Homestyle Cast Iron Apple Pie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making apple pie in a cast iron skillet. The cast iron pan ensures even heat distribution, resulting in a beautifully golden, crispy crust and a tender, perfectly caramelized apple filling. The combination of tart apples, cinnamon, and a buttery crust creates a timeless flavor that everyone loves. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. The rustic, homemade look and comforting flavors will make this apple pie your go-to dessert for any time of year.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the filling:

• 6-8 medium apples (a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preparing the crust:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork it.
4. Split the dough into two equal parts, flatten each into a disk, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Preparing the filling:

1. Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin slices.
2. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice until the apples are evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the juices to release.
3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Assembling the pie:

1. Roll out one disk of dough on a lightly floured surface to fit the bottom of a 10-inch cast iron skillet. Press the dough into the skillet, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides.
2. Pour the prepared apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
3. Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the apple filling. You can either cover the pie completely or create a lattice top by cutting the dough into strips and weaving them together. If you cover the pie, make sure to cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
4. Trim any excess dough, then crimp the edges to seal the pie.
5. Optional: Brush the top crust with a little water or milk and sprinkle with sugar for a golden, crispy finish.

Baking the pie:

1. Place the skillet on a baking sheet to catch any drips, then bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
2. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
3. Once baked, let the pie cool for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the filling to set.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10
• Prep time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time for the dough)
• Cook time: 45-50 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Add caramel: For a richer flavor, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top of the apples before adding the top crust.
• Spices: Try adding a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the filling for an extra layer of warmth and complexity.
• Use different apples: Experiment with different types of apples like Braeburn, Gala, or Fuji to find your perfect combination of tart and sweet flavors.
• Vegan version: Substitute the butter in the crust with vegan butter and the filling with maple syrup for a plant-based twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I make the crust ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day or two ahead of time. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. Let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before rolling it out.

2. Can I use store-bought pie crust for this recipe?

While homemade crust offers the best flavor and texture, you can use store-bought pie crust if you’re short on time. Just make sure to use a high-quality crust for the best results.

3. Can I make this apple pie without a cast iron skillet?

Yes, you can use a regular pie pan instead of a cast iron skillet. The recipe will still work perfectly, though the presentation may be a bit different.

4. How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

To avoid a soggy crust, make sure to pre-bake the crust for a few minutes before adding the filling, or be sure the filling isn’t too runny. Also, avoid overfilling the pie, as too much moisture can make the crust soggy.

5. What types of apples are best for apple pie?

A combination of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji creates the best balance of flavors in an apple pie. Tart apples help balance the sweetness, while the sweet apples offer richness.

6. Can I freeze this pie?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pie. Assemble the pie, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze it for up to 2-3 months. To bake, remove it from the freezer and bake as directed, adding 10-15 extra minutes to the bake time.

7. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the crust. Be sure to also use a certified gluten-free pie crust if you’re opting for a store-bought version.

8. Can I add a streusel topping instead of a top crust?

Yes, you can top the pie with a streusel topping made from flour, sugar, butter, and oats for a different texture and flavor.

9. How do I make a perfect lattice crust?

To make a lattice crust, roll out the top dough and cut it into strips. Lay half of the strips across the pie in one direction, then fold back every other strip. Place a new strip perpendicular to the first set, then fold back the opposite strips. Repeat until the pie is covered.

10. Can I serve this pie with ice cream?

Absolutely! Vanilla ice cream, cinnamon ice cream, or whipped cream are all fantastic additions to this warm apple pie.

Conclusion

Homestyle Cast Iron Apple Pie is the ultimate classic dessert, bringing together sweet, spiced apples and a flaky, buttery crust in a rustic, comforting way. Baking it in a cast iron skillet enhances the flavor and gives it a beautiful golden crust, making it a perfect centerpiece for any gathering. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers delicious results every time. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience!

Homestyle Cast Iron Apple Pie

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Homestyle Cast Iron Apple Pie is a classic dessert with a flaky, buttery crust and a spiced apple filling, all baked in a cast iron skillet for an extra-crispy golden finish. Perfect for any occasion, this pie is a comforting and delicious treat.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8-10 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1. 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
   
   1 teaspoon granulated sugar
   
   1 teaspoon salt
   
   1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
   
   6–8 tablespoons ice water
   
   6–8 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
   
   1/2 cup granulated sugar
   
   1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
   
   1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
   
   1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
   
   1 tablespoon lemon juice
   
   2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
   
   1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preparing the crust: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and cut into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough just comes together. Split the dough into two parts, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

1. Preparing the filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples. Toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
2. Assembling the pie: Roll out one disk of dough on a floured surface and fit it into a 10-inch cast iron skillet. Pour the apple filling into the crust, dot with butter. Roll out the second disk and cover the pie. Trim and crimp the edges, then cut slits in the top or create a lattice pattern.
3. Baking the pie: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool for 1 hour before serving.

Notes

1. For extra flavor, brush the top crust with milk or water and sprinkle with sugar before baking.
2. If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
3. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg