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).

Amish Apple Pie Recipe | Old-Fashioned & Easy

Name: Amish Apple Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Amish
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)

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

Scale

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)

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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