Easy Pillsbury Apple Pie Recipe: Classic and Delicious

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a warm, homemade apple pie, especially when it’s made with the convenience of Pillsbury pie crust. This Pillsbury apple pie recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy a classic dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. With a flaky, golden crust and a sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, this pie is guaranteed to impress at any gathering or family dinner.

Whether you’re new to baking or just looking for a quicker way to make apple pie, this Pillsbury apple pie recipe uses Pillsbury’s pre-made pie crust, making it easy and hassle-free. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious apple pie in no time!

Ingredients for the Pillsbury Apple Pie Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need for this simple but delicious Pillsbury apple pie recipe:

To the Pie Crust

Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie Crusts (1 box, includes 2 crusts)

For the Apple Filling

Apples: 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
Sugar: 3/4 cup granulated sugar
Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
Cinnamon: 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Flour: 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (helps thicken the filling)
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (to prevent the apples from browning and add brightness)
Butter: 2 tablespoons (cut into small pieces to dot on top of the filling)

For the Top Crust

Egg Wash: 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water (for brushing the top crust)
Sugar: Optional, for sprinkling on top of the crust for added sweetness and crunch

How to Make Pillsbury Apple Pie

This Pillsbury apple pie recipe is straightforward and takes minimal prep time, thanks to the Pillsbury pie crust. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the perfect Pillsbury apple pie.

First Step : Prepare the Pie Crust

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Prepare the Crust: Remove the Pillsbury pie crusts from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, as instructed on the box. This makes them easier to unroll and handle.
Fit the Bottom Crust: Unroll one of the crusts and carefully place it into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently to fit the bottom and sides. Set aside.

Second Step : Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel and Slice the Apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples into even pieces. You want them to be about 1/4 inch thick for even cooking.
Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the apple slices, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice. Toss the apples until they’re evenly coated with the sugar and spices.
Add to the Pie Crust: Pour the apple filling into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot the top of the filling with small pieces of butter for extra richness.

Pro Tip: For the best flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This creates a balanced filling with just the right amount of sweetness and tang.

Third Step : Add the Top Crust

Cover with the Top Crust: Unroll the second Pillsbury pie crust and carefully place it over the apples. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edge, leaving about 1/2 inch overhang. Tuck the edges of the top crust under the bottom crust and press them together to seal.
Crimp the Edges: Use your fingers or a fork to crimp the edges of the pie for a decorative and sealed finish.
Cut Slits: Cut a few slits in the top crust with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape during baking.

Pro Tip: For a beautiful presentation, try making a lattice pattern with the top crust by cutting the dough into strips and weaving them over the filling. This gives the pie a classic, rustic look.

Fourth Step : Brush with Egg Wash and Add Sugar

Brush the Crust: Brush the top of the pie with the egg wash (the beaten egg and water mixture). This will give the crust a golden, shiny finish.
Add Sugar: If desired, sprinkle a little sugar over the egg-washed crust for added sweetness and texture.

Fifth Step : Bake the Apple Pie

Bake the Pie: Place the pie on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the slits in the top crust.
- If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or use a pie crust shield to prevent burning while the rest of the pie finishes baking.
Cool Before Serving: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This allows the filling to set, making it easier to slice and serve.

Tips for Perfect Pillsbury Apple Pie

Here are a few additional tips to ensure your Pillsbury apple pie recipe turns out perfectly every time:

Keep the Crust Cool: Make sure the Pillsbury pie crust stays cool until you’re ready to use it. A cold crust bakes up flakier and more tender.
Prevent a Soggy Bottom: To avoid a soggy bottom crust, consider brushing the bottom crust with a thin layer of egg white before adding the filling. This creates a barrier between the crust and the apple juices.
Let the Pie Cool Completely: Letting the pie cool for at least 2 hours ensures that the filling has time to set. Cutting into the pie too soon can cause the filling to run.

Variations of Pillsbury Apple Pie

While this classic Pillsbury apple pie recipe is delicious as is, here are a few variations you can try to put your own twist on it:

Dutch Apple Pie with Crumb Topping

Instead of using a second crust, top the pie with a crumbly streusel made of butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. This creates a crunchy, sweet topping that pairs perfectly with the tender apple filling.

Caramel Apple Pie

Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding the top crust for a rich, decadent twist on the classic. You can also serve each slice with a drizzle of caramel for added sweetness.

Apple Pie with Cheddar Cheese Crust

For a savory twist, add shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the Pillsbury pie crust before rolling it out. The salty, tangy cheese pairs surprisingly well with the sweet apple filling.

Mini Apple Pies

Use the Pillsbury pie crust to make mini apple pies in a muffin tin. Simply cut the crusts into smaller circles, press them into the muffin cups, fill with the apple mixture, and bake. These are perfect for parties or individual servings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Pillsbury apple pie recipe, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here’s how to avoid them:

Overfilling the Pie: Too many apples can cause the filling to overflow during baking. Stick to the recommended 6-7 apples for best results.
Underbaking the Pie: Make sure the pie bakes long enough for the crust to turn golden brown and for the filling to bubble. This ensures the apples are fully cooked and the crust is perfectly crisp.
Not Letting the Pie Cool: It’s important to let the pie cool completely before cutting into it. This allows the filling to set and prevents it from spilling out when sliced.

Pillsbury Apple Pie Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this pie?

Yes! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are the most popular for pies due to their balance of tart and sweet flavors, you can use other varieties like Braeburn, Fuji, or Golden Delicious for a slightly different taste.

Can I freeze Pillsbury apple pie?

Absolutely. You can freeze the unbaked pie for up to 3 months. Simply assemble the pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw—just bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

How should I store leftover apple pie?

Store any leftover pie at room temperature, covered, for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave or reheat the entire pie in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

How can I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

To avoid a soggy bottom, try pre-baking (or “blind baking”) the bottom crust for 10 minutes before adding the apple filling. You can also sprinkle a bit of flour or cornstarch over the crust before adding the apples to absorb some of the moisture.

Nutritional Information

While Pillsbury apple pie is certainly a treat, it does contain some beneficial ingredients. Apples are a great source of dietary fiber and vitamin C, making this dessert a bit more wholesome than some other sugary treats.

A typical slice of Pillsbury apple pie (1/8th of the pie) contains approximately:

Calories: 380
Total Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 58g
Sugars: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g

Storing and Reheating Pillsbury Apple Pie

If you have leftovers or want to prepare the pie in advance, here’s how to store and reheat it:

Storing Apple Pie

At Room Temperature: Store the pie at room temperature, loosely covered, for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: If you need to store it longer, keep the pie in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.

Reheating Apple Pie

In the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the pie loosely with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes to reheat.
In the Microwave: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Be sure to cover them with a damp paper towel to keep the crust from drying out.

Conclusion

This Pillsbury apple pie recipe is an easy, foolproof way to enjoy a classic homemade dessert without all the fuss of making pie crust from scratch. With its buttery, flaky crust and perfectly spiced apple filling, this pie is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, holiday dinner, or simply enjoying a slice with a cup of coffee, this pie is always a hit.

So why not give this Pillsbury apple pie recipe a try? With just a few simple ingredients and the convenience of Pillsbury pie crust, you can have a delicious, homemade apple pie ready to serve in no time!