A Slice of France, a Dash of Childhood

There’s something magical about the smell of apples and cinnamon filling the kitchen it instantly transports me back to chilly afternoons at my grandmother’s cottage near the dam. She’d tie on her floral apron, grab her worn wooden rolling pin, and together we’d turn simple apples into something extraordinary. Her pies weren’t just dessert they were moments baked into golden crusts.

Today, I’m sharing my own modern twist on her traditional Tarte aux Pommes aka French Apple Pie. It’s everything you love about the classic, but with a few quick shortcuts that make it perfect for busy families (without losing that warm, homemade magic). Let’s make something delicious that tastes like memories but takes half the time. 🍏🥧

🕒 Quick Recipe Snapshot

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 8
• Skill Level: Easy
• Best For: Cozy fall nights, holiday desserts, or weekend baking with kids

🛒 Ingredients For a Perfect French Apple Pie

For the Filling:

• 6 medium apples (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp combo works beautifully)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Crust:

• 2 store-bought shortcrust pastry sheets (or homemade if you have time)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp milk

Optional for Serving:

• Vanilla bean ice cream
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Caramel drizzle

🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Apples Like a Pro

• Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples.
• Toss them in a large mixing bowl with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, vanilla, salt, and cornstarch.
• Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to draw out the juices (this helps prevent a soggy pie base).

Emma’s Tip: I like to add a small splash of apple cider vinegar it deepens the flavor without overpowering the sweetness.

2. Lay Down the Base

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Unroll one pastry sheet into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing gently into the corners.
• Trim any overhanging dough but leave a slight edge for sealing the top.

3. Fill It Up

• Spoon your apple mixture into the crust, spreading evenly.
• Add a few small pats of butter if you’re feeling fancy it melts into the filling for extra richness.

4. Lattice or Classic? Your Call!

• Use the second crust to cover the pie: either a classic top or go all-in with a rustic lattice.
• Press edges to seal and crimp with a fork or your fingers.
• Brush the top with the egg wash (egg + milk mix) and sprinkle with a little sugar for that golden glow.

5. Bake to Perfection

• Bake in the lower third of the oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles.
• If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.

6. Cool & Serve

• Let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing this allows the filling to set.
• Serve with ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel if you like things extra indulgent.

💡 Emma’s Shortcuts & Family-Friendly Swaps

• Too busy for crust? Use frozen puff pastry for a more rustic “French galette” vibe.
• Want less sugar? Skip the granulated sugar and use maple syrup for a naturally sweet twist.
• Cooking with kids? Let them help lay the apple slices in a spiral pattern it’s a fun way to get little hands involved!

French Apple Pie

This French Apple Pie brings together the comforting flavors of spiced apples and buttery crust, making it an ideal dessert for cozy evenings or festive occasions.

Print Recipe Share on Facebook

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Cooling Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine French

Servings 8 slices

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Pie Dish
• Oven
• Mixing bowl
• Rolling Pin

Ingredients

  

Crust

• 2 shortcrust pastry sheets store-bought
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp milk

Filling

• 6 medium apples Granny Smith and Honeycrisp combo, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

Instructions

 

• Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. In a large mixing bowl, combine them with sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, vanilla, salt, and cornstarch. Let sit for 10 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll one pastry sheet into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim excess dough around the edges.
• Fill the crust with the apple mixture. Optionally, top with butter pats. Cover with second pastry sheet and seal edges. Crimp to close.
• Beat egg with milk and brush over top crust. Sprinkle with sugar if desired.
• Bake in lower third of oven for 40–45 minutes until crust is golden and filling is bubbling. Cover edges if browning too fast.
• Cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. Great with vanilla ice cream or caramel drizzle.

Notes

Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. For a crisper crust, blind bake the bottom for 10 minutes. Can be stored at room temp for 1 day or in the fridge for 3 days.

Keyword Apple Pie

🍎 Top 5 French Apple Pie FAQs (U.S. Edition)

🍽️ Why This Pie is Perfect for Spedy Recipes

At Spedy Recipes, I believe tradition doesn’t have to be time-consuming. This French Apple Pie captures everything we love about slow, cozy baking without the hassle. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, nostalgic enough for holidays, and easy enough to become your new go-to dessert.

Because at the end of the day, what matters most isn’t just what’s on the plate it’s the moments made while making it.

🍽️ You Might Also Enjoy:

Easy Gluten-Free Apple Pie – Love apple pie but avoiding gluten? This recipe offers the same comforting taste with a gluten-free twist.

Try These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls – The ultimate breakfast treat that combines the gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls with rich apple pie filling.

Why Cinnamon and Apple Are a Match Made in Dessert Heaven – Dive into the flavor science behind this cozy combo and learn how to maximize it in your baking.

Rustic French Apple Pie Recipe – Discover a countryside-inspired version of apple pie, with a simple, charming presentation and bold apple flavor.