A classic comfort dessert that blends the warm, cinnamon-spiced flavors of homemade apple pie with the cold creaminess of vanilla ice cream. I love how the rich, flaky crust wraps around tender apples to create that perfect mix of textures — and adding ice cream just takes it over the top. It’s the kind of dessert I turn to when I want something nostalgic and heartwarming.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the crust:
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp granulated sugar
6–8 tbsp ice water
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the filling:
6 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp lemon juice
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For assembly:
1 egg, beaten
1 tbsp milk
Sugar for sprinkling
To serve:
Vanilla ice cream
Directions
I start by whisking together the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Then I cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fork until it looks like coarse crumbs.
I add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Then I divide it into two disks, wrap them in plastic, and chill for at least an hour.
Next I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
While the dough chills, I toss the sliced apples with both sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla in a large bowl until they’re evenly coated.
I roll out one of the dough disks and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Then I pile in the apple filling and dot it with butter.
I roll out the second dough disk and lay it over the top, trimming and crimping the edges. I either cut slits or create a lattice, depending on the mood.
Then I whisk the egg with milk, brush it over the crust, and sprinkle on a little sugar for that golden finish.
I bake the pie for 50–60 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. If the edges brown too fast, I cover them with foil.
Once out of the oven, I let it cool slightly before slicing and serving warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories per Serving: Approximately 410 kcal
Variations
I sometimes use a mix of apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter filling.
For extra flavor, I stir in a bit of ground ginger or cloves to the filling.
I swap in a gluten-free flour blend to make the crust gluten-free.
Instead of a full top crust, I make a streusel topping for a crumb pie version.
For a boozy twist, I splash in a tablespoon of bourbon or apple brandy into the filling.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I place a slice in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or microwave it for 30–45 seconds until warmed through. I always add the ice cream right before serving — it’s not the same without it.
FAQs
What are the best apples to use for apple pie?
I prefer Granny Smith apples because they hold their shape and add a nice tart contrast to the sweet filling. But I sometimes mix in sweeter varieties for depth of flavor.
Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?
Yes, I often make the dough a day or two in advance. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days or can be frozen for a month.
How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
I make sure the filling isn’t too juicy and sometimes pre-bake the bottom crust slightly. Also, baking on a lower oven rack helps the bottom cook more evenly.
Can I freeze apple pie?
Absolutely. I freeze the unbaked pie after assembling it. When I’m ready to bake, I pop it into the oven straight from the freezer, adding an extra 15–20 minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of vanilla ice cream?
While I love the classic pairing, I sometimes use cinnamon or caramel swirl ice cream for a flavor twist. Whipped cream is also a great option.
Conclusion
Apple Pie à la Mode is one of those timeless desserts I come back to again and again. Whether I’m sharing it during the holidays or baking it for a cozy night in, it always hits the spot. The combination of warm apples, flaky crust, and cold, creamy ice cream is comfort food at its finest — and something I’ll never get tired of baking or eating.
Recipe:
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Apple Pie à la Mode
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic comfort dessert that combines warm, spiced apple pie with cold, creamy vanilla ice cream. The tart Granny Smith apples and buttery flaky crust create a nostalgic, indulgent treat.
Ingredients
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
6–8 tbsp ice water
6 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 egg, beaten
1 tbsp milk
Sugar for sprinkling
Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in cold cubed butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together.
- Divide dough into two disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until evenly coated.
- Roll out one dough disk and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Add apple filling to the crust and dot with butter.
- Roll out the second dough disk and place over the filling; trim and crimp the edges. Cut slits or create a lattice top.
- Whisk egg with milk, brush over the top crust, and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. Cover edges with foil if they brown too quickly.
- Let the pie cool slightly before slicing and serving warm with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Use a mix of apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor.
Try adding ground ginger or cloves for extra spice.
Swap in gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Use a streusel topping instead of a top crust for a crumb pie.
Add a splash of bourbon or apple brandy to the filling for a boozy twist.
Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 30–45 seconds.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice with ice cream
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
