Introduction
Looking for the ultimate apple pie that’s both timeless and foolproof? Fraîche Living’s Apple Pie checks all the boxes: a buttery, flaky crust paired with tender, warmly spiced apples—simple, satisfying, and endlessly comforting .
Whether you serve it à la mode, with whipped cream, or straight up, this pie is a crowd-pleaser year-round. The recipe leans on kitchen staples—no fancy ingredients needed—yet delivers big on cozy, home-baked flavor .
Ingredients
- Perfect Pie Crust: Use Fraîche Living’s tried-and-true crust recipe as your base
- Filling:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 8 cups thinly sliced apples (peeled & cored)—Granny Smith, Ambrosia, or Gala recommended
- ⅔ cup lightly packed brown sugar
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp salt
- Egg Wash: 1 egg + 1 tsp water
- Optional: Coarse sugar, for sprinkling the crust top
Timing
- Prep Time: ~20 minutes (plus time to roll out your crust)
- Bake Time: ~55 minutes total
- 15 minutes at 425°F
- Reduce to 350°F for approximately 40 minutes, or until apple juices bubble and crust is golden—use foil to prevent over-browning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F and prepare your favorite pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate.
- Make the filling: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-low. Add apples, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, lemon juice, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples soften (8–10 minutes). Let cool .
- Assemble: Place crust in pie plate, fill with cooled apple mixture. Roll out the top crust or create a lattice. Trim, crimp edges, and cut vents if using a solid top .
- Egg wash: Brush the top with egg wash (egg + water), sprinkling coarse sugar if desired .
- Bake: Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F. Reduce temperature to 350°F and bake an additional ~40 minutes, until golden & bubbly. Protect crust edges with foil if needed .
- Cool: Let the pie rest before slicing.
Tips for Perfection
- Use apples that hold their shape (Granny Smith offers tang, Gala or Ambrosia lean sweeter) .
- Chill the dough before rolling to ensure a flaky crust (tip from the perfect crust guide) .
- Avoid soggy crusts: Cook apples until slightly soft before filling—this ensures a crisp bottom crust.
- Use foil shields to prevent over-browning while finishing the bake .
Serving Ideas
Serve classic French-style with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or enjoy it straight up. It’s timeless comfort food at its best .
Storage
- Store covered at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For freezing, bake fully first, then freeze in slices; thaw before serving.
Conclusion
Fraîche Living’s Apple Pie is a masterclass in cozy simplicity: flaky crust, warmly spiced apples, and the kind of familiarity that feels like home. With clear steps and a trusted crust recipe, it’s your new go-to for holidays, cozy nights, or anytime you crave a timeless dessert. Happy baking!
