Description
This easy Apple Pie recipe uses canned apple pie filling enhanced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla for a quick yet flavorful dessert. Featuring a flaky homemade-style crust, it can be topped with a simple crust or a decorative woven lattice. Perfect for a comforting American classic with less prep time.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 2 prepared pie crusts (frozen, thawed in refrigerator)
Filling
- 2 (20 ounce) cans apple pie filling (21 ounce cans can also be used)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 Tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven temperature to 425°F to prepare for baking the pie.
- Prepare Bottom Crust: Roll out one thawed pie crust on a lightly floured surface, leaving about 1 inch overhang. Place it carefully in a pie plate and crimp the edges in a traditional pattern. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing filling and top crust.
- Prepare Top Crust: Let the second pie crust thaw until just flexible to prevent cracking. Roll it gently on a floured surface. For a simple top, keep it whole; for a woven crust, cut into ½ to ¾ inch strips with a pizza cutter.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the canned apple pie filling with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until well mixed.
- Make Egg Wash: Whisk together 1 large egg and 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl.
- Assemble Pie: Remove the bottom crust from the refrigerator and lightly brush its inside surface with egg wash, avoiding pooling. Evenly spoon the prepared apple filling into the bottom crust.
- Add Top Crust: For a simple top, place the second crust over filling, trim excess dough, and press edges to seal with the bottom crust. For woven crust, arrange strips over filling in a lattice pattern, trimming and sealing edges carefully.
- Brush Top: Lightly brush the top crust or strips with remaining egg wash. If using a simple full top crust, cut 4–5 small slits to vent steam during baking.
- Bake Initial Phase: Place pie on a baking sheet to catch drips and facilitate handling. Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes.
- Bake Lower Temperature: Reduce oven temperature to 375°F and continue baking for 20–25 minutes until the crust is golden and filling bubbles. Cover crust edges with foil or a pie shield if browning too fast.
- Cool Pie: Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours so the filling sets properly for clean slicing.
- Serve: Enjoy the pie warm or at room temperature. Optionally drizzle with caramel sauce and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.
Notes
- Use a baking sheet under the pie to catch any bubbling filling and ease removal from the oven.
- Chilling the bottom crust before adding filling helps prevent sogginess.
- Adjust cinnamon and nutmeg to taste for spicier or milder filling.
- Allowing the pie to cool fully before slicing ensures cleaner pieces and better filling texture.
- Freeze leftover slices wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American