Ina Garten Deep Dish Apple Pie Recipe

When you want a showstopper dessert that brings warmth to the table, Ina Garten’s Deep Dish Apple Pie delivers every time. With a flaky, buttery crust and a tall filling of tender spiced apples, this pie is perfect for holidays, weekend baking, or any time you’re craving a traditional American dessert done right.

What Is Ina Garten’s Deep Dish Apple Pie?

This pie features a high mound of sliced apples, seasoned with cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon zest, and sugar, all encased in a homemade buttery pie crust. Ina’s version is baked in a deep dish pie plate, resulting in a tall, rustic pie with golden layers and incredible flavor.

Other Ina Garten Dessert Recipes

• Ina Garten Bittersweet Chocolate Cake
• Ina Garten Coconut Cupcakes
• Ina Garten Apple Pie Bars
• Barefoot Contessa French Apple Tart

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Deep-Dish Apple Pie

• Tall and generous filling – More apples in every bite
• Classic flavors – Cinnamon and nutmeg for warmth
• Homemade crust – Buttery and flaky with perfect structure
• Perfect for gatherings – Serves a crowd beautifully
• Freezer-friendly crust – Can prep components ahead
• Elegant yet comforting – Signature Barefoot Contessa touch
• Delicious warm or cold – Versatile and satisfying

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Deep Dish Apple Pie

For the crust (makes top and bottom):

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, diced
• ½ cup ice water (you may need slightly less)

For the apple filling:

• 5 pounds firm apples (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp or Gala mix), peeled and sliced ¼-inch thick
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
• Pinch of kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For the top:

• 1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon milk (egg wash)
• Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Deep Dish Apple Pie

Step 1: Make the Crust

In a food processor, pulse flour, salt, and sugar. Add diced cold butter and pulse until it forms coarse crumbs. Slowly add ice water just until the dough comes together. Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position the rack in the lower third of the oven to help the bottom crust cook evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon zest and juice, sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and a pinch of salt. Let sit for 10 minutes to develop flavor and soften slightly.

Step 4: Roll the Dough

Roll one disc of dough into a large circle (about 13 inches) and fit it into a deep dish pie plate. Trim any overhang. Fill with the apple mixture, mounding slightly in the center. Dot with small pieces of cold butter.

Roll out the second dough disc and lay it over the apples. Trim and crimp edges. Cut 4–6 small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.

Step 5: Add Egg Wash and Bake

Brush the top crust with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. Bake for 20 minutes at 400°F, then reduce heat to 375°F and bake another 40–45 minutes, until crust is golden and juices are bubbling.

Step 6: Cool Before Serving

Let the pie cool on a rack for at least 2–3 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set.

What to Serve With Deep-Dish Apple Pie

• Vanilla bean ice cream – A classic combination
• Salted caramel sauce – Adds richness and depth
• Whipped cream with cinnamon – Light and spiced topping
• Sharp cheddar cheese slices – A traditional pairing in some regions
• Hot coffee or spiced tea – Great with the sweet filling
• Toasted pecans on top – For crunch
• Mascarpone or crème fraîche – Elegant, creamy contrast

Expert Tips for Mastering the Recipe

• Use a mix of apple varieties – Combines sweet and tart flavors
• Chill your dough thoroughly – Keeps the crust flaky
• Don’t overfill the pie – Mound high, but not overflowing
• Vent the top crust well – Prevents soggy filling
• Bake on a sheet pan – Catches any bubbling juices
• Cool completely before slicing – Prevents a runny filling
• Brush crust lightly with egg wash – For a perfect golden color

Variations of the Recipe

• Add cranberries or raisins – For a sweet-tart addition
• Spice it up with cardamom or clove – For holiday warmth
• Use maple syrup or honey – To replace some sugar
• Add finely chopped nuts to the filling – For texture
• Try a lattice crust – Classic and decorative
• Top with oat crumble – For a pie-crisp hybrid
• Infuse filling with vanilla extract – For a floral note

How to Store Leftovers

• Cover loosely and store at room temperature for 1 day – Best flavor and texture
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days – Wrap well
• Reheat slices in a 300°F oven – To restore crispness
• Avoid microwaving if possible – Makes crust soggy
• Freeze whole unbaked pie – Bake from frozen with extra time
• Label and date before freezing – For freshness
• Cool completely before refrigerating – Prevents sogginess

How Do I Reuse Apple Pie Leftovers?

• Warm and top with ice cream – Classic dessert
• Blend into milkshakes – For an apple pie shake
• Stir into oatmeal – Adds sweetness and spice
• Chop and fold into muffins – For apple pie-flavored bakes
• Crumble over yogurt parfaits – Adds crunch and fruit
• Serve with pancakes or waffles – A sweet topping
• Turn into pie bars – Re-form into a new treat

Nutritional Value (per slice, based on 10 servings)

• Calories: 420
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Sugar: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 230mg

FAQs

What are the best apples for Ina Garten’s deep dish apple pie?

A mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp provides a balanced flavor and helps the filling hold its shape while baking.

Can I make Ina Garten’s apple pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the pie a day in advance. Let it cool completely, cover, and store at room temperature or in the fridge. Reheat before serving if desired.

How do I keep the bottom crust from getting soggy?

Bake the pie in the lower third of the oven on a hot baking sheet and avoid adding too much liquid to the filling. Letting the filling sit briefly before assembling also helps.

Can I freeze this deep dish apple pie?

Yes, freeze the unbaked assembled pie. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Bake from frozen, adding 15–20 minutes to the baking time.

Final Words

Ina Garten’s Deep Dish Apple Pie is the definition of homemade comfort. With its towering layers of spiced apples and flaky crust, it captures everything we love about fall baking—and takes it up a notch.

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