It’s that magical time of year when the air gets crisp, the leaves crunch underfoot, and the cozy vibes just take over everything. And what better way to embrace all things autumn than by baking an apple pie? But not just any apple pie! We’re going all in with an adorable Jack-O-Lantern crust to add that extra Halloween touch. Whether you're hosting a spooky get-together, or just looking to enjoy some cozy time with a slice of pie and a good book, this recipe is going to be your go-to!

Get your aprons on, pumpkin spice-scented candles lit, and let's bake a pie that’s as cute as it is delicious!

Ingredients For Your Cosy Autumn Apple Pie

For the filling:

• 6-7 medium-sized apples (a mix of tart and sweet, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional for a deeper autumn vibe)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• A pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)

For the crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• A tiny bit of extra sugar for sprinkling on top (optional)

Let’s get started! 🍂

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

We’re going to make a simple, buttery pie crust from scratch. It’s easier than it sounds and makes the pie that much tastier. Plus, the Jack-O-Lantern crust on top will look extra impressive with this homemade dough!

1. In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter (or a fork if you don’t have one) to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. You want to keep little bits of butter throughout the dough — this is what makes the crust flaky!
3. Slowly add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing it in gently with a spatula or your hands until the dough comes together. You may not need all the water, so go slow.
4. Divide the dough into two equal parts, shape each into a disk, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour. This helps the butter firm up, which will make your crust perfectly flaky.

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Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling 🍏🍎

While your dough is chilling, it’s time to focus on the heart of this pie: the apples!

1. Peel, core, and slice your apples into thin, even slices. I recommend a mix of Granny Smith for that tart bite and Honeycrisp for sweetness. It gives the pie a really well-rounded flavor.
2. Toss the apple slices in a large bowl with the sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, flour, and salt. Make sure every slice is evenly coated with all those cozy spices.
3. Set the apple mixture aside for about 20 minutes. This lets the flavors really blend and allows the apples to release some of their juices. Don’t skip this step—it’s key to a juicy, flavorful pie filling.

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Step 3: Roll Out the Crust

Once your dough has chilled and your apples are soaking up those fall flavors, it’s time to roll out the crust.

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly flour your work surface.
2. Roll out one of your dough disks into a circle that’s about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer this to a 9-inch pie dish, letting the edges hang over the sides a little. Gently press the dough into the corners of the dish. Don’t worry if it looks a bit rustic—that’s part of the charm!
3. Now for the fun part: the Jack-O-Lantern crust! Roll out the second dough disk to the same size. Use a sharp knife or cookie cutters to carve out a Jack-O-Lantern face—think triangles for the eyes and a crooked smile for the mouth. You can make it as spooky or cute as you want! Set this aside for a minute while we fill the pie.

 

 

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Step 4: Fill the Apple Pie

1. Grab your apple filling and pour it into the pie dish, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
2. Dot the top of the filling with small cubes of butter. This adds richness and helps create that luscious, syrupy filling we all love in a good apple pie.

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Step 5: Add the Jack-O-Lantern Crust 🎃

1. Carefully place your Jack-O-Lantern dough on top of the apple filling. If you want, you can trim the edges of the dough to make them neat, or leave them a little messy for a rustic vibe.
2. Crimp the edges of the bottom and top crusts together, either by pinching them with your fingers or pressing them together with a fork.
3. Brush the top of the pie (including the Jack-O-Lantern face) with a beaten egg. This will give the crust a beautiful golden color as it bakes. For a little extra sparkle, sprinkle some sugar on top.

Step 6: Bake the Apple Pie 🍂

1. Place your pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes at 425°F (220°C). After 20 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
2. If the edges of your crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with a strip of aluminum foil to prevent burning.
3. Once the pie is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for at least an hour before serving. This allows the filling to set up so you get nice, clean slices.

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Step 7: Serve and Enjoy Your Halloween Apple Pie! 🧡

Cut yourself a slice, grab a warm blanket, and enjoy your autumn apple pie with a cozy cup of tea or maybe even a pumpkin spice latte (because why not?). The Jack-O-Lantern crust makes it perfect for a Halloween gathering, but honestly, this pie is so good you’ll want to make it all season long. The combination of tart apples, sweet cinnamon, and buttery crust is just too irresistible!

Pro Tips for a Successful Jack-O-Lantern Crust Apple Pie:

• Apple choice matters: Using a mix of sweet and tart apples gives the best flavor. If you only use one type, the pie can taste too sweet or too tart.
• Crust struggles: If you’re worried about your Jack-O-Lantern face getting misshapen when you transfer it, roll the dough out on parchment paper. Then, you can flip the whole thing onto the pie using the parchment for support.
• Serve it with style: This pie is amazing on its own, but if you want to take it up a notch, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce!

There’s something so heartwarming about making a homemade apple pie, especially when it has a fun Jack-O-Lantern twist. This pie is the perfect mix of classic autumn flavors and Halloween charm, and it’s bound to be a hit whether you’re sharing it with friends or just enjoying it yourself. The flaky, buttery crust pairs perfectly with the sweet-spicy apple filling, creating a dessert that’s as cozy as a night by the fire.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather up those apples, and let's get baking! After all, there’s no better way to welcome in the autumn season than with a homemade apple pie—and this one will definitely impress with its spooky, Jack-O-Lantern flair. 🎃

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