 days. If you want to keep this classic cinnamon apple pie recipe even longer, freezing is the way to go! Wrap the entire pie, or individual slices, securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating is simple! For a slice, microwave it for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through. For a whole pie or larger portions, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes if refrigerated, or 25-30 minutes if frozen, until heated through. This method brings back that fresh-baked warmth and aroma. If you’re looking for more dessert inspiration, check out our recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Timeless Cinnamon Apple Pie

Why is cinnamon apple pie so timeless?

The enduring appeal of cinnamon apple pie comes from its comforting flavors and textures that evoke nostalgia and warmth. It’s a taste of home, a dessert that feels familiar and special all at once. The simple combination of sweet, tart apples and aromatic cinnamon is universally loved, making it a dessert that transcends trends and generations.

Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are recommended for their balance of tartness and sweetness, feel free to experiment. Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn apples also work well. Using a mix of apple varieties will give your pie a more complex flavor and interesting texture. Just ensure they are firm enough to hold their shape when baked.

How do I get a golden-brown, flaky crust?

For that perfect golden-brown, flaky crust, chilling your dough thoroughly is key. This ensures the butter stays cold and creates steam pockets during baking, resulting in flaky layers. Also, don’t forget the egg wash! Brushing the top crust with a mixture of egg and milk before baking gives it a beautiful sheen and a lovely golden hue.

What if my pie is baking too quickly?

If you notice the crust edges browning too rapidly before the filling is done, don’t worry! Simply tent the edges of the pie loosely with strips of aluminum foil. This will protect the crust from over-browning while allowing the center to continue baking to perfection. This simple trick ensures your pie looks as good as it tastes.

Variations of Timeless Cinnamon Apple Pie You Can Try

While the classic recipe is divine, don’t be afraid to get creative with your timeless cinnamon apple pie! Here are a few ways to put your own spin on this beloved dessert, ensuring every slice is unique and delicious.

• Rustic Charm: For a more casual feel, try a rustic cinnamon apple pie with a free-form galette-style crust. Simply arrange the apple filling on a rolled-out dough circle, fold the edges over, and bake. It’s charmingly imperfect and equally tasty!
• Spiced Up Flavor: Elevate the spice blend for an even more aromatic spiced apple pie. Consider adding a pinch of ground cloves, cardamom, or even a tiny bit of fresh ginger to the apple filling for an extra layer of warmth and complexity.
• Gluten-Free Delight: Adapt this recipe for dietary needs by using a good quality gluten-free flour blend for both the crust and the filling thickener. Ensure your apples are fresh and your spices are pure for a naturally delicious gluten-free version.
• Cheddar Crust Twist: For a savory-sweet combination that’s truly old-fashioned, add about 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese to your pie crust dough. It complements the apples and cinnamon beautifully.

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