Hey y’all! If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort dessert, this Apple Pie with Flaky Butter Crust is the answer. Sweet-tart apples wrapped in a buttery, golden, perfectly crisp crust—it’s nostalgia baked fresh, and perfect for every gathering from holiday feasts to laid-back weekends. Friends and family will swoon over every warm, cinnamony bite. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie with Flaky Butter Crust

The crust is ultra-flaky thanks to real butter, making every bite irresistibly tender.
Balanced sweetness and spices let the Apple flavor shine through.
Perfect for both special occasions and cozy nights at home.
Simple ingredients, tried-and-true techniques, and bake time under an hour.
Leftovers (if you have any!) are just as delicious the next day.

Apple Pie with Flaky Butter Crust Ingredients

For the Flaky Butter Crust:

2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Pie Filling:

6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (30g) brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced (for dotting the filling)
1 egg + 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Apple Pie with Flaky Butter Crust Directions

Step 1: Make the Flaky Butter Crust

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Add in cold, cubed butter.
Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.
Drizzle in ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing until dough just comes together (not sticky!).
Divide dough in half, shape each piece into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Pie Filling

Toss sliced apples with sugars, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly coated.
Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to draw out the juices.

Step 3: Assemble Your Apple Pie with Flaky Butter Crust

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). On a floured surface, roll one dough disk into a 12-inch circle. Line a 9-inch pie plate with the crust, letting excess hang over the edge.
Fill with apple mixture and dot with diced butter.
Roll the second dough disk into another 12-inch circle and lay over the apples. Trim, seal, and crimp the edges. Cut 4-5 small slits in the top for venting.
Brush the top crust with egg wash, sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

Bake for 20 minutes at 400°F (204°C), then reduce oven to 350°F (177°C) and bake for another 35-40 minutes—until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours so the filling sets before slicing.

Notes for Apple Pie with Flaky Butter Crust Success

For best results, keep your butter and water as cold as possible for the flakiest crust. Learn more pie crust tips here.
Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for maximum flavor depth.
If the pie browns too quickly, tent the edges with aluminum foil during baking.

Variations on Apple Pie with Flaky Butter Crust

Caramel Apple Pie: Drizzle 1/4 cup of caramel sauce over the apples before adding the top crust.
Streusel Topping: Swap the top crust for a cinnamon-oat crumb topping.
Cranberry-Apple Pie: Add 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries to the filling for a tangy twist.

Required Equipment for Apple Pie with Flaky Butter Crust

9-inch pie plate
Rolling pin
Pastry blender or food processor
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Basting brush

Storage Instructions for Apple Pie with Flaky Butter Crust

Store leftover pie loosely covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To freeze, wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve warm slices topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream.
Pair with a mug of hot apple cider or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.
Try alongside a sharp cheddar cheese wedge for a classic combination.

Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Pie with Flaky Butter Crust

Chilling the assembled pie for 15 minutes before baking helps your crust hold its shape (check crust techniques at King Arthur Baking).
Leave apple slices thick (about 1/2 inch) for a chunkier, more toothsome filling.
Use a glass pie dish to better gauge doneness of the bottom crust. More tips for a perfect pie crust here.

FAQ: Apple Pie with Flaky Butter Crust

Can I make the crust ahead? Yes, the dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated, or frozen for up to a month.
Which apples work best for this pie? Tart apples like Granny Smith or a mix of sweet-tart varieties yield the most flavorful filling.
How do I stop a soggy bottom crust? Bake on the lowest oven rack and avoid overfilling with too-wet apples; this helps keep the bottom crisp.

Enjoy every bite of your cozy, homemade Apple Pie with Flaky Butter Crust—and don’t forget, a little ice cream never hurts!