If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating the cozy, homemade magic from Magnolia Table, this Joanna Gaines apple pie recipe is your gateway to farmhouse baking perfection.
This iconic dessert combines tender spiced apples with a flaky, golden crust that’s become synonymous with Chip and Joanna’s warm hospitality.
Whether you’re searching for the copycat Joanna Gaines apple pie recipe or looking to master her signature technique, this guide walks you through every step of creating a pie that’s worthy of the Gaines family table-complete with professional tips for achieving that Instagram-perfect lattice top.
What is Joanna Gaines Apple Pie and How Does It Taste?
The Joanna Gaines apple pie is a classic American dessert elevated with a thoughtful blend of warm spices and perfectly balanced sweetness.
This apple pie recipe Joanna Gaines style features layers of thinly sliced apples-typically a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp varieties-bathed in a luscious filling enriched with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and nutmeg.
The texture strikes an ideal balance: tender fruit that holds its shape, surrounded by a thick, jammy sauce that’s neither too runny nor overly sticky.
Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of buttery, flaky crust and aromatic apple filling with complex spice notes that warm you from the inside out. It’s the kind of pie that tastes like autumn wrapped in pastry-comforting, nostalgic, and absolutely irresistible.
Joanna Gaines Apple Pie Recipe Ingredients and Kitchen Utensils
Ingredients
The Apple Pie Filling (9-inch pie):
- 3½ to 4 pounds baking apples (8-10 medium; mix Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 2-3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced
For the Pie Crust:
- Double crust pie dough (homemade all-butter flaky pastry recommended)
For Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water or milk
- Optional: extra sugar for sprinkling
Kitchen Utensils
- 9-inch pie dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Melon baller (for coring apples)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
- Pastry cutter or knife (for lattice)
- Kitchen scale (optional but helpful)
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 1 hour maceration)
Cook Time: 50-70 minutes
Cooling Time: 3-4 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: Approximately 5-6 hours
Servings: 8-10 slices
Joanna Gaines Apple Pie Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Peel and core your baking apples using a melon baller for efficient core removal. Slice the apples into uniform ¼-inch thick slices-consistency ensures even cooking throughout your Joanna Gaines apple pie crumble recipe inspired filling. Transfer all apple slices to a very large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Create the Spiced Apple Mixture
Add both granulated and brown sugar, sea salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, allspice, and freshly grated nutmeg to the apples. Toss thoroughly until every slice is evenly coated with the aromatic spice blend. Let this mixture sit at room temperature for 1 hour-this maceration process is key to developing the signature jammy texture in this copycat Joanna Gaines apple pie recipe.
Step 3: Roll Out the Pie Dough
While apples macerate, roll out half your double-crust pie dough on a well-floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to your 9-inch pie dish, pressing gently into corners without stretching. Trim overhang to ¾ inch, fold under, and create a decorative edge. Roll out the second portion for your top crust or lattice design. Refrigerate both portions while finishing the filling.
Step 4: Thicken the Apple Filling
After maceration, you’ll notice the apples have released considerable juice. Sprinkle cornstarch evenly over the mixture and toss well-this transforms those released juices into the thick, glossy sauce that makes this apple pie recipe Joanna Gaines style so special. Pour everything, including all liquid, into your prepared bottom crust.
Step 5: Assemble and Add Butter
Arrange the apple filling to eliminate air pockets, pressing gently to compact. Dot the surface with small pieces of cold butter, which enriches the filling and adds silky texture. This step distinguishes the authentic Joanna Gaines dulce de leche apple pie recipe approach from standard apple pies.
Step 6: Create the Lattice Top
Cut your top dough into 1-inch strips. Lay five strips vertically across the pie with even spacing. Weave a lattice by alternately folding back strips and laying horizontal pieces across. This woven pattern isn’t just beautiful-it allows steam to escape while the filling bubbles and thickens. Trim excess and crimp edges to seal completely.
Step 7: Apply Egg Wash
Whisk together egg and water, then brush this wash over the entire top crust for that signature golden-brown, bakery-style finish. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired for extra sparkle and crunch.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place your assembled pie on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Start at 425°F for 15-20 minutes to set the crust structure, then reduce to 375°F for 35-50 additional minutes. The pie is ready when the crust achieves a deep golden color and thick juices bubble vigorously through the lattice openings.
Step 9: Cool Completely
This is the hardest step but absolutely essential-cool your Joanna Gaines apple pie on a wire rack for at least 3-4 hours or overnight. This waiting period allows the cornstarch-thickened juices to set properly, ensuring clean slices that don’t collapse into a soupy mess.
Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving
1. Dulce de Leche Drizzle Enhancement
Transform this into a true Joanna Gaines dulce de leche apple pie recipe by drizzling warm dulce de leche over each slice before serving. The caramel notes complement the spiced apples beautifully while adding luxurious sweetness. You can also fold 2-3 tablespoons of dulce de leche directly into the apple filling before baking for caramel-swirled pockets throughout.
