Pioneer Woman Apple Pie Recipe

The Pioneer Woman Apple Pie is the ultimate classic dessert that captures the heart of homemade baking. With its buttery, flaky crust and sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, this pie is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any time you want to bring warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen.

The aroma alone — apples, sugar, and butter bubbling together — is enough to make your home feel cozy and inviting.

A Quick Glimpse at Pioneer Woman Apple Pie

This apple pie is a traditional double-crust dessert made with a homemade pastry dough that encases tender apple slices tossed in cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar. The pie bakes until golden brown, with bubbling juices and a perfectly crisp crust. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s the kind of dessert that never goes out of style.

Other Popular Recipes

• Pioneer Woman 3 Ingredient Brownies
• Pioneer Woman Banana Bread
• Pioneer Woman Blackberry Cobbler
• Pioneer Woman Red Velvet Cake Balls
• Mary Berry Apple Pie

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Classic Homemade Flavor – Just like Grandma’s kitchen.
• Perfectly Spiced Filling – Warm cinnamon and nutmeg balance the sweetness.
• Flaky, Buttery Crust – Melts in your mouth with every bite.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Crust and filling can be prepared in advance.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert – Ideal for holidays and family dinners.

Essential Ingredients for This Recipe

For the Pie Crust:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 6–8 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6–7 cups thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For Finishing:

• 1 egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling)

Useful Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Pastry cutter or food processor
• Rolling pin
• 9-inch pie dish
• Whisk and spatula
• Pastry brush

Directions to Make Pioneer Woman Apple Pie

Step 1: Prepare the pie crust

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together. Divide into two balls, flatten into discs, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Make the apple filling

In a large mixing bowl, toss sliced apples with both sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the juices to develop.

Step 3: Roll out the bottom crust

On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Carefully transfer it into the dish, pressing it gently against the sides and bottom.

Step 4: Add the apple filling

Pour the apple mixture into the crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the top with small pieces of butter for extra richness.

Step 5: Add the top crust

Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the filling. Trim excess dough, then pinch or crimp the edges to seal. Cut small slits in the center to allow steam to escape.

Step 6: Apply the egg wash

Brush the top of the pie with a beaten egg, then sprinkle sugar over it for a crisp, golden finish.

Step 7: Bake the pie

Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 35–40 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.

Step 8: Cool before serving

Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set. Serve warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Runny Filling: Didn’t let the pie cool long enough — cooling helps the filling set.
• Soggy Bottom Crust: Baked the pie on the lower oven rack for a crisper base.
• Crust Too Hard: Used less water and handled the dough gently.
• Bland Flavor: Added a mix of tart and sweet apples for better balance.

Healthier Ways to Make Pioneer Woman Apple Pie

• Use whole wheat flour for a fiber boost.
• Swap sugar for honey or coconut sugar.
• Use less butter or replace half with coconut oil.
• Choose low-sugar apples like Granny Smith.
• Serve with Greek yogurt instead of ice cream for a lighter touch.

Ingredient Substitutions for Pioneer Woman Apple Pie

• Apples Substitute: Pears or peaches for seasonal variation.
• Flour Substitute: Gluten-free all-purpose mix.
• Butter Substitute: Vegan butter or shortening.
• Sugar Substitute: Maple syrup or brown coconut sugar.
• Lemon Juice Substitute: Apple cider vinegar for tartness.

Unexpected Ways to Enjoy This Pioneer Woman Apple Pie

• With Cheddar Cheese: A slice of sharp cheddar adds savory contrast.
• As a Breakfast Treat: Pair with coffee or tea.
• Topped with Caramel Sauce: Drizzle before serving for indulgence.
• As Mini Pies: Use muffin tins for single servings.
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: A timeless pairing for warmth and sweetness.

Best Tips for Pioneer Woman Apple Pie Success

• Keep Ingredients Cold: Ensures a flaky crust.
• Use a Mix of Apples: Balances tart and sweet flavors.
• Chill the Dough: Prevents shrinkage and improves texture.
• Bake on Lower Rack: Cooks the crust evenly.
• Cool Completely: Allows filling to thicken before slicing.
• Add Lemon Juice: Enhances the apple flavor beautifully.

Tasty Twists on Pioneer Woman Apple Pie

• Dutch Apple Pie: Add a crumbly streusel topping instead of a second crust.
• Salted Caramel Apple Pie: Drizzle caramel over the filling before baking.
• Spiced Apple Pie: Mix in ginger and cloves for warmth.
• Maple Apple Pie: Replace some sugar with maple syrup for a richer taste.
• Apple Cranberry Pie: Add tart cranberries for a festive twist.

Best Ways to Store Your Pioneer Woman Apple Pie

• Room Temperature: Keeps for up to 2 days covered with foil.
• Refrigerate: Store up to 5 days in the fridge.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months.
• Reheat Before Serving: Brings back that just-baked flavor.

Ways to Warm It Up Again

• Oven: Reheat slices at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one slice for 20–25 seconds for a quick treat.
• From Frozen: Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 25 minutes until warm.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 21g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 220mg

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FAQs

What kind of apples are best for Pioneer Woman Apple Pie?

A mix of tart and sweet apples works best — Granny Smith for tanginess and Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness. This combination gives a balanced flavor and texture.

How do I prevent my apple pie from getting soggy?

Blind bake the bottom crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling, or bake the pie on the lower oven rack to help the bottom crust stay crisp.

Can I make apple pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crust and filling a day in advance. Assemble and bake when ready, or bake the pie fully, let it cool, and reheat before serving.

Why does my apple pie filling spill over while baking?

Too much filling or not enough venting can cause overflow. Make sure to cut slits in the top crust to let steam escape, and place a baking sheet under the pie to catch drips.

Wrapping It Up

The Pioneer Woman Apple Pie is a timeless dessert that embodies the best of homemade baking — buttery crust, warm spices, and tender apples baked to perfection. Every slice delivers a nostalgic sweetness that feels like a hug from the inside out.