Mom’s Flat Apple Pie

Mom’s Flat Apple Pie

(Old-Fashioned Rustic Apple Pie That Brings Back Memories)

If you’re craving a classic, comforting dessert that tastes like childhood, Mom’s Flat Apple Pie is the perfect choice. This old-fashioned pie doesn’t require a fancy pie dish or complicated crust work — it’s simple, rustic, and packed with flavor. The flaky buttery crust and warm, spiced apple filling make it one of those timeless recipes everyone loves. Let’s dive into this cozy, homemade treat that fills your kitchen with the sweet smell of cinnamon and apples.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 6–8 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 5–6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

For Finishing:

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

Instructions:

1. Make the Pie Crust

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually drizzle in ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough begins to come together.
4. Divide the dough in half, shape into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

(Tip: Cold dough = flaky crust! Don’t overmix it.)

2. Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples.
2. In a large bowl, toss apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, vanilla, lemon juice, and melted butter.
3. Mix well until the apples are evenly coated and the mixture looks glossy and fragrant.

(Tip: The lemon juice keeps the apples from browning and adds brightness to the flavor.)

3. Assemble the Flat Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a rough 12-inch circle. Transfer it carefully to the baking sheet.
3. Spoon the apple mixture into the center of the dough, leaving about 2 inches of space around the edges.
4. Fold the edges of the dough up and over the apples, pleating as you go. This creates that rustic “flat pie” look.
5. Brush the crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a golden, sparkly finish.

4. Bake the Pie

1. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
2. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil.
3. Once baked, remove the pie and let it cool slightly on the pan before slicing.

(The smell will be irresistible — cinnamon, butter, and baked apples all at once!)

Serving Suggestions:

 

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• For a cozy touch, drizzle caramel sauce on top or sprinkle with extra cinnamon sugar.
• This pie is also delicious the next day — just reheat a slice in the oven for a few minutes.

Tips for the Perfect Flat Apple Pie:

 

• Use a mix of apple types for the best texture and flavor — some tart, some sweet.
• Chill the dough before rolling; it prevents shrinking during baking.
• Don’t skip the egg wash — it gives the crust that glossy, bakery-style finish.
• For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle a handful of chopped pecans or raisins over the apples before folding the crust.

Storage:

Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the oven for that just-baked crispness.

Why You’ll Love Mom’s Flat Apple Pie:

This recipe captures the essence of homemade comfort. It’s easy, rustic, and forgiving, yet it tastes like something from a fancy bakery. The crust is buttery and flaky, the apples are perfectly soft and caramelized, and the aroma fills your home with warmth. It’s a nostalgic dessert that brings everyone to the table — just like Mom used to make.