This flat apple pie recipe combines the best of two worlds: the timeless flavors of a classic apple pie with the convenience of a sheet-pan dessert. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or when you’re craving a slice of comfort, this recipe brings all the coziness of a traditional pie without the fuss.
With flaky, golden crust layers encasing a juicy, cinnamon-kissed apple filling and topped with a drizzle of sweet icing, each bite is a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Make it for those moments when you want to serve something impressive yet homey—it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 8-10 tablespoons ice-cold water
- For the Apple Filling:
- 5-6 medium tart apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (to prevent browning and enhance flavor)
- For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, and gently mix until the dough begins to come together. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly, allowing them to absorb the flavors. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes while you roll out the crust.
- Assemble the Pie: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out one portion of the dough on a lightly floured surface to fit the size of your baking sheet. Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared sheet. Spoon the apple filling evenly over the bottom crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Top with the Second Crust: Roll out the second portion of dough and place it over the apple filling, covering it completely. Press the edges together and crimp or fold them neatly to seal the pie. Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. The delicious aroma of baked apples and cinnamon will fill your kitchen as it bakes.
- Make the Icing: While the pie cools, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the milk to achieve a pourable consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Once the pie has cooled slightly, drizzle the icing over the top in a crisscross pattern for a touch of sweetness. Allow the icing to set before slicing the pie into squares.
Conclusion:
Each bite of Mom’s Irresistible Flat Apple Pie offers a taste of tradition and simplicity, perfect for savoring life’s sweetest moments. The flavors blend harmoniously, from the warmth of cinnamon-kissed apples to the buttery, flaky crust, while the drizzle of icing adds a sweet finish. This flat pie’s unique shape also makes it easy to serve at parties, picnics, and family dinners, giving everyone a slice of comfort and nostalgia.
It’s more than just a dessert—it’s a delicious reminder of homemade goodness that connects generations. Enjoy the joy of baking and sharing with loved ones, knowing that each piece holds the magic of familiar flavors and cherished memories. So whether you’re recreating family favorites or making new ones, this recipe will surely become a tradition for years to come.
