This isn’t just any apple pie—it’s the kind that makes you close your eyes with the first bite. Buttery, flaky crust cradles a filling of cinnamon-kissed apples so tender they dissolve on your tongue, balanced with a hint of lemon and brown sugar depth. No tough chunks, no soggy bottom—just pure, nostalgic comfort in every slice.
The secret? Thinly sliced apples, the right starch, and a double crust baked to golden perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🍎 Apples melt into soft, jammy perfection—never crunchy
🥧 Flaky, buttery crust that shatters delicately
💛 Warm spices + bright lemon = perfect balance
⏱️ 1 hour prep, then bake (worth every minute!)
💸 Costs under $8—feeds 8 generously
(9-inch deep-dish pie plate)
For the Crust (or use 2 store-bought crusts):
2½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup (2 sticks / 225g) very cold unsalted butter, cubed
6–8 tbsp ice water3½ lbs (about 6–7 medium) baking apples (see note below)
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
½ cup (110g) packed light brown sugar
3 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for extra clarity)
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter, diced1. Make the Crust
In a food processor, pulse flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter; pulse until pea-sized crumbs form.
Drizzle in ice water, 1 tbsp at a time, until dough just holds together.
Divide into two disks; wrap in plastic. Chill at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).
2. Prep the Apples
Peel, core, and thinly slice apples (¼-inch thick).