A freshly baked delicious Apple Pie cooling on the counter has to be one of the best sites in the kitchen. The buttery aroma that fills the kitchen, mingled with the warm sweetness of caramelised apples, feels like a gentle hug on a chilly afternoon. This delicious apple pie is a simple circular creation, unfussy and homely, yet irresistibly elegant in its own rustic way. Its golden crust cradles tender slices of apple that have softened just enough to release their juices, while the surface glistens with a light dusting of icing sugar — a finishing touch that makes the whole thing sparkle like a memory from childhood.
Baking this delicious Apple Pie feels less like a task and more like a ritual. You don’t need complicated equipment or extravagant ingredients — just patience, good apples, and a sense of occasion. The beauty lies in its simplicity. As the pie bakes, the apples slowly caramelise on top, developing that rich golden sheen that hints at their sweetness within. Each slice of apple is slightly crisp at the edges yet soft in the centre, like the perfect balance between texture and tenderness. When you lift a forkful, the aroma of baked fruit and butter fills the air — it’s the kind of scent that makes the whole house feel alive.
One of the best things about this delicious apple pie is its versatility. It doesn’t belong solely to a particular season; it’s as perfect on a sunny afternoon with a scoop of vanilla ice cream as it is served warm beside a fire with a drizzle of cream. Still, there’s something especially satisfying about making it when the air outside begins to cool and the apples are just right — firm, juicy, and brimming with flavour. You can almost hear autumn whispering at the window while you peel and slice, imagining that first comforting bite.
The magic, of course, is in those caramelised apples. They rest neatly across the top, layered like overlapping petals, glistening as the sugar melts and bubbles in the oven. That natural sweetness deepens into something almost toffee-like, with little edges that catch the light. When dusted with a sprinkle of icing sugar, it’s as though the pie wears a delicate crown — simple, elegant, and effortlessly beautiful. You can’t help but admire it for a moment before diving in.
And the first bite? It’s pure delight. The pastry is buttery and flaky, crumbling gently at the edge, while the apples deliver a burst of warm sweetness with a subtle hint of caramel. There’s no overwhelming spice or fuss — just the pure, honest taste of fruit and pastry working together. It’s nostalgic, reminding you of Sunday dinners and family gatherings, of someone’s grandmother always knowing just how to make dessert feel special without trying too hard.
What makes this delicious Apple Pie particularly wonderful is how approachable it is. You don’t need to be an expert baker to create something that feels this impressive. It’s forgiving, adaptable, and welcoming — just like all the best home bakes. If your pastry cracks a little or your apples don’t line up perfectly, it still turns out delicious. In fact, those imperfections are part of its charm. They tell a story: of hands that worked the dough, of laughter in the kitchen, of someone sneaking a taste of the filling before it went in the oven.
When served, the pie slices cleanly, revealing tender layers of apple nestled beneath their golden surface. A soft trail of steam escapes, carrying that unmistakable scent of sugar and butter. Add a spoonful of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and it becomes a dessert worthy of celebration — though, truth be told, it’s equally wonderful eaten cold the next morning with a cup of tea.
In a world full of extravagant desserts and intricate patisserie, this simple delicious Apple Pie remains a timeless treasure. It reminds us that the most comforting dishes are often the simplest — those that rely not on perfection, but on warmth, care, and the love that goes into baking them. Every bite is a taste of home, wrapped in pastry and kissed with caramelised sweetness. And really, what could be more delicious than that?
Delicious Apple Pie
Ingredients
For the pastry:
- 250 g plain flour
- 125 g unsalted butter chilled and cubed
- 1 tbsp caster sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 tbsp cold water
For the filling:
- 5 medium apples Braeburn, Gala, or Cox peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 50 g unsalted butter
- 75 g light brown sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the topping:
- 1 tbsp icing sugar for dusting
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Rub in the cold butter using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.250 g plain flour, 1 tbsp caster sugar, 1 pinch salt, 125 g unsalted butter
- Gradually add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough just comes together. You may need more than 2 tbsp to get it just right.2 tbsp cold water
- Form into a ball, wrap in cling film, and chill for 20 minutes.
- Set your oven to 180°C / 350°F / Gas Mark 4 to warm while you prepare the filling.
- In a large frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat.50 g unsalted butter
- Add the apple slices, brown sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples start to soften and the sugar caramelises into a glossy coating.5 medium apples, 75 g light brown sugar, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.
- Roll out the chilled pastry on a lightly floured surface until it fits your pie dish (around 23cm / 9 inches). Lay the pastry into the dish, trimming any excess around the edges.
- Arrange the caramelised apple slices evenly on top.
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the apples on top are lightly caramelised.
- Allow the delicious apple pie to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Dust lightly with icing sugar just before slicing.1 tbsp icing sugar
16 comments
Such a comforting dessert, reminded me of the pies my grandmother used to bake.
The apples were soft and sweet inside but had a little crispness on top, absolutely delicious.
It’s such a simple recipe but turns out beautifully every single time.
A truly classic dessert that never fails to impress, I’ll definitely bake it again soon.
The pie was simple yet so elegant, everyone at the table went back for seconds.
Perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, the caramelised apples are heavenly.
This recipe is a keeper — easy to make and looks stunning when served.
The texture of the pastry and the softness of the apples were spot on, one of the best pies I’ve made.
So easy, so delicious, and that caramelised top makes all the difference — pure perfection.
Absolutely loved this Apple Pie, the caramelised apples on top were perfectly golden and sweet.
What a delicious shell with the succulent apple filling from happy. I would give it 6 stars if possible.
This Apple Pie was amazing — not too sweet, just full of natural apple flavour and buttery goodness.
The icing sugar dusting on top made it look like it came straight from a bakery.
I made this for Sunday lunch and it was the highlight of the meal, so warm and homely.
Beautifully buttery crust and tender apples, just the right balance of sweetness.
I really liked the caramelised topping, it gave a lovely toffee-like flavour that made it extra special.