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Deep Dish Apple Pie Recipe

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This deep dish apple pie has a flaky golden pie crust that is filled with 2″ of sweetly spiced, crisp apples and optional sliced almonds and golden raisins. Great for a crowd! For smaller portions, try my apple turnovers.

A huge slice of apple pie with a golden brown crust and topped with vanilla ice cream

When it comes to apple desserts, I strongly believe in going big or going home. Though I guess in this case I'm going big at home, so… that expression doesn't really work.

That's why I couldn't just post a regular apple pie. Much like my favorite kind of pizza from my hometown, we're going deep dish.

What is a deep dish apple pie?

A deep dish apple pie is basically exactly what it sounds like: an apple pie made in a deep dish. In this case, we're making it in an 9″x13″ casserole dish, with apple pie filling two inches high.

How does a Dutch apple pie differ from a regular apple pie?

A Dutch apple pie has a sweeter streusel topping, while a regular apple pie (like this one) has a pastry, pie crust topping.

How to make a streusel topping

If you want to swap the pie crust topping in this recipe for a streusel topping, here's what you'll need:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  1. In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except for the melted butter and whisk to combine.
  2. Add the melted butter and stir to combine.
  3. Sprinkle the topping over your prepared apple pie, and bake!
A pile of peeled apples on a cutting board

What kind of apples are best for apple pie?

The goal in picking your apples for your pie is to use an apple (or mix of apples) that can hold up to baking – because not all apples can!

  • Granny Smith apples are tart and hold up well to baking.
  • Honeycrisp apples are always in my fridge! They’re great for snacking because of their firm, crisp texture, but they’re also great for baking because they hold up well and have a sweet flavor.
  • Pink Lady apples are also a great snacking apple, are crisp, and have a good combination of sweet and tart flavors.
  • Braeburn apples are usually easy to find, they’re crisp, have a strong flavor and hold up well to baking without getting mushy.
  • Gala and Golden Delicious apples are also usually pretty accessible, have more mild flavors and hold up well in the oven.

How to make deep dish apple pie

A pie crust unrolled on a white floured countertop

Step 1: Remove the crusts from one box (2 pie crusts in total). On a lightly floured surface, unroll and stack the two crusts on top of one another.

A pie crust unrolled on a white floured countertop next to a rolling pin

Step 2: Roll into a 12″x18″ rectangle.

Pie crust placed inside a casserole dish

Step 3: Press into a 9″x13″ pan so that it's firmly pressed into the bottom and sides, with a slight overhang on the edges. Repeat this process for the remaining 2 crusts and set them aside.

Granulated sugar being poured into a clear bowl of diced apples

Step 4: In a large bowl, stir to combine apples, lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, flour, raisins and almonds (if using).

A clear bowl full of spiced diced apples

Step 5: Toss and stir to coat the apples.

Diced apple filling inside a pie crust

Step 6: Transfer this apple mixture into the prepared crust in an even layer.

Closeup of the top of a pie crust edge with dough scraps on the side

Step 7: Place the other prepared crust on top of the filling and pinch the edges of the crusts together all the way around the pan to create a seal. If needed, use a pairing knife to trim the excess crust around the edges.

Overhead shot of a floured pie crust with pinched edges

If you'd like to make pie crust decorations, save that excess dough and read the notes at the bottom of the recipe card for how to use them to decorate your pie before baking.

Overhead shot of a pie coated with yellow egg wash and sparkling sugar

Step 8: Brush your egg wash over the top and edges of the crust, then use a paring knife to cut a few slits in the top of the crust to allow the filling to breathe. Add sparkling sugar across the top, if desired.

Close up of a golden brown apple pie crust

Step 9: Bake for 35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Check on it after 20 minutes – if it appears the top is browning more than you'd like, loosely cover the top with foil for the remaining baking time.

How to prepare apple pie ahead of time

To save yourself time the day you want to bake it, you can prepare your apple pie the night before!

Follow all the steps and stop before brushing with the egg wash, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. After removing from the fridge, follow the rest of the steps in the recipe card and bake as normal.

Why is the egg wash important?

The egg wash is just an egg beaten with water, milk or cream. It helps to seal the edges of the pastry together, and also adds a golden luster to the finished product.

What happens if you don't add the egg wash?

The pastry will just look more pale and doughy and, to be honest, look sort of… unfinished.

If you’re allergic to eggs, vegan, or just straight up don’t have any around the house, you can melt 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil or unsalted butter and lightly brush that on top instead.

Want to add pie crust decorations?

They won't stick to the crust top you already have on your pie, but if you wanted to add some pie crust leaves with a little whipped cream and sugared cranberries to the tops of slices for a little somethin' somethin' when serving, this is a cute way to do it.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the excess dough scraps to about 1/8″ thickness. Using pie crust/pastry stamps to cut into as many shapes as you'd like, then decorate the top of your pie as desired prior to baking.

Can I make this in a round pie dish?

If you'd prefer to make this in a 9″ pie dish, cut the recipe in half.

For other sized pans, check out my post about converting recipes for different pan sizes.

How to slice apple pie

This might sound like a silly thing to call out, but there actually is a better way to slice it than just taking the biggest knife you can find and dragging it through the pie.

Apple pie is easier to slice when cold because it's more set and the apple pie filling won't fall out and apart as easily. So you at least want it to be cooled completely to room temperature before slicing.

Use a serrated knife to score the top and edges of the crust (just press it into the top, don't drag it), then use a pairing knife to cut each slice all the way through. 

How to store apple pie

After the pie has completely cooled, you can cover it with plastic wrap or foil and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep in mind as time goes on, the crust will lose its crispness and crunch.

