A freshly baked classic apple pie with a golden brown crust, reminiscent of a recipe Michelle Obama might enjoy, set on a white plate under natural light.
A golden-brown classic apple pie rests on a white surface, accompanied by two plates with red and green apples. A folded cloth sits neatly on the right, perfectly setting the stage for sharing this cherished apple pie recipe with loved ones.

Michelle Obama’s Classic Apple Pie Recipe

A blonde woman in a white suit smiling at a table.Sarah Thompson
Michelle Obama’s apple pie recipe continues a cherished family tradition. Made with a flaky crust and filled with spiced apples, this classic pie celebrates the natural sweetness of apples, bringing warmth and nostalgia to the table.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Meal Type Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 8 slices
Calories 589 kcal
Difficulty Medium
Ingredient Cost $6.50
Shopping Cost$22

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Rolling Pin
  • 9-inch pie dish
  • Pastry Brush
  • Knife or apple slicer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Peeler

Ingredients
 
 

For the Crust:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter 2 sticks, chilled and cubed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 8 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

  • 7 Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter cut into small pieces (for dotting the filling)

For Brushing:

  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 tablespoon sugar for sprinkling on top

Instructions
 

Prepare the Crust:

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the chilled, cubed butter.
    2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
    1 cup unsalted butter
  • Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough starts to come together.
    8 tablespoons ice water
  • Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling:

  • In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Toss until apples are well-coated with the spices and sugar. Set aside.
    7 Granny Smith apples, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Assemble the Pie:

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Roll out one disk of dough on a floured surface to about 12 inches in diameter. Place it in a 9-inch pie dish, allowing the edges to hang over.
  • Pour the apple filling into the crust, dotting it with small pieces of butter.
    1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the apple filling. Trim and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust for ventilation.

Brush and Bake:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the top crust with the egg wash and sprinkle with a little sugar.
    1 egg, 1 tablespoon water, 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Bake the pie for 20 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 40-45 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.

Cool and Serve:

  • Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with vanilla ice cream if desired.

Notes

Apple Variety: Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness, but you can mix with sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji.
Prevent Browning: Toss apple slices in lemon juice to prevent browning.
Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 589kcalCarbohydrates: 84gProtein: 6gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 89mgSodium: 311mgPotassium: 223mgFiber: 5gSugar: 44gVitamin A: 898IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 2mg
Keyword apple pie, classic apple pie, family recipe, Obama family dessert, spiced apple pie

Ingredient Costs: Cost of Recipe by Ingredient Measurements

Shopping Costs: Cost of Recipe with Brand New Ingredient Purchases

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Michelle Obama’s apple pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a family tradition passed down through generations. This classic apple pie recipe, made with a buttery crust and filled with spiced Granny Smith apples, brings back memories of family gatherings and the warmth of home. The natural sweetness of the apples, combined with cinnamon and nutmeg, creates a comforting treat that is perfect for any occasion. Baking this pie “like Barack likes it” has become a tradition in the Obama household, reminding them of their roots and the joy of simple pleasures.

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