Grandma's Cozy Homemade Apple Pie Recipe

Why You’ll Love this Cozy Homemade Apple Pie

Ah, there’s something magical about a homemade apple pie that warms your soul from the inside out.

I can almost smell the cinnamon-spiced apples bubbling through flaky pastry as I write this.

You’ll love how this recipe balances tart apples with just the right sweetness.

The buttery crust, crisp at the edges yet tender underneath? Simply divine.

And those little pockets where the sugar caramelizes into sticky goodness? Heaven.

Plus, serving grandma’s apple pie means instant comfort for everyone at your table.

Who doesn’t need that simple pleasure in today’s hectic world?

Nostalgic, comforting, and absolutely delicious.

What Ingredients are in Cozy Homemade Apple Pie?

Creating grandma’s classic apple pie isn’t complicated, but it does require quality ingredients to achieve that perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spice.

The foundation of any great apple pie starts with a tender, flaky crust and continues with a filling of perfectly seasoned apples. Have everything measured and ready before you begin, and you’ll be on your way to pie perfection in no time.

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup shortening
6-7 tablespoons cold water
6 cups thinly sliced peeled cooking apples (about 2 1/4 pounds)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup raisins or chopped walnuts (optional)

When selecting your apples, think about variety. Mixing tart Granny Smith with sweeter Honeycrisp or Jonagold creates a more complex flavor profile than using just one type.

And don’t skip the lemon juice—it prevents browning and adds that subtle brightness that makes a good pie great. The raisins or walnuts are entirely optional, but they do add a lovely texture contrast to the soft, baked apples.

My preference? A handful of both for the perfect combination of chewy and crunchy.

How to Make this Cozy Homemade Apple Pie

Let’s start with the pastry, which is the foundation of any great pie. In a large bowl, stir together 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt until well combined.

Using a pastry blender (or two forks if you’re like me and can never find your proper tools), cut in 2/3 cup shortening until the pieces resemble small peas. This texture is essential—too much mixing and you’ll lose that flakiness we all crave.

Now comes the tricky part: adding 6-7 tablespoons cold water, one tablespoon at a time, gently tossing with a fork after each addition until all the dough is moistened.

Divide the dough in half, form each half into a ball, and on a lightly floured surface, roll one ball into a 12-inch circle. Transfer this to your 9-inch pie plate, being careful not to stretch the dough.

For the filling, combine 6 cups of thinly sliced peeled apples with 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a large bowl.

In a separate bowl, mix together 3/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg—these warm spices are what give apple pie its signature aroma.

Gently fold this mixture into your apples, along with 1/2 cup raisins or chopped walnuts if you’re using them. Spoon this fragrant filling into your pastry-lined pie plate.

Can you smell the cinnamon already? Roll out the remaining dough for the top crust, place it over the filling, and seal by crimping the edges.

Don’t forget to cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape—a few decorative cuts turn a simple pie into a showstopper.

Cozy Homemade Apple Pie Substitutions and Variations

Now that we’ve covered the basics of our apple pie, you might be wondering about ways to make this recipe your own.

The beauty of apple pie lies in its flexibility. You can swap the shortening for butter if you prefer a richer crust, or try a mix of both for the best of both worlds.

Not a fan of raisins? Dark chocolate chips make a decadent alternative.

For the apples, Granny Smith provides tartness, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness—or mix them together for complex flavor.

Can’t do gluten? A cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend works surprisingly well in the crust.

What to Serve with Cozy Homemade Apple Pie

What could possibly elevate a warm slice of homemade apple pie to even greater heights? I’m convinced it’s all about the perfect accompaniment.

A scoop of vanilla ice cream slowly melting into those cinnamon-spiced apple crevices creates pure magic. Can’t decide between whipped cream or ice cream? Go for both, I won’t judge.

For a more sophisticated pairing, try a slice of sharp cheddar cheese—trust me, the sweet-savory combination works.

Coffee balances the sweetness beautifully, while warm caramel sauce drizzled on top creates an indulgent treat that’ll make you close your eyes with each bite.