The 20 Best Apple Pies Ever, According To Your Taste Buds
Apple pie is the ultimate comfort dessert—warm, nostalgic, and bursting with spiced sweetness. But not all slices are created equal. Some pies go heavy on the sugar, others drown in goo, and a few truly strike the perfect balance of tart apple, buttery crust, and just the right amount of spice. Whether you love them classic, crumb-topped, or creatively upgraded, here are 20 apple pies that your taste buds would absolutely vote as the best ever.
1. Classic Double-Crust Apple Pie
A classic never goes out of style. Imagine the aroma wafting through your home as the golden, flaky crust bakes to perfection. The tender, cinnamon-spiced apples inside are a nod to simpler times.
This pie, with its nostalgic charm, evokes memories of cozy family gatherings. It’s the quintessential comfort food that everyone recognizes and loves.
Each bite offers a balanced blend of sweet and tart, with a hint of cinnamon that warms the soul. It’s no wonder this pie remains a timeless favorite, capturing the hearts of many.
2. Dutch Apple Pie (Crumb Topping)
The Dutch apple pie adds a delightful twist with its crumbly, sweet streusel topping. Each forkful is a journey through layers of soft, cinnamon-kissed apples.
The crunchy, buttery topping perfectly complements the tender filling, offering a texture contrast that is simply irresistible.
This pie is not just a dessert; it’s a work of art, blending flavors and textures in harmony. It’s the kind of pie that makes you pause and savor every mouthful, a true testament to the magic of baking.
3. Salted Caramel Apple Pie
Meet the grown-up cousin of the classic apple pie. The salted caramel apple pie combines tart apples with gooey caramel and a hint of sea salt.
This pie is an indulgent treat that tantalizes the senses. The caramel brings a luxurious sweetness, while the sea salt adds a sophisticated twist.
It’s a pie that speaks to those who appreciate nuanced flavors and a little adventure on their plate. Perfect for those moments when you want to impress with something familiar yet exciting.
4. Brown Butter Apple Pie
Brown butter, with its rich, nutty undertones, elevates the humble apple pie to new heights. This pie is warm, bold, and sophisticated.
Each bite is a dance of flavors, as the brown butter adds depth and complexity to the traditional apple filling.
It’s the kind of pie that makes you feel wrapped in a cozy blanket by the fireplace. A perfect choice for those who appreciate a touch of elegance in their desserts.
5. Cheddar Crust Apple Pie
Sharp cheddar in the crust might sound unconventional, but it’s a match made in culinary heaven. The savory crust creates a delightful contrast with the sweet apple filling.
This pie is a sweet meets savory masterpiece, offering a surprising twist with every bite. It’s a conversation starter at any gathering.
The cheddar’s sharpness enhances the apples’ natural sweetness, creating a unique flavor profile that lingers pleasantly. A pie for those who love to explore new flavor territories.
6. Bourbon Apple Pie
For those who appreciate a little kick in their dessert, the bourbon apple pie is a dream come true. The splash of bourbon adds warmth and depth to the filling.
This pie is bold, beautifully spiced, and laced with a hint of boozy goodness. It’s perfect for chilly evenings when you need something cozy and comforting.
The bourbon elevates the pie, adding a robust flavor that pairs wonderfully with the apples’ natural tartness. A true delight for the adventurous palate.
7. Apple Pie with Maple Glaze
Imagine a traditional apple pie kissed by the sweetness of maple. The sticky maple glaze adds a layer of sweetness that complements rather than overpowers.
This pie feels like a warm embrace on a cool autumn day. It’s a beautiful blend of classic flavors with a hint of maple magic.
The glaze brings a glossy finish that makes it as visually appealing as it is delicious. It’s the perfect choice for those who enjoy a touch of autumn in their desserts.
8. Deep-Dish Skillet Apple Pie
Baked in a cast iron skillet, this deep-dish pie is the epitome of rustic charm. Its thick, juicy filling is encased in a crispy crust with a delightful edge.
Each slice is generous and satisfying, offering a hearty serving of apple goodness. It’s the kind of pie that comforts and nourishes the soul.
Perfect for gatherings, its rustic presentation adds to the appeal. This pie is all about depth, both in flavor and form, making it a standout on any table.
9. Apple Slab Pie
When feeding a crowd, the apple slab pie is a hero. Its rectangular shape maximizes the crust-to-filling ratio, making it ideal for crust lovers.
Every bite offers a perfect balance of flaky pastry and spiced apple filling. It’s the quintessential potluck dessert, easy to slice and share.
This pie stands out for its practicality and delightful taste, proving that sometimes, more really is merrier. A great choice for gatherings where you want to impress with ease.
