The smell of freshly baked Thanksgiving apple pie wafting through the house is like a warm hug from your grandma. Picture this: golden, flaky crust cradling tender, spiced apples that are bursting with sweet and tart flavors, all mingling together in perfect harmony. pumpkin pie twists for dessert It’s a dessert that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brings back fond memories of family gatherings and laughter around the dinner table.
Thanksgiving apple pie isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience that wraps you in nostalgia. Every bite transports you to cozy autumn days filled with fun, laughter, and the comforting aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg. savory turkey meatballs This pie is the star of the holiday feast, making it impossible to resist going back for seconds—or thirds! turkey and stuffing roll ups. must-try side dish for Thanksgiving. For more inspiration, check out this cranberry turkey stuffing recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Thanksgiving apple pie combines ease of preparation with a delightful flavor profile
- The visual appeal of its golden crust and bubbling filling makes it irresistible
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served at any gathering year-round!
Sharing this pie at Thanksgiving dinner always elicits gasps of delight from family and friends, making it an unforgettable part of our celebrations.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best crust texture; it helps achieve that flaky goodness.
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Unsalted Butter: Cold butter creates a tender crust; don’t skimp on quality here!
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Granulated Sugar: Sweeten those apples while balancing their tartness for a delicious filling.
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Brown Sugar: Adds depth and richness to the filling; use light or dark based on your preference.
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Cinnamon: A must-have spice that brings warmth and classic flavor to your apple pie.
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Nutmeg: Just a pinch enhances the overall flavor profile—like a cozy spice blanket for your apples.
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Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): For the best flavor combination, opt for a mix of tart and sweet apples.
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Lemon Juice: Brightens up the filling and prevents browning; freshness is key!
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Salt: A tiny pinch balances out sweetness; don’t forget it!
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Egg Wash (optional): Gives that beautiful golden sheen to your crust before baking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Create the Pie Crust: Start by mixing flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut cold butter into small cubes and blend until crumbly. Gradually add cold water until dough forms.
Chill the Dough: Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This step ensures a flaky crust when baked.
Prepare the Filling: While dough chills, peel and slice apples into thin wedges. Toss them with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until well combined.
Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out half of your chilled dough into a circle about 12 inches wide for your bottom crust. Place in a pie pan gently.
Add Filling & Top Crust**: Pour apple mixture into the prepared crust, spreading evenly. Roll out remaining dough for top crust; cut slits or create lattice design for added flair.
Bake Your Pie**: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush top with egg wash if desired. Bake for 15 minutes then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake another 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Now you have an award-winning Thanksgiving apple pie that’s sure to impress everyone at your holiday gathering! For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving mashed potatoes recipe.
You Must Know
- Thanksgiving Apple Pie brings warmth and nostalgia to the table
- A flaky crust, sweet apples, and a sprinkle of cinnamon create comforting aromas that fill your home
- Embrace the imperfections—each pie tells a story, just like our family gatherings
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by prepping your apples while your crust chills. Then roll it out, fill with apples, and bake until golden. This sequence ensures that flavors meld beautifully while achieving a crispy crust.

Add Your Touch
Experiment with spices like nutmeg or even add a splash of bourbon for an adult twist. You can also swap in different apple varieties for unique flavors that suit your taste buds perfectly.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Thanksgiving Apple Pie covered in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, warm it in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to regain that fresh-baked flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use a mix of tart and sweet apples for depth of flavor in your pie
- Make sure your butter is cold to maintain that flaky texture everyone loves
- Don’t skip the chilling time; it makes rolling easier and prevents shrinkage!
Sharing my first Thanksgiving Apple Pie experience still makes me chuckle—I accidentally grabbed salt instead of sugar! The resulting “treat” was memorable but not quite what I intended.

FAQ
Can I use frozen apples for my Thanksgiving Apple Pie?
Frozen apples can work but may result in a soggier pie if not drained properly.
What type of apples are best for Thanksgiving Apple Pie?
A mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp creates a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
How do I prevent my pie crust from getting soggy?
Pre-baking the crust slightly before filling can help keep it crisp during baking.
Thanksgiving Apple Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
Description
A warm, inviting classic that embodies the essence of the holiday season. With a flaky, golden crust enveloping tender apples spiced to perfection, this pie is sure to become the star of your festive table. Each bite captures the nostalgia of family gatherings, making it an unforgettable experience. Perfect for sharing, this pie brings comfort and joy to every celebration.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 6 cups apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, peeled and sliced)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp salt
- Egg wash (optional)
Instructions
- Create the pie crust by mixing flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Gradually add cold water until a dough forms. Chill for at least one hour.
- Prepare the filling: Toss sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- Roll out half of the chilled dough for the bottom crust and place it in a pie pan.
- Fill with apple mixture and roll out remaining dough for the top crust; create slits or a lattice design.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush top with egg wash if desired. Bake for 15 minutes; lower temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (107g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg





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