2. Crumble Topping Variation
Convert this to a Joanna Gaines apple pie crumble recipe by replacing the top crust with a buttery streusel topping. Combine 1 cup flour, ¾ cup oats, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup melted butter, and a pinch of cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the filled bottom crust and bake as directed for a textural contrast between crispy topping and tender apples.
3. Classic À La Mode Service
Serve warm slices with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting into the crevices. The temperature contrast and creamy richness balance the pie’s spiced warmth perfectly. For an elevated touch, use homemade cinnamon ice cream or bourbon vanilla for sophisticated flavor layering.
4. Whipped Cream and Caramel Pairing
Top room-temperature slices with freshly whipped cream (lightly sweetened with vanilla extract) and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce. This combination adds lightness while the salt cuts through the sweetness, creating a more complex dessert experience that’s perfect for dinner parties.
5. Sharp Cheddar Cheese Accompaniment
Honor the traditional pairing of apple pie with sharp cheddar cheese-a farmhouse favorite that Joanna herself would appreciate. Serve thin slices of aged white cheddar alongside your pie or melt a small piece on top of warm slices. The savory, tangy cheese provides surprising balance to the sweet fruit filling.
6. Breakfast Pie Experience
Enjoy leftover pie for breakfast with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey. The yogurt’s tanginess complements the sweet apples while adding protein, transforming dessert into a more balanced morning meal. This pairing works especially well with the apple pie recipe Joanna Gaines style since the spices echo breakfast flavors.
7. Beverage Pairing Suggestions
Match your pie with hot spiced apple cider, chai lattes, or bourbon-spiked coffee for adults. The warm beverage echoes the pie’s spice profile while cleansing the palate between bites. For wine lovers, try a late-harvest Riesling or tawny port-both complement the caramelized sugars and fruit flavors beautifully.
Essential Tips for Perfect Results
1. Master the Apple Blend
Don’t use only one apple variety in your copycat Joanna Gaines apple pie recipe. Mixing tart Granny Smith apples with sweeter Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious creates dimensional flavor and better texture. Granny Smiths hold their shape during baking while sweeter varieties break down slightly, creating that perfect tender-yet-structured filling. Aim for a 60/40 ratio of tart to sweet for optimal balance.
2. Never Skip the Maceration Hour
That 1-hour resting period after tossing apples with sugar and spices isn’t optional-it’s transformative. This process draws out moisture through osmosis, pre-softening the apples so they cook more evenly. The released juices also concentrate the spice flavors and create the base for your thick sauce. Rushing this step results in unevenly cooked apples and runny filling.
3. Cornstarch Ratio Matters
Adjust cornstarch based on your apple variety’s juiciness. If working with particularly juicy apples like Honeycrisp, use the full 3 tablespoons. For drier varieties, 2 tablespoons suffices. The cornstarch must be distributed evenly throughout the apples after maceration-clumps create gummy pockets while insufficient mixing leaves the filling watery.
4. Keep Everything Cold
Temperature control is crucial for flaky crust in any Joanna Gaines apple pie recreation. Work with cold butter in your dough, chill rolled crusts before filling, and don’t let assembled pies sit at room temperature before baking. Cold fat creates steam pockets during baking, resulting in those desired flaky layers. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate between each assembly step.
5. Prevent Soggy Bottom Crust
Brush the bottom crust with a thin layer of beaten egg white before adding filling, creating a moisture barrier. Also, place your pie on the lowest oven rack during baking so the bottom crust receives direct heat. Using a glass or ceramic pie dish helps monitor bottom browning-you should see golden color through the glass when properly baked.
6. Monitor Filling Bubbling
The apple pie recipe Joanna Gaines style is ready when thick juices bubble vigorously through the lattice or vents-not just simmer. This visible, active bubbling indicates the cornstarch has fully activated and thickened the sauce. If you pull the pie before reaching this stage, the filling will be soupy when sliced. Be patient; this usually occurs in the final 10-15 minutes of baking.
7. Resist Cutting Too Early
Cooling for 3-4 hours isn’t a suggestion-it’s essential for structural integrity. Hot filling is liquid; only cooling allows the cornstarch-thickened sauce to gel properly. Cutting warm pie results in filling that runs all over the plate, destroying your beautiful slice presentation. If you must serve warm, reheat individual slices after the pie has fully cooled and set first.
Storage and Reheating Guidance
Store your Joanna Gaines apple pie covered loosely with aluminum foil at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat individual slices in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crispness, or microwave for 30-45 seconds for quick warming.
Joanna Gaines Apple Pie Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating the cozy, homemade magic from Magnolia Table, this Joanna Gaines apple pie recipe is your gateway to farmhouse baking perfection.
Ingredients
- 3½ to 4 pounds baking apples (8-10 medium; mix Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 2-3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced
- Double crust pie dough (homemade all-butter flaky pastry recommended)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water or milk
- Optional: extra sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Peel and core your baking apples using a melon baller for efficient core removal. Slice the apples into uniform ¼-inch thick slices-consistency ensures even cooking throughout your Joanna Gaines apple pie crumble recipe inspired filling. Transfer all apple slices to a very large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Create the Spiced Apple Mixture
Add both granulated and brown sugar, sea salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, allspice, and freshly grated nutmeg to the apples. Toss thoroughly until every slice is evenly coated with the aromatic spice blend. Let this mixture sit at room temperature for 1 hour-this maceration process is key to developing the signature jammy texture in this copycat Joanna Gaines apple pie recipe.
