This Brown Bag Apple Pie is a charming twist on the classic dessert! With tender apples and a flaky crust, it’s wrapped in a paper bag for easy baking and a fun reveal.
You’ll love how the bag makes it simple to get the perfect bake while keeping the apples soft and sweet. I always feel like a pie magician when I unwrap it! 🎩🥧
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using Granny Smith for their tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness. If those aren’t available, Fuji or Braeburn make great alternatives too.
Sugars: The mix of granulated and brown sugar gives depth. If you want a lower sugar option, try reducing both slightly or use coconut sugar instead for a different flavor.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic for apple pie. If you like, add a pinch of allspice or cardamom for a twist!
Lemon Juice: It brightens the flavors and keeps the apples from browning. Lime juice can work in a pinch if you have it on hand.
Pie Crust: While store-bought is convenient, I love homemade crusts for taste. You can also use a gluten-free pie crust if needed.
How Do You Ensure the Apples Stay Tender and Juicy?
The key to keeping your apples tender is in the mixing and the baking process. Tossing the apples with sugars, spices, and flour allows the flavors to meld together, while the flour helps thicken the juices during baking.
- Ensure you slice the apples thinly for even cooking.
- Mix the ingredients well to coat each slice, which makes for a balanced flavor.
- Baking in a brown paper bag helps trap moisture and steam, preventing the apples from drying out while also allowing the crust to remain crisp.
Brown Bag Apple Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 6 to 7 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie crust)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)
- Brown paper bag (large enough to hold the assembled pie)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Brown Bag Apple Pie will take about 20 minutes of prep time and then about 50 to 60 minutes in the oven. Plus, you may want to let it cool for a little while before serving. In total, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, including cooling time. Quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to cook your pie perfectly.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, lemon juice, and salt. Toss everything together until the apple slices are evenly coated with the mixture.
3. Assemble the Pie Crust:
Roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim any extra edges as needed to make it neat.
4. Add the Apple Filling:
Pour the apple mixture into the pie crust, making sure to spread it out evenly. Dot the top with the small pieces of unsalted butter.
5. Cover with Top Crust:
Roll out the second pie crust and carefully place it over the apple filling. Trim off any excess dough and crimp the edges together to seal the pie all around.
6. Create Steam Vents:
Cut a few small slits in the top crust using a knife. This will allow steam to escape while baking, helping the filling cook evenly.
7. Egg Wash for Shine:
In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the top crust for that lovely golden finish when baked.
8. Bag the Pie:
Place the assembled pie into a clean, large brown paper bag and fold the open end to secure the pie. The bag will help keep the pie moist as it bakes.
9. Bake the Pie:
Put the bagged pie directly on the oven rack and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’re looking for a golden crust and bubbly filling!
10. Check and Crisp the Crust:
Carefully open the bag (it’ll be hot and steamy!) and check the pie. If you want a crispier crust, bake it uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes.
11. Cool and Serve:
After baking, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack. This helps the filling to set a bit more.
12. Enjoy!
Slice warm portions of your Brown Bag Apple Pie and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if you like. Dig in and enjoy each bite of this delightful dessert!
This method yields a tender, juicy apple pie with a perfectly golden crust, thanks to the steam captured by the brown bag during baking. Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal for their balance of tartness and sweetness, feel free to experiment with Fuji, Braeburn, or any apples you enjoy. Just make sure they’re firm and slice them thinly for even cooking.
How Can I Store Leftover Pie?
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To enjoy it warm, simply reheat individual slices in the microwave or the oven.
Can I Freeze the Pie?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pie! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to bake, you can bake it straight from the freezer—just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
What Can I Use Instead of a Brown Paper Bag?
If you don’t have a brown paper bag, you can bake the pie on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Just cover the pie loosely with foil during the first part of baking to help retain moisture.