Amish apple pie recipe is your go-to dessert for that old-fashioned, comforting flavor we all crave. This isn’t just any apple pie — it’s a time-honored classic passed down through Amish kitchens, filled with tender apples, warm spices, and a flaky, buttery crust.
So, why should you make it? Because it’s unbelievably easy, packed with homemade goodness, and perfect for family dinners, holiday tables, or anytime you’re craving a cozy slice of tradition. Whether you’re new to baking or a pie pro, this recipe delivers a perfectly balanced filling and a golden crust every time.
Love apple desserts? You’ll also want to try our Amish Apple Cake Recipe — another crowd-pleaser with rich fall flavors!
Table of Contents
What Is Amish Apple Pie?
Amish apple pie isn’t just any apple pie—it’s a heartfelt tradition passed down through generations of Pennsylvania Dutch home kitchens. Think simple ingredients, minimal fuss, and big flavors. No fancy lattice tops here; just a down-to-earth double-crust pie that lets the apples shine.
Some say “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” but with this Amish apple pie recipe, it’s the way to everyone’s heart. Ready to roll up your sleeves (and perhaps a floured apron) and make a pie that will have everyone asking for seconds? Let’s get mixing!
Why You’ll Love This Amish Apple Pie Recipe
Bursting with Flavor & Texture
Every forkful is a perfect balance of sweet-tart apples, warming spices, and a tender, flaky crust—pure comfort in every bite.
Budget-Friendly & Practical
No need for fancy ingredients. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh apples, you’ve got a dessert that’s wallet-friendly and simple.
That Special “Something”
We’re talking about a hint of cinnamon, a splash of vanilla, and a sprinkle of nutmeg that elevates this pie from good to unforgettable. The crispy top crust and juicy filling make it a standout. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
How to Make Amish Apple Pie Recipe
Preheat your oven, peel and slice apples, whisk up a quick filling with sugar and spices, assemble in a double crust, and bake for about 50 minutes.
Total hands-on time: roughly 20 minutes;
total time: around 1 hour.
This old fashioned sour cream apple pie–style crust is almost foolproof, and the filling? Pure apple bliss.
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Amish Apple Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 9-inch pie 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Amish apple pie features a flaky double crust and a warmly spiced apple filling. With sweet and tart apples and a touch of vanilla, it’s comfort in every slice.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water
- 6–7 medium Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples (about 3 lbs), peeled, cored, and sliced ¼-inch thick
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg, beaten (optional, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon raw sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add the cold butter cubes and cut into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, stirring until dough comes together. Divide in two, shape into disks, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon juice.
- In another bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour over apples, add vanilla, and toss well. Let sit 10 minutes.
- Roll one dough disk into a 12-inch circle and place into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Spoon in the apple filling and mound slightly in the center.
- Roll out second dough disk, lay over filling, trim and crimp edges to seal. Cut slits in top crust.
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with raw sugar if using.
- Place pie on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes at 425°F (220°C).
- Reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let cool for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
Serve with vanilla ice cream, sharp cheddar, or warm caramel sauce for a traditional Amish touch. Want a twist? Use the filling for fry pies by wrapping in small dough rounds and frying until golden.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Amish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
What to Serve With Amish Apple Pie Recipe
- Vanilla Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: The classic duo—cool, creamy sweetness balances the warm spices.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Yes, really! A slice of cheddar on a warm apple pie slice is a nostalgia-inducing pairing that’s as Amish as it gets.
- Hot Coffee or Spiced Cider: A steaming mug of coffee or mulled cider enhances the cinnamon and nutmeg notes.
- Caramel Sauce Drizzle: For an extra decadent finish, serve with warm caramel sauce on the side.
Top Tips for Perfecting Amish Apple Pie Recipe
- Choose the Right Apples: A mix of sweet and tart apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn) ensures balanced flavor and keeps filling from turning to mush.
- Don’t Skimp on Chilling Time: Cold butter is the secret to flaky crust. If your kitchen is warm, pop the dough back in the fridge for a few extra minutes.
- Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Sprinkle a tablespoon of flour or a thin layer of breadcrumbs on the bottom crust before adding the filling to soak up excess moisture.
- Watch the Oven Temperature: Beginning at a higher heat (425°F) helps “set” the crust quickly, but lowering to 350°F prevents over-browning. Use foil shields if needed.
- Avoid Overfilling: Too many apples can cause filling to bubble over, leaving a sticky mess. Pack apples snugly but not to the brim.
- For a Creamier Crust (Old Fashioned Sour Cream Apple Pie Twist): Brush the bottom crust lightly with sour cream before adding the filling. It adds a tangy richness and prevents sogginess.
Storing & Reheating Tips
- Room Temperature: Cover loosely with foil or plastic wrap for up to 2 days. The crust stays flakier if not completely airtight.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before reheating to prevent cracking.
- Freezer: Wrap completely cooled pie in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes until warmed through.
- Reheating:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place pie on a baking sheet and cover edges with foil.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through and crust is crisp.
- Meal Prep Idea: If you bake multiple pies (holiday planning, anyone?), slice and flash-freeze individual pieces. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic and store in freezer bags. Perfect for afternoon coffee breaks!
Final Thoughts
There you have it: a tried-and-true Amish apple pie recipe that’s destined to become a family favorite. The buttery, flaky crust and seriously flavorful filling come together with minimal fuss, making this dessert perfect for weeknight treats, special occasions, or last-minute dinner guest plans.
Remember, it’s all about letting simple ingredients shine tart apples, warm spices, and a tender crust can work magic without complicated steps.
If you’ve enjoyed this pie, don’t forget to explore our Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe and Amish Chocolate Whoopie Pies for more Pennsylvania Dutch inspiration.
We’d love to hear how your pie turns out, drop a comment below, share your photos on our Pinterest page, or join the conversation over on our Medium blog. Happy baking!
FAQs
Why are Amish pies so good?
Amish pies are beloved because they celebrate simplicity and quality. Amish kitchens focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients—like crisp apples straight from the orchard—and traditional techniques. The crust is often made by hand, using cold butter or lard for unbeatable flakiness. Minimal fuss means no overly sweet fillings or artificial flavors—just the true taste of home.
What is the secret to a good apple pie?
A great apple pie balances sweet and tart apples, uses a sturdy yet flaky crust, and incorporates just enough spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, maybe a dash of allspice). Prevent sogginess with a quick coat of flour or breadcrumbs on the bottom crust. Chill your dough, preheat your oven for that initial high-heat “blast,” and let the pie cool so the filling sets before cutting.
Should you cook apples before putting them in a pie?
In an Amish apple pie filling recipe, the apples are typically raw when assembled. As they bake, they release juices and soften to a perfect texture. However, some bakers prefer par-cooking (sautéing sliced apples briefly in butter and sugar) to intensify flavor and ensure uniform softness—especially if using very firm varieties. Par-cooking can also reduce bubbling over.
What are Amish fry pies?
Amish fry pies are small, handheld pastries made by sandwiching sweet fruit filling (apple is a favorite) between two circles of dough, sealed, and fried until golden brown. Similar to hand pies, they’re perfect for taking on the go—no forks or plates needed! Try our heritage take on them by checking out our Amish fry pie recipe (adapted from our applesauce cake foundation).
Happy Baking