Step 3: Roll Out the Pie Dough
While apples macerate, roll out half your double-crust pie dough on a well-floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to your 9-inch pie dish, pressing gently into corners without stretching. Trim overhang to ¾ inch, fold under, and create a decorative edge. Roll out the second portion for your top crust or lattice design. Refrigerate both portions while finishing the filling.
Step 4: Thicken the Apple Filling
After maceration, you’ll notice the apples have released considerable juice. Sprinkle cornstarch evenly over the mixture and toss well-this transforms those released juices into the thick, glossy sauce that makes this apple pie recipe Joanna Gaines style so special. Pour everything, including all liquid, into your prepared bottom crust.
Step 5: Assemble and Add Butter
Arrange the apple filling to eliminate air pockets, pressing gently to compact. Dot the surface with small pieces of cold butter, which enriches the filling and adds silky texture. This step distinguishes the authentic Joanna Gaines dulce de leche apple pie recipe approach from standard apple pies.
Step 6: Create the Lattice Top
Cut your top dough into 1-inch strips. Lay five strips vertically across the pie with even spacing. Weave a lattice by alternately folding back strips and laying horizontal pieces across. This woven pattern isn’t just beautiful-it allows steam to escape while the filling bubbles and thickens. Trim excess and crimp edges to seal completely.
Step 7: Apply Egg Wash
Whisk together egg and water, then brush this wash over the entire top crust for that signature golden-brown, bakery-style finish. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired for extra sparkle and crunch.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place your assembled pie on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Start at 425°F for 15-20 minutes to set the crust structure, then reduce to 375°F for 35-50 additional minutes. The pie is ready when the crust achieves a deep golden color and thick juices bubble vigorously through the lattice openings.
Step 9: Cool Completely
This is the hardest step but absolutely essential-cool your Joanna Gaines apple pie on a wire rack for at least 3-4 hours or overnight. This waiting period allows the cornstarch-thickened juices to set properly, ensuring clean slices that don’t collapse into a soupy mess.
Notes
Store your Joanna Gaines apple pie covered loosely with aluminum foil at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat individual slices in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crispness, or microwave for 30-45 seconds for quick warming.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 350
Common Queries and FAQs
When you give this Joanna Gaines Apple Pie Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.
Q: Can I use store-bought pie crust for this Joanna Gaines apple pie recipe?
A: Yes, quality store-bought crust works in a pinch, though homemade all-butter crust delivers superior flavor and flakiness. If using purchased dough, choose refrigerated rolled crusts over frozen pie shells for better texture and easier lattice work.
Q: Why are my apples still crunchy after baking?
A: This typically happens when apple slices are cut too thick or the pie is underbaked. Ensure slices are uniformly ¼-inch thick and bake until filling bubbles vigorously. The maceration hour also helps pre-soften apples for more even cooking throughout.
Q: How do I prevent a watery apple pie filling?
A: The maceration process followed by proper cornstarch incorporation is key. Don’t drain the released juices-they contain concentrated flavor and the cornstarch needs that liquid to create the thick sauce. Also ensure your pie bakes until filling bubbles thickly, indicating the starch has fully activated.
Q: Can I make this copycat Joanna Gaines apple pie recipe ahead?
A: Absolutely. Assemble the pie completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15-20 minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, bake fully, cool completely, and refrigerate up to 2 days before serving.
Q: What makes this different from regular apple pie?
A: This apple pie recipe Joanna Gaines style features a complex spice blend including cardamom and allspice (not just cinnamon), uses the maceration technique for better texture, and emphasizes proper thickening for sliceable, not soupy, results. The attention to detail in every step creates bakery-quality results.
Q: Do I need to peel the apples?
A: Yes, peeling is essential. Apple skins become tough and leathery during baking, creating an unpleasant texture in the finished pie. Peeling also allows the spices to better penetrate the fruit and results in a more cohesive, smooth filling consistency.
Q: Can I add the dulce de leche directly into the filling?
A: For the true Joanna Gaines dulce de leche apple pie recipe experience, fold 2-3 tablespoons into the apple mixture before baking, or drizzle over finished slices. Adding too much directly to filling can make it overly sweet and interfere with the cornstarch thickening properly.
This Joanna Gaines apple pie recipe delivers everything you’d expect from Magnolia Table-warmth, quality, and timeless appeal wrapped in buttery pastry. By following the maceration technique, proper spice blending, and patient cooling process, you’ll create a pie with bakery-perfect texture and deeply developed flavors.
Whether you’re mastering the classic version or exploring the Joanna Gaines apple pie crumble recipe variation, these techniques ensure success every time. Serve this stunning dessert at your next gathering and watch it disappear-slice by slice, it embodies the comfort and hospitality that made the Gaines family a household name.
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