Name: 7 Ingredient Cinnamon Apple Pie Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 9-inch pie crusts (store-bought or homemade); 2 (21 oz) cans apple pie filling; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Zest from half a lemon; 1 large egg (whisked, for egg wash); 2 tablespoons Turbinado sugar (or sanding sugar); Optional: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 21 reviews

If you love the warm, nostalgic flavors of fall in a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert, then this 7 Ingredient Cinnamon Apple Pie Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s a perfect blend of tender apples with cinnamon and nutmeg, wrapped in a flaky, golden crust that’s surprisingly easy to make. With just seven ingredients, this recipe captures all the cozy comfort of homemade apple pie without unnecessary fuss—making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike who want a delicious, no-stress dessert on the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round black pie pan holds one layer of raw pie dough pressed against its sides, with the edges loosely folded and uneven. The smooth, pale beige dough has small holes poked all over the flat base, giving it a dotted texture. The pan rests on a white marbled surface, and to the right side of the pan lies a silver fork. The scene is softly lit, showing the dough's slightly floured matte texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These seven ingredients are straightforward but pack a flavorful punch, each playing a vital role in creating that iconic apple pie taste. From the buttery crust to the fragrant spices, every item is essential to achieving the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture.

2 9″ pie crusts: Choose store-bought for convenience or homemade for extra flakiness; these form the delicious base and top of your pie.

2 21 oz cans apple pie filling: A shortcut that provides perfectly spiced and tender apple chunks without the prep work of peeling and slicing.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives the filling its warm, inviting aroma and classic apple pie flavor.
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds subtle depth and complexity to complement the cinnamon perfectly.

1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the sweetness while preventing the filling from becoming too cloying.
Zest from half a lemon: Gives a fresh citrusy note that lifts the entire filling beautifully.
1 large egg (for egg wash) and 2 tablespoons Turbinado sugar: The egg wash beautifully glazes the crust for a golden finish, and the Turbinado sugar adds a satisfying crunch and sparkly sweetness on top.

How to Make 7 Ingredient Cinnamon Apple Pie Recipe

A white bowl holds a dish with three main layers. The bottom layer is made of soft, yellowish cooked apple slices. On top of the apples is a thick layer of brown cinnamon powder that covers most of the fruit. The top layer has small bright yellow lemon zest pieces scattered across the cinnamon. A shiny silver spoon is partially dipped on the right side of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Bottom Crust

Start by positioning your oven rack in the middle and preheating it to 375°F. Lay one pie crust into your pie dish, making sure it fits snugly. Prick the crust gently with a fork all over—this keeps bubbles from forming and ensures even baking. Then, give it a quick blind bake by popping it into the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. This step helps the bottom crust stay crisp once you add the filling.

Step 2: Mix the Apple Filling

While the crust is pre-baking, grab a large bowl and combine the apple pie filling, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir well to make sure all those flavors are evenly dispersed. The lemon ingredients add an unexpected but delightful brightness that makes each bite more vibrant and less sweet than typical canned fillings.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Once the bottom crust is ready, spoon the apple mixture evenly over it. Now take your second pie crust and gently place it on top of the filling. Turn the pie dish as you carefully tuck the edges underneath themselves for a neat finish. Don’t forget to make three slits in the top crust. These vent holes let steam escape while baking, preventing soggy filling or cracks.

Step 4: Add Egg Wash and Sugar Topping

Brush the top crust all over with the whisked egg wash—this is what gives your pie that gorgeous golden shine. Next, sprinkle the Turbinado sugar evenly across the surface for a little caramelized crunch and swanky sparkle. The sugar also adds a lovely textural contrast to the tender crust.

Step 5: Bake with Care

Place your pie on a baking tray to catch any drips and cover the edges with a pie shield or strips of foil. This shield protects the crust edges from burning during the first 25 minutes of baking. Bake for 25 minutes, then carefully remove the shield and continue baking for another 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s perfect when the crust is a rich golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

After baking, allow your pie to cool at room temperature for about three hours. This waiting time lets the filling set up nicely so each slice holds together beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that classic dessert finish.

How to Serve 7 Ingredient Cinnamon Apple Pie Recipe

Garnishes

Besides the oh-so-popular vanilla ice cream or luscious whipped cream, try topping your pie with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts for extra flavor and crunch. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a charming visual touch for special occasions.

Side Dishes

This pie shines best as the grand finale to a hearty autumn meal. Pair it with a warm cup of spiced apple cider or a robust cup of coffee. For a festive twist, serve alongside a scoop of cinnamon-spiked Greek yogurt or a simple cheese platter with sharp cheddar to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress your guests, consider serving individual pie slices with a few fresh apple slices fanned out next to them, or cut the pie into mini tartlets for a bite-sized treat. You can also serve warm pie a la mode in pretty glass bowls, layered with ice cream and drizzled caramel, creating an elegant, layered dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your 7 Ingredient Cinnamon Apple Pie Recipe leftovers keep beautifully when wrapped tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and stored in the fridge. The pie will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days, making it easy to enjoy a slice or two over the next several meals.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the pie either before or after baking. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen unbaked pie crust can be baked straight from frozen, while baked pie needs to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth and flaky crust, reheat your pie slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. This method ensures the filling stays warm and the crust retains its crispness, much better than microwaving, which can sometimes make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apples instead of canned pie filling?

Absolutely! Using fresh apples is a wonderful option if you prefer a more natural texture and flavor. Just peel, core, and slice about 6 cups of apples, then toss them with the cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and zest before baking. You might want to add a little sugar or cornstarch to thicken the filling.

Is it necessary to blind bake the bottom crust?

While not mandatory, blind baking the bottom crust helps prevent it from becoming soggy, especially with a moist filling like apple pie. This step ensures a crisp, flaky base that doesn’t get waterlogged during baking.

What can I substitute for Turbinado sugar?

If you don’t have Turbinado sugar, regular granulated sugar or sanding sugar are good alternatives. The key difference is that Turbinado sugar adds a bit of crunch and a golden sparkle on top, but the pie will still taste delicious with other sugars.

Can I make this pie gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the traditional pie crusts for gluten-free versions available in many stores or make your own with gluten-free flour. The filling ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t have to change anything else.

How do I prevent the crust edges from burning?

Using a pie shield or aluminum foil strips around the edges during the first part of baking is the best way to keep them from burning. Remove the shield near the end to let the entire crust finish browning evenly.

Final Thoughts

This 7 Ingredient Cinnamon Apple Pie Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a classic dessert without spending all day in the kitchen. Its simplicity, combined with that irresistible flavor and aroma, makes it a guaranteed hit at any gathering or cozy night in. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that warm, homemade magic firsthand!