Easy Apple Pie Recipe With Premade Crust

So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. But you still want to impress your tastebuds (and maybe a significant other, or just your cat)? Well, my friend, you’ve come to the right place. We’re talking apple pie, the ultimate comfort food, and we’re doing it the easy way. No fancy footwork, no hours of kneading. Just pure, unadulterated, delicious apple pie magic.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Let’s be real. Who has time to make pie crust from scratch unless they’re channeling their inner Martha Stewart and have a serious case of the baking bug? This recipe is your superhero cape in the land of delicious desserts. We’re talking about a store-bought crust, which basically means you’re skipping the most frustrating part. It’s idiot-proof, even I didn’t mess it up, and it tastes like you slaved away for hours. Plus, it’s ready in a jiffy, which is a win-win in my book. Seriously, it’s so easy, you’ll feel a little guilty. But only for a second, because that pie is going to be delicious!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts (the kind that comes in a roll, not the fussy tins). Two crusts are better than one!
• About 6-8 medium apples. Think Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix. We want that sweet-tart balance, baby!
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to your apple’s sweetness).
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (this is our thickening magic).
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (because is it even apple pie without cinnamon?).
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (a little goes a long way, don’t get crazy!).
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to keep those apples from browning and add a little zing).
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes (for that extra richness).
• 1 egg, beaten with a splash of milk or water (this is our egg wash, for that golden sheen).
• Optional: A sprinkle of coarse sugar for that fancy-pants sparkle on top.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Don’t skip this! A hot oven is your friend.
2. Gently unroll one pie crust and carefully place it into your 9-inch pie plate. Press it in gently, making sure it fits snugly. Trim any excess dough, but leave a little overhang for later.
3. Peel, core, and slice your apples. Aim for about 1/4-inch thick slices. Toss them into a large bowl.
4. Add the sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice to the apples. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. This is where the magic starts to happen!
5. Pour the apple mixture into your prepared pie crust. Don’t be shy, pile it up! Dot the top with those little butter cubes.
6. Unroll the second pie crust. You can either lay it flat on top and cut slits for steam to escape, or get fancy and cut it into strips to make a lattice. Whatever floats your boat!
7. Once your top crust is in place (or your lattice is woven), **crimp the edges** of both crusts together to seal them up.
8. Brush the top crust with your egg wash. This is what gives it that gorgeous golden-brown color. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if you’re feeling extra.
9. Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any rogue apple drips – trust me on this). Bake for 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
10. Then, **reduce the oven temperature** to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the edges start to get too dark, loosely tent them with foil.
11. Let the pie cool for at least an hour (or two, if you can resist the temptation!) before slicing. This allows the filling to set.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Thinking you don’t need to preheat the oven. Rookie mistake. Your pie will be sad and pale.
• Overcrowding the pie with apples. It sounds good, but it can lead to a soggy bottom. A nice, plump, but not *bursting* filling is key.
• Not venting the top crust. Steam needs an escape route, or your pie will get all watery and sad.
• Cutting into the pie while it’s still piping hot. Patience, grasshopper! You’ll end up with a delicious apple puddle.
• Forgetting the flour! This is the silent hero that prevents your filling from being a watery mess.

Alternatives & Substitutions

What if I don’t have cinnamon? You can use allspice or a pinch of ginger. It won’t be *exactly* the same, but it’ll still be tasty. IMO, cinnamon is the MVP here, though.
Can I use a different fruit? Absolutely! Pears are a fantastic substitute. You can also throw in some cranberries for a tart kick.
What about the sugar? If your apples are super sweet, you might want to dial it back. Brown sugar adds a lovely caramel note, too!
No nutmeg? Don’t sweat it. You can omit it or add a tiny pinch of ground cloves.
Don’t like butter? You can use margarine, but butter just brings a richer flavor. It’s your pie, though, so do what makes you happy!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I make this with store-bought frozen pie crusts? Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them according to package directions. They usually work like a charm.
My apples are a bit tart. What should I do? You can increase the sugar a smidge, or add a tablespoon of apple cider instead of lemon juice for a sweeter flavor.
Do I *really* need to let it cool? Look, I’m not your mom, but yes, it makes a huge difference to the texture. If you absolutely can’t wait, just have a smaller, slightly messier slice. No judgment here!
Can I add anything else to the filling? Sure! A handful of raisins or chopped pecans is delicious. Just don’t go overboard, you don’t want to take away from the star of the show: the apples.
My crust is browning too fast! What gives? That’s what the foil is for! Loosely tent the edges if they’re getting too dark before the filling is ready. Crisis averted!
Is this pie really that easy? Yes, it really is! The premade crust is a game-changer. You’ve got this!
Can I make this vegan? You can use vegan butter and a plant-based milk for the egg wash. Easy peasy!

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! A ridiculously easy, ridiculously delicious apple pie that will have everyone singing your praises. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, from a casual weeknight treat to a fancy-ish gathering. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it! Happy baking (or, you know, assembling)!