This post was created in partnership with ALDI. All opinions are our own. Are you ready for this? This really is the best apple pie recipe. Every single thing about it has been tweaked to perfection: the flaky crust, the rustic lattice, and the tender, spiced filling. Alex and I may have eaten one too many apple pies testing this recipe for you (oops!). But the end result is absolutely worth it. This apple pie is a stunner, perfect for Thanksgiving or any dinner party or holiday. We got all the ingredients for this pie from ALDI, our go-to for affordable, high-quality organic ingredients for holiday entertaining. Ready for everything you need to know to make the very best apple pie on the internet? Make this pie? We want to know! Tag @acouplecooks and @aldiusa on Instagram.Coupon: ALDI now delivers using Instacart! Use coupon code “ALDIACC” to get $10 off your first three orders of at least $35 (for first-time Instacart shoppers only).
What makes the best apple pie recipe?
Of course, “best apple pie recipe” is pretty subjective! Alex and I have designed this pie recipe to be exactly what we want in our perfect apple pie. Here’s what it’s got:
Rustic lattice crust and maple glaze. Thick lattice work gives the pie a stunning, rustic look. Painting on a maple glaze makes it beautifully shiny.Super flaky pie dough. This dough is perfectly flaky and tender, and the bottom stays perfectly crisp.Tender apple filling. The apples are tender and gooey, with just the right amount of sweet.Perfect spices. Using fresh ginger adds big flavor, and a hint of cloves makes it extra cozy.
Best apples for apple pie
What are the best apples for apple pie? We’re glad you asked. First off: if you can, use organic apples. Apples are one of the best fruits to buy organic! We used organic apples from ALDI. Here are what we’ve found are the best apple varieties that hold their shape and flavor in apple pie:
Pink LadyJonathon or JonagoldIda RedHoneycrispGolden DeliciousGranny Smith
Equipment you need for the best apple pie
All you really need for this best apple pie recipe is a pie pan and a rolling pin! But a few pieces of equipment are helpful if you have them. Here’s what we recommend:
Metal pie plate: A metal pie plate can help the bottom crust to come out crispier. But you can use any pie plate you have on hand!Pastry cloth and rolling pin cover: A pastry cloth and rolling pin cover help to avoid sticking when you’re rolling out the dough. If you don’t have one, generously flour your work surface and rolling pin. Microplane grater: You’ll use a grater to grate the butter when making the crust. A coarse grate microplane is easiest, but you can also use a box grater. Food scale: In baking it’s helpful to weigh flour because it can change based on environmental conditions. If you don’t have one, just measure the flour in cups and adjust the water as needed.
Simplify it: If you’re craving simple: try our Apple Crumble recipe instead! It uses similar ingredients but is quick and easy to put together.
How to slice apples: in a flash!
You’ll need to slice quite a few apples for this recipe. And we have a trick to make it faster! Here’s what to do: watch the 10-second video below! You’ll be surprised how quickly it is to slice the apple this way. (It’s my new favorite!)
How to make a lattice pie crust
The biggest area of technique in this best apple pie recipe is making the lattice crust! If you’ve never made a lattice pie crust before, it looks tricky but it’s actually quite simple. Here we’ll show you how to weave the lattice pieces, and then tuck them under to form with the bottom pie crust. Watch the 20-second video below to see how it’s done.
Error-proofing apple pie
Alex and I have done all the recipe testing and error-proofing of this best apple pie recipe so you don’t have to! Here are a few things we learned about pie making through this recipe.
How do you make sure the pie crust doesn’t shrink when baked? A few things: letting the dough rest after rolling it out helps. Placing the pie in the freezer between filling steps can also help.How to you avoid a soggy apple pie? The apple filling is cooked before baking to reduce liquid. Preheating the baking sheet in the oven helps to crisp up the bottom, and the pie is baked at a higher temperature (425 degrees) for the first 15 minutes. We also find using a metal pie pan can help to get the bottom extra crispy.How do you make flaky pie crust? Freezing the butter and grating it into the dough helps make sure the butter is extra cold, which makes it flaky. (We use the same trick in our Blueberry Scones.)
Serve it with…
Of course, the best apple pie is perfection with a high quality vanilla ice cream topping. Or, top with homemade whipped cream (or a fancy version: bourbon whipped cream).
Are you ready to make the best apple pie recipe?
The recipe below might look a little daunting, but it’s actually a baked good that’s easy to make! Just follow the step by step instructions and hit us up on Instagram if you have any questions. Make sure to tag us and @aldiusa if you make it: we can’t wait to see your creations! No reviews
11 tablespoons frozen unsalted butter 2 cups Baker’s Corner All Purpose Flour (260 grams) ¾ teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon baking powder ½ cup cool water ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice 2 ice cubes
For the filling
8 small organic cooking apples (2 1/2 pounds), such as Gala 1 tablespoon cornstarch ½ cup granulated sugar 1 ½ teaspoons ground Simply Nature Organic Cinnamon ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves (optional) ¼ teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger or ¼ teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon lemon zest plus 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon) 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the glaze
¼ cup Specially Selected 100% Pure Maple Syrup ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
Store leftovers at room temperature loosely covered with foil, plastic wrap, or with an overturned bowl. Reheat at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. When reheated, the glaze will not be shiny like after the original bake, but leftovers still taste fantastic!