10. French Apple Tart (Tarte Fine)
The French apple tart, or Tarte Fine, is an elegant take on traditional apple pie. It features thin, artfully arranged layers of apple on a light puff pastry.
This tart is refined and sophisticated, offering a buttery, apple-forward experience that’s lighter than your average pie.
Each bite is a taste of Parisian elegance, perfect for those who enjoy desserts that are as beautiful as they are delicious. It’s a treat for both the eyes and the palate.
11. Apple Crumb Pie with Oats and Pecans
Nutty, toasty, and utterly comforting, the apple crumb pie with oats and pecans is a delight. The topping brings texture and richness to every bite.
Underneath lies a gooey, tender filling that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy top. This pie is a celebration of textures and flavors.
Perfect for those who appreciate a little crunch with their apples, it’s a pie that satisfies both the sweet tooth and the desire for wholesome goodness.
12. Vegan Apple Pie
Who says plant-based can’t be delicious? The vegan apple pie uses coconut oil or vegan butter in the crust and natural sweeteners in the filling.
This pie is a masterpiece of flavor and ethics, offering a buttery, flaky crust that rivals any traditional version.
It’s a nod to those who cherish both taste and sustainability, proving that you don’t have to compromise one for the other. A delightful choice for everyone at the table.
13. Honeycrisp Apple Pie
The Honeycrisp apple pie is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. Its crisp, juicy apples provide natural sweetness, ensuring no mushy filling here.
Each slice is a testament to the apple’s inherent perfection, offering just the right balance of tart and sweet.
For those who appreciate straightforward, delicious flavors, this pie is a must-try. It’s a celebration of apples at their finest, requiring little more than a fork and perhaps a dollop of cream.
14. Apple Hand Pies
Miniature, portable, and downright adorable, apple hand pies are like little pockets of joy. Each one is flaky, cinnamon-spiced, and perfect for on-the-go snacking.
They’re a delightful twist on the classic pie, allowing you to enjoy all the flavors without the need for a plate.
Perfect for picnics or lunches, these hand pies are as convenient as they are tasty. They bring a sense of fun and nostalgia, reminding us that good things come in small packages.
15. Gluten-Free Apple Pie
No one misses the wheat when the gluten-free apple pie is this good. Its golden crust is indistinguishable from traditional pies, offering a taste everyone can enjoy.
This pie ensures everyone at the table can partake in the dessert joy, proving that dietary restrictions don’t mean flavor compromises.
With its tender filling and flaky crust, it’s a heartwarming reminder that inclusivity can be delicious. A perfect choice for gatherings where everyone is welcomed to the dessert table.
16. Apple & Pear Pie
A delightful blend of apples and pears, this pie adds softness and a floral twist to the classic. The combination of fruits offers a layered sweetness.
The lattice crust adds a touch of artistry, making it as beautiful as it is tasty.
Perfect for those who enjoy a little variety in their fruit desserts, this pie is a testament to the harmonious union of two beloved fruits. A choice that’s both creative and comforting.
17. Apple Rose Pie
Beauty meets flavor in the apple rose pie, where thinly sliced apples are arranged into delicate rosettes. It’s a dessert that looks like art and tastes like fall.
The elegant presentation is matched by the harmonious flavors of apple and spice, creating a feast for the senses.
This pie is perfect for special occasions when you want to impress with both taste and appearance. A true testament to the artistry of baking.
18. Spiced Chai Apple Pie
Infuse your apple pie with the bold flavors of chai. Cloves, cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon transform a simple dessert into a fragrant masterpiece.
This pie is perfect for spice lovers, offering a warm, aromatic experience that pairs beautifully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
It’s a pie that invites you to linger, savoring each complex bite. An ideal choice for those who love a hint of spice in their desserts.
19. Apple Cider Pie
The essence of autumn captured in a pie. Apple cider reduction adds a concentrated apple flavor and a deep, syrupy kick to this pie.
Each bite is a celebration of the season, offering a sweet, tangy experience that’s both comforting and invigorating.
This pie is perfect for those who adore the taste of apples in all its forms. It’s a delicious reminder of why we love fall desserts so much.
20. Apple Pie with Almond Cream (Frangipane)
Frangipane, or almond cream, adds a luxurious touch to this apple pie. The rich almond paste under the apples creates a fragrant, nutty backdrop.
This pie is a symphony of flavors, with the almonds and apples dancing harmoniously on your palate.
Perfect for those who appreciate a touch of elegance, it’s a dessert that elevates the humble apple to a new level of sophistication. A pie for special occasions and indulgent moments.