Mom’s Flat Apple Pie

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE ?

Mom’s Flat Apple Pie: The Rustic, No-Fuss Dessert That Feels Like Home

When you think of comfort food desserts, apple pie is always at the top of the list. But let’s be honest—traditional apple pie with its lattice crust can feel intimidating. Enter Mom’s Flat Apple Pie—a rustic, no-stress version that gives you all the buttery, caramelized apple flavor without the fuss. This pie is baked flat on a baking sheet, creating golden, crisp edges, bubbling cinnamon-spiced apples, and a melt-in-your-mouth flaky crust.

Perfect for holidays, weekend baking, or even as a budget-friendly dessert for family gatherings, this recipe balances simplicity with the indulgent flavor of caramelized apples, brown sugar, and warm spices.

Why You’ll Love This Flat Apple Pie

• Easier than traditional pie – no top crust or pie dish needed.
• Extra caramelization – more exposed apples = deeper flavor.
• Crowd-friendly – slice into squares for easy serving.
• Perfect with coffee, tea, or even topped with vanilla ice cream.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Pastry cutter or fork
• Rolling pin
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet
• Pastry brush

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup cold butter, cubed
• 4–6 tbsp ice water

For the Apple Filling

• 6 cups thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp recommended)
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (or flour)
• 2 tbsp butter, diced

For Topping (Optional)

• 1 egg + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
• Coarse sugar for sprinkling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Crust

• Mix flour and salt in a bowl.
• Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
• Add ice water gradually until dough comes together.
• Roll out dough on parchment into a rustic 12-inch circle.
• Transfer parchment with dough to a baking sheet.

2. Prepare the Filling

• Toss sliced apples with sugars, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch.
• Pile apples onto the center of the crust, leaving a 2-inch border.
• Dot with butter.

3. Fold & Bake

• Fold edges of the crust up over apples (rustic is perfect!).
• Brush crust with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
• Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40–50 minutes until crust is golden and filling bubbly.

4. Cool & Serve

• Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
• Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Baking Tips

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness.
• Prevent soggy crust by tossing apples with cornstarch right before baking.
• Rustic is best—don’t stress about perfect edges; the uneven folds make it charming.
• For extra indulgence, drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

>

Mom’s Flat Apple Pie

Mom’s Flat Apple Pie: The Rustic, No-Fuss Dessert That Feels Like Home

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup cold butter cubed
• 4 –6 tbsp ice water
• 6 cups apples thinly sliced (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp)
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp cornstarch or flour
• 2 tbsp butter diced
• 1 egg + 1 tbsp water optional, for egg wash
• Coarse sugar optional, for sprinkling

Equipment

• Mixing bowls, pastry cutter, rolling pin, parchment paper, baking sheet, pastry brush.

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix flour and salt; cut in butter until crumbly. Add ice water until dough forms.
3. Roll dough into a 12-inch circle on parchment; place on baking sheet.
4. Toss apples with sugars, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch.
5. Pile filling in the center, leaving 2-inch border. Dot with butter.
6. Fold edges over apples. Brush with egg wash; sprinkle sugar if desired.
7. Bake 40–50 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
8. Cool 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness.

Prevent soggy crust by tossing apples with cornstarch right before baking.

Rustic is best—don’t stress about perfect edges; the uneven folds make it charming.

For extra indulgence, drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.