How to Make the Perfect Apple Pie Crust
Updated: Aug. 31, 2020
Nothing's more classic than apple pie! An apple pie crust recipe can be difficult to perfect, but we're here to help.
There’s no doubt: A homemade crust will turn your orchard-fresh apple pie into a masterwork. But in most recipes (including our go-to pick) the ingredients list our apples, sugar, cinnamon and “pastry for double-crust pie.” Hmm. Not much to work with!
For any baker who needs a perfect apple pie crust recipe, here’s one that’s both flaky and buttery.
Note: Keep Your Cool
Your butter and water should be SUPER cold. That means ice-cold water (sometimes I add a couple ice cubes) and straight-from-the-fridge butter.
Don’t miss our other secrets for the best homemade crust!
How to Make a Classic Apple Pie Crust
Ingredients
For a double-crust pie:
- 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold butter, cubed (here’s why I use butter)
- 1/3 to 2/3 cup ice water
Instructions
1. Toss together the ingredients
Combine the flour and salt; use a pastry cutter to cut in butter until crumbly. Gradually add the ice water, tossing with a fork until the dough holds together when pressed.
Like with most baked goods, overmixing = flat desserts. You might be tempted to mix in the butter pieces, but be gentle so nothing falls flat.
2. Let the dough rest
Divide the dough in half. Shape each into a round, flat disk; wrap in plastic. Refrigerate 1 hour or overnight.
Test Kitchen tip: Don’t skip the rest time. It helps the flour fully hydrate so your dough will roll out like a dream.
3. Roll out your crust
Flour your rolling surface and rolling pin. Roll one half of dough out to a 1/8-in.-thick circle; transfer to a 9-in. pie plate. Trim the pastry even with the plate’s rim. Add your apple pie filling.
Then, roll out the remaining dough to another 1/8-in.-thick circle. Place it gently over the filling. Trim, seal and flute the edge. Just cut slits in the top and pop in the oven!
Test Kitchen tip: Keep a few disks of this dough frozen (tightly wrapped so it doesn’t dry out). You’ll be ready to bake up a pie at the drop of a hat.
Our Most Amazing Apple Pie Recipes
The Best Apple PieBoost your apple pie with a buttery crust, pre-cooked apples and an incredible filling with cider, cinnamon and lemon juice. —Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Looking for a quick recipe? Learn how to make fried apple pies.
Cranberry-Apple Lattice PieTwo favorite fall fruits bring out the best in each other — and rum works its own mellow magic. Few people pass up a piece of this pie. — Adri Barr Crocetti, Sherman Oaks, California
Creamy Apple Crumb PieI revised this classic apple pie recipe from a church cookbook. I knew it was a keeper when my mother-in-law asked for a copy. Linda Pawelski, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Farm Apple Pan PieApple slab pie is a terrific contribution to a covered-dish supper, picnic or potluck. It’s baked in a large 15x10 baking pan so it’s easy to make and tote, too. But be prepared—people always ask for a copy of the recipe! —Dolores Skrout, Summerhill, Pennsylvania
Cranberry-Almond Apple PieMy grandmother made this treat every year for Christmas. It’s much better than everyday apple pie. The recipe is a family treasure. —Maxine Theriauit, Nashua, New Hampshire
No-Bake Apple PieWe always have an abundance of apples in the fall, so I like to make this easy pie. My husband has diabetes, and this recipe fits into his diet ... but everyone enjoys it. —Shirley Vredenburg, Ossineke, Michigan
Blue-Ribbon Apple PieThis pie is special to me because I won a blue ribbon for it at the local fair and was able to compete at the state farm show. —Collette Gaugler, Fogelsville, Pennsylvania
Candy Apple PieThis is the only apple pie my husband will eat, but that's all right since he makes it as often as I do. Like a combination of apple and pecan pie, it's a sweet treat that usually tops off our holiday meals from New Year's all the way through to Christmas!
-Cindy Kleweno, Burlington, Colorado
Cinnamon-Sugar Apple PieCinnamon apple pie baked in a cast iron skillet is a real stunner. This beauty, with its flaky, tender crust, also works in a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. —Renee Schettler Rossi, New York, New York
Apple Crumble PieThe crumb topping of this apple crumble pie recipe is awesome, which may explain why dessert always disappears fast. Or maybe it's the chunky apple filling. Either way, it's a family tradition. —Vera Brouwer, Maurice, Iowa
Cookie Crust Deep-Dish Apple PieOne of my favorite make-and-take desserts, this deep-dish pie is based on an old Hungarian recipe that's popular in this part of Ohio. The easy cookie crust is the best part. —Diane Shipley, Mentor, Ohio
Originally Published: September 14, 2018