You can either slice it before storing it, or slice it each time you go in for a snack. I personally like to slice it before storage so that I can just lift it out of the pan, give it a quick reheat in the microwave and dig in :)

How to reheat apple pie

I'm going to be honest with you: I almost never reheat my pie slices the best way. I throw it on a plate, stick it in the microwave for 1 minute, and then pile whipped cream and ice cream on top and shove it in my face.

The right way to reheat apple pie is to place it on a baking sheet and bake at 350ºF for about 5 minutes.

Overshot shot of a slice of apple pie with a golden brown crust and topped with vanilla ice cream

FAQs

How to thicken up an overly watery apple pie filling?

We add a thickener, namely flour, to the apple pie filling before baking to help prevent the pie filling from being too thin or liquidy. The rule of thumb is to use 1/2 teaspoon of flour for each cup of diced apples, but you can add if needed.

How to make apple pie filling without flour?

If you don't have or can't use flour in the apple pie filling, you can substitute the flour for cornstarch, tapioca starch or arrowroot powder instead.

How does a Dutch apple pie differ from a regular apple pie?

A Dutch apple pie has a sweeter streusel topping, while a regular apple pie has a pastry, pie crust topping. If you wanted to swap the pie crust topping in this recipe for a streusel topping, check the body of the post for the recipe for an easy streusel topping!

How many apples are needed for an apple pie?

For a deep dish apple pie, I find 7-9 large apples are needed for a thick filling.

Does the type of apple matter for apple pie?

You want to use a type of apple (or mix of apples) that can hold up to baking and have a crisp texture.

How to use the extra apple pie filling that didn't fit into the pie?

I love to use extra apple pie filling as a dip – cinnamon pita chips are the perfect accompaniment!

Can I make this pie in a round pie dish?

If you'd prefer to make this in a 9″ pie dish, cut the recipe in half. For other sized pans, check out my post about converting recipes for different pan sizes.

Leaving a comment and star rating is a great (and free) way to support Stress Baking. After you've enjoyed this recipe, click on the stars below and leave a comment to share your experience – thank you!

Deep Dish Apple Pie Recipe

5 from 3 votes
This deep dish apple pie has a flaky golden pie crust that is filled with 2" of sweetly spiced, crisp apples and optional sliced almonds and golden raisins. Great for a crowd!
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12 slices

Ingredients
 

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425°F.
  • Remove the crusts from one box (2 pie crusts in total). On a lightly floured surface, unroll and stack the 2 crusts on top of one another, and roll into a 12"x18" rectangle. Press into a 9"x13" pan so that it's firmly pressed into the bottom and sides, with a slight overhang on the edges.
    2 14.1 ounce boxes premade refrigerated pie crusts
  • Repeat this process for the remaining 2 crusts and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, stir to combine apples, lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, flour, and raisins and almonds (if using). Transfer this apple mixture into the prepared crust in an even layer.
    8 cups (1 kg) peeled and chopped apples
    Juice of 1 lemon
    3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
    1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
    1/4 teaspoon (¼ teaspoon) ground nutmeg
    1/8 teaspoon (⅛ teaspoon) ground ginger
    1/4 cup (31 ¼ g) all-purpose flour
    1 cup (145 g) golden raisins
    1 cup (108 g) sliced or slivered almonds
  • Place the other prepared crust on top of the filling and pinch the edges of the crusts together all the way around the pan to create a seal. If needed, use a pairing knife to trim the excess crust around the edges.
    If you'd like to make pie crust decorations, save that excess dough and read the notes at the bottom of the recipe card for how to use them to decorate your pie before baking.
  • Brush your egg wash over the top and edges of the crust, then use a paring knife to cut a few slits in the top of the crust to allow the filling to breathe. Add sparkling sugar across the top, if desired.
    1 egg
    Raw or sparkling sugar
  • Bake for 35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Check on it after 20 minutes – if it appears the top is browning more than you'd like, loosely cover the top with foil for the remaining baking time.
  • Transfer to a wire rack to cool in the pan completely (usually a few hours).
  • Top with sugared cranberries and/or a maple drizzle, slice into 8 huge (pictured) or 12 regular sized pieces. Serve with whipped cream, Cool Whip and/or vanilla ice cream and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Preparing the night before: Follow all the steps and stop before brushing with the egg wash, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. After removing from the fridge, follow the rest of the steps and bake.
Pie crust decorations: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the excess dough scraps to about 1/8″ thickness. Using pie crust/pastry stamps to cut into as many shapes as you'd like, then decorate the top of your pie as desired prior to baking.
Slicing: This pie is easier to slice when cold, so you at least want it to be cooled completely to room temperature before slicing. Use a serrated knife to score the top and edges of the crust (just press it into the top, don't drag it), then use a pairing knife to cut each slice all the way through. 
Streusel topping swap: If you wanted to swap the pie crust topping in this recipe for a streusel topping, you'll need:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except for the melted butter and whisk to combine. Add the melted butter and stir to combine. Sprinkle the topping over your prepared apple pie, and bake according to recipe directions.
Storage: After the pie has completely cooled, you can cover it with plastic wrap or foil and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep in mind as time goes on, the crust will lose its crispness and crunch.
Pie dish: If you'd prefer to make this in a 9″ pie dish, cut the recipe in half. For other sized pans, check out my post about converting recipes for different pan sizes.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 197kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 254mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 67IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition Disclaimer

The provided nutrition information is generated by an automatic API and does not take variations across specific brands into account. This information is provided as a general guideline and should not be treated as official calculations. Learn more here.

Recipe created by Leslie Kiszka

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2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    5 star pie!! I made it with the streusel topping in a 9” round, with the maple drizzle from the Paleo Galette as suggested. Make sure you cut everything in half if you’re just making a 9” pie, I definitely messed that up and ended up with two pies. There are worse things!

    This was total and the star of thanksgiving this year. Awesome recipe.