Golden Apple Pie

Golden Delicious apples don’t get enough credit in the pie department. Their mellow sweetness and low acidity let warm spices shine without distraction from a sharp bite, and they hold their shape well. In this recipe, they simmer in apple juice with cinnamon and apple pie spice until they become tender and glossy. The resulting filling is thick and spoonable, and sets up beautifully in the oven. It smells like fall on overdrive—sweet and fruity laced with spice—and tastes even better, thanks to a splash of vanilla extract stirred in at the end.

The crust pulls its weight too. Made with an unapologetic amount of cold butter, it’s flaky and crackles when you slice through it, but it still has enough structure to support the jammy filling. A quick brush of beaten egg gives the top a golden sheen, and an optional scoop of vanilla ice cream melts slowly into the warm wedges, pooling at the edges. It’s a pie that manages to feel both nostalgic and fresh at the same time—simple, but not boring.

Golden Delicious Apple Pie Ingredients

Filling:

• Golden Delicious apples
• Apple juice
• Sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Apple pie spice
• Cornstarch
• Vanilla extract

Crust:

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Cold butter
• Ice water
• A large egg
• Optional: Vanilla ice cream

Directions

Step 1: Cook the apple filling

In a large saucepan, combine the apples, 3/4 cup of the apple juice, the sugar, cinnamon and apple pie spice, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Combine the cornstarch and the remaining apple juice, and add the mixture to the saucepan. Return the filling to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for one minute more, or until it’s thickened. Remove the pan from the heat, and stir in the vanilla. Let it cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Make the pie crust dough

Combine the flour and salt, then cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly. Gradually add the water, 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing with a fork until the dough can be formed into a ball. Divide the dough into two portions, making one portion slightly larger than the other.

Step 3: Assemble the pie

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the larger portion of dough. Line a 9-inch pie plate with the bottom crust, then trim it evenly with the edge of the plate. Add the filling. Roll out the remaining dough to fit the top of the pie, and place it over the filling. Trim, seal and flute the edges. If desired, brush the top crust with the beaten egg. Cut slits in the top.

Step 4: Bake and cool

Bake the pie at 400ºF for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender. Let the pie cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve it with vanilla ice cream, as desired.

How to Store Golden Delicious Apple Pie

Store leftover Golden Delicious apple pie, covered in the refrigerator, for up to four days. For the best results, transfer slices to food storage containers to keep the crust from drying out. You can also freeze individual slices for up to three months; wrap them tightly before sealing them in a container.

Golden Delicious Apple Pie Tips

Can you substitute another apple variety in this Golden Delicious apple pie recipe?

You can substitute another type of apple for the Golden Delicious apples in this recipe, but choose a sweet-tart apple that holds its shape well, such as Honeycrisp, Braeburn or Pink Lady.

What can you use instead of apple pie spice in this Golden Delicious apple pie recipe?

To swap in a homemade blend for the apple pie spice in this recipe, use a mix of ground cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice in equal parts, or adjust the spices to suit your taste.

Can you use store-bought crust in this Golden Delicious apple pie recipe?

You can use a store-bought crust in this pie recipe to save time—just make sure to follow package instructions for thawing or parbaking, if needed.

What can you serve with Golden Delicious apple pie besides vanilla ice cream?

Besides vanilla ice cream, serve Golden Delicious apple pie with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a slice of sharp cheddar cheese for a classic sweet-savory pairing.