The Best Apple Pie Recipe UK – Packed with Comfort and Classic Flavour
Few treats make my kitchen feel as welcoming as a classic apple pie fresh from the oven. This recipe is one I turn to every autumn, and any time I crave that golden, buttery crust filled with soft, gently spiced apples. The British style apple pie stands out from the sweet, syrup laden versions you might see elsewhere. It’s all about the perfect balance of tart Bramley apples, a lightly sweetened filling, and a pastry that goes flaky in the best way.
What I love about this apple pie is how down to earth it feels. The ingredients are easy to pick up at any UK supermarket, and you don’t need to fuss over complicated steps or special tools. Every time I’ve made it for friends or family, it disappears quickly, with leftovers tasting just as good the next day. This is a pie that truly brings people together around the table, sparking conversation and cosiness.
There’s something eye catching about the golden flaky crust, and the scent that fills the house when it’s baking is next level cool. Over the years, I’ve made little tweaks—like changing up the spices or adding a few slices of eating apples to the mix—but the essence remains the same: simple, honest baking that celebrates the humble apple. Let’s jump in and make a pie that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Reasons You’ll Love This Apple Pie
- No fuss pastry. You can use readymade shortcrust or whip up your own with basic ingredients.
- Apples do the talking. Bramley apples give the pie a lovely tang and hold up well when baked. You get those perfect slices, every time.
- Cinnamon spice kicks in. A hint of cosy spice adds comfort without overwhelming the apples.
- Great for any occasion. Perfect for Sunday dinners, family gatherings, or whenever you want that classic dose of comfort.
What You’ll Need – Apple Pie Ingredients
Gather up these essentials for your classic apple pie:
- 500g readymade shortcrust pastry (or homemade if you feel like it)
- 900g Bramley apples (about 5 large apples)
- 120g caster sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Pinch of grated nutmeg (optional but adds great depth)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 15g unsalted butter (cut into small pieces for dotting over the filling)
- 1 egg, beaten, for glazing
Step by Step Guide to the Best UK Apple Pie
1. Get Your Oven and Pastry Ready
Heat the oven to 190°C (170°C fan, gas mark 5). If you’re using homemade pastry, roll half out to line a 23cm pie dish and save the rest for the top. With readymade, give it a moment out of the fridge so it rolls easier.
2. Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and slice the Bramley apples about 5mm thick. Toss them in a bowl with the caster sugar, cinnamon, lemon zest, and nutmeg. Coating each slice helps bring out maximum flavour and starts to soften them.
3. Assemble the Pie
Line the pie dish with pastry, letting some overhang. Pile in your apple mixture, heaping it high since the fruit will cook down. Dot with butter before covering with the remaining pastry lid.
Roll out the rest of your pastry, place over the apples, and press the edges to seal. Trim away extra dough. Crimp with your fingers or use a fork for the classic look. Make a few slits in the top to let steam escape. Brush over with beaten egg and scatter with extra sugar for sweet crunch.
4. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the crust is deeply golden and bubbling juices show through the slits. If it browns too fast at the edges, cover them lightly with foil to protect the pastry.
5. Cool and Serve
Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the apple juices time to thicken so every slice holds together beautifully. Enjoy it warm with vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of custard, or all by itself.
Tasty Twists and Handy Tips
- Swap a few slices of eating apples in with the Bramleys for extra texture and sweetness.
- Prefer things sweeter? Add another tablespoon of sugar to the apple mix.
- For crunch, sprinkle a tablespoon of demerara sugar on top before baking.
- Chill the pastry before baking for the flakiest results.
- Leftovers are delicious cold, or reheat them gently in the oven for a fresh taste.
Apple Pie FAQs
Q: Can I freeze apple pie?
Absolutely! Freeze the pie before or after baking. If baking from frozen, tack on 10–15 minutes to the bake time and cover the crust with foil if it browns too fast.
Q: Does the type of apple matter?
Bramley apples are your best bet in the UK—they hold their shape, taste tart, and make for the juiciest slices. Other cooking apples or tart eating varieties can step in as well.
Q: Can I add raisins or sultanas?
Go for it! Mixing in a handful of sultanas or raisins adds a burst of sweetness and gives a nod to traditional British apple pie recipes.
Share Your Pie Success!
If you try out this classic apple pie recipe, I’d love to hear your experience. There’s nothing better than seeing your pictures, tips, or unique twists in action. Relax, enjoy a big slice, and savour a true taste of British comfort baking at its best!