This Apple Pie From Scratch is going to be one of the best you will ever taste! Made off a flavorful, spiced jam-like filling of sweet red apples, and a buttery, crumbly, sugar cookie pie crust.

The best thing about this apple pie is that it keeps nice, crumbly, and firm. It doesn't get mushy, or soggy. Due to the sugar cookie crust that keeps nicely even for 2-3 days.

Another thing that helps keep the texture of the pie nice and firm, is the fact that the filling is cooked before it is added into the pie. Instead of adding the apples directly into the pie, where they drain and wet the pie crust while the pie is baked.

You just cook them in a pot, to soften them, and enhance their flavor, and then by adding some cornstarch, you give the filling a jam-like thickness.

Apples release pectin when simmered which gives a natural glazy texture.

Also, this apple pie is not completely covered on top. Therefore, the filling gets better baked by leaving space for the steam and moisture to escape properly out of the pie.

What Type Of Apples For Apple Pie

If you ask me, then that really depends on your preference of how sweet you want the apple pie to be. In case you want it to have a hint of sourness, then use a variety like Granny Smith's. If you like it to be just sweet, then use a red apple variety like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Red Delicious. Or you can use both if you like variety.

There really are no rules on what apple should be used to make an apple pie. Go with what you like.

And because this is a Greek Apple Pie (Milopita), it is made with red apples, and it's truly sweet. If you know Greek desserts, then you know what I mean... And if you think that's too sweet for you, then use a green apple variety, or a half and a half mix to bring the sweetness down a bit.

How To Roll The Pie Dough

Whenever I make a sweet pie that has a cookie dough as a base, I always roll it in between two pieces of parchment paper. This way, it doesn't stick to the rolling pin, nor the work surface.

Plus, you can cut the one piece of parchment paper to a round shape that's just the size of your pan and use it as a guide on how big you should roll open the dough.

To create this parchment paper rolling guide, you take a big piece of parchment paper and fold in half. Then fold in half again to create a square. Fold the square in thirds to create a triangle. Fold the triangle in half. Now hold it in order to point to the center of the pan and cut the bottom end, right where it meets the edge of the pan (I always give it a ¾ inch (2 cm) space to cover the height of the pan also).

Using this parchment paper rolling method makes it easier to transfer the dough into the pan without breaking it apart. You just place it in the pan, along with the bottom piece of parchment paper.

Easily Transfer, Cut, & Serve The Apple Pie

This way, when the pie is baked and cools down, you can use the parchment paper to easily transfer the pie to a serving plate or cake stand. You don't have to leave it in the pan that it was baked in. And the best thing about that? You needn't struggle to get that first piece out (which is something really frustrating or was anyway...).

And last but not least, another thing you can do to make your life easier with this type of pies is to use a springform cake pan. So you can remove the ring and transfer the pie more easily. Or just cut and serve effortlessly right away!

NOTE: Make sure you let the pie cool down for at least half an hour before cutting and serving.

And because this is like A LOT of information that may sound a bit confusing (or maybe you're more of a visual type, like me) check out this pic tutorial I've made to help you understand everything a little bit better...

As for the pie top, I rolled the remaining dough into long cords with the help of some flour. And then rolled them over sugar to give a nice sugar cookie texture and crunchiness on top.

But you can get all creative and roll open the dough altogether, and then use your favorite cookie cutters and shape it any way you like.

SERVE WITH:

OTHER TRADITIONAL GREEK PIES YOU MAY LIKE ⬇

Okay, now I think I've covered everything you need to know to make the best apple pie from scratch. And just in time for the holidays. Is it just me who thinks apple pie is THE ULTIMATE WINTER DESSERT?

If you do serve on the holiday table don't forget the gelato (that I mention above) to serve a dessert everyone will remember for the rest of the year!

Cooked Apple Pie Filling — Greek Apple Pie

Recipe