Mile-High Apple Pie

The Mile-High Apple Pie is the ultimate showstopper dessert that towers with layers upon layers of tender spiced apples wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust. It’s everything you want in a fall dessert: comforting, dramatic, and dripping in warm caramel sauce. This is the kind of pie that earns gasps of admiration when it hits the table and even more when you slice into its lofty layers. With a combination of tart apples, rich spices, and optional caramel drizzle, this pie strikes the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. It’s a labor of love, but the result is worth every step. Serve it slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ve got a dessert that’ll be remembered long after the last crumb is gone.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp granulated sugar

• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

• 8–10 tbsp ice water

For the filling:

• 4 lbs tart apples (like Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup light brown sugar

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the caramel (optional but amazing):

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

• Pinch of sea salt

Egg wash:

• 1 egg

• 1 tbsp milk

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter until crumbly. Add ice water gradually until the dough comes together. Divide in half, shape into discs, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.

2. Toss sliced apples with sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and vanilla. Let sit while preparing the crust.

3. Roll out one crust and place into a deep-dish pie plate. Fill with apple mixture, mounding high in the center.

4. Roll out the second crust and place over the apples. Trim, crimp edges, and cut vents or create a lattice top.

5. Whisk egg and milk, then brush over crust. Chill pie in freezer for 20 minutes before baking.

6. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes. Lower heat to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 45–55 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.

7. Optional: While pie bakes, make caramel by heating sugar until melted and amber. Stir in butter, then cream and salt. Drizzle over warm pie before serving.

Prep Time: 45 minutes | Cooking Time: 75 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours
Kcal: 420 kcal per slice | Servings: 10 slices

Mile-High Apple Pie: A Classic Dessert Elevated

Few desserts capture the heart and soul of comfort baking like a traditional apple pie. Now imagine taking that nostalgic favorite and transforming it into something truly extraordinary a towering showpiece filled with spiced apples, buttery crust, and hints of caramel. That’s the magic of the Mile-High Apple Pie.

Whether it’s a holiday centerpiece, a weekend baking project, or a delicious way to use up apples from your local orchard, this recipe is as rewarding to make as it is to eat. Let’s explore what makes this iconic dessert stand out and how you can master it at home.

The History and Charm of Apple Pie

Apple pie has long been associated with homey, nostalgic Americana, but its roots go back to Europe. The earliest known apple pie recipes date to 14th-century England, featuring apples, figs, and even saffron. Over time, apple pie evolved as it made its way to the United States, where it became an enduring symbol of home, family, and seasonal baking.

The Mile-High Apple Pie is a contemporary twist that pushes the boundaries literally. By layering an abundance of sliced apples into a deep dish and enveloping them in a flaky, golden crust, this version brings drama, elegance, and incredible flavor to a timeless classic.

What Makes It “Mile-High”?

The term “mile-high” refers to the spectacular height of the pie, created by layering an unusually large quantity of sliced apples into a deep-dish crust. As the pie bakes, the apples soften and collapse slightly, but the result remains visually stunning and satisfyingly tall.

The visual appeal is matched by its structural integrity, requiring the perfect balance between fruit, thickener, and crust. It’s a recipe that demands attention to detail, but it rewards the baker with a dessert that looks like it came from a high-end bakery.

The Flavor Profile: Sweet, Tart, Spiced, and Buttery

At the heart of this pie is its complex flavor profile, which combines:

• Tartness from apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which help cut through the sweetness and maintain texture.

• Sweetness from a blend of granulated and brown sugar, offering both brightness and depth.

• Spice from warming ingredients like cinnamon and nutmeg that infuse the fruit with cozy, fall flavors.

• Richness from a buttery crust and optional homemade caramel drizzle, creating luxurious contrast.

The optional addition of caramel is more than a flourish. It deepens the sweetness and adds an indulgent touch that transforms a good pie into a memorable one. Sea salt can also be added to the caramel to elevate the complexity and balance the sweetness.

The Importance of the Crust

A mile-high pie must have a crust that can handle the job. This isn’t the place for a flimsy or store-bought option. The crust needs to be tender yet strong, flaky yet able to hold the substantial filling.

Making your own pie dough from scratch using cold butter and ice water ensures that the crust will be light, flavorful, and able to stand up to the apples. Double crust techniques using one layer for the bottom and another for the top create a sealed pocket that locks in moisture and flavor while preventing the filling from bubbling over.

For a visual twist, many bakers opt for a lattice crust or a decorative leaf design, which also allows steam to escape and helps achieve a crisp finish.

Choosing the Right Apples

A critical element to the success of a Mile-High Apple Pie is the apple variety or better yet, a mix of them. Using several types of apples ensures a more dynamic texture and taste.

Ideal apple varieties for this pie include:

• Granny Smith – Tart and firm, excellent for structure

• Honeycrisp – Juicy with a balanced sweetness

• Braeburn – Holds shape well, with spicy undertones

• Pink Lady – Sweet-tart flavor and a nice crunch

Avoid apples that become mushy when baked, such as Red Delicious or McIntosh, unless they’re being blended with firmer varieties.

Serving Suggestions

A slice of Mile-High Apple Pie is a treat on its own, but thoughtful pairings can elevate it further:

• Vanilla ice cream – The classic accompaniment, melting gently into the warm filling

• Whipped cream – Light and airy, perfect for those who prefer less sweetness

• Cheddar cheese – A bold and traditional combination in some regions that contrasts beautifully with the sweet apples

This pie is best served slightly warm. If you’ve baked it ahead of time, reheat slices in a low oven to revive the crisp crust and soften the filling.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Because of its size, the Mile-High Apple Pie is a great candidate for making ahead and storing. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Room temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days

• Refrigerator: Keeps well for 4–5 days, wrapped in plastic or foil

• Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to crisp the crust

Avoid microwaving the whole pie as it can lead to a soggy bottom crust.

Creative Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, there are plenty of ways to personalize or elevate your Mile-High Apple Pie:

Add Nuts

Chopped pecans or walnuts can be mixed into the filling or sprinkled on top for crunch and flavor.

Infuse with Booze

Add a splash of bourbon or spiced rum to the apple mixture to introduce a smoky depth.

Make It Rustic

Skip the top crust and opt for a crumbly streusel topping made with oats, brown sugar, and butter for a rustic apple crisp-pie hybrid.

Go Gluten-Free

Substitute the crust with a gluten-free alternative just make sure it’s sturdy enough to handle the volume.

Why This Pie Is Worth the Effort

Let’s be honest: a Mile-High Apple Pie takes time, patience, and precision. You’ll spend time peeling and slicing apples, preparing dough, assembling layers, and ensuring a perfect bake.

But the reward is immense. Not only does it make a stunning visual impression, but it also offers bite after bite of rich, spiced, apple-filled goodness. It’s the kind of dessert that stops people mid-sentence and has them asking for seconds.

This pie is perfect for:

• Thanksgiving tables

• Fall harvest celebrations

• Bake sales and potlucks

• Impressive date-night desserts

• Any moment that deserves a grand finale

Conclusion:

The Mile-High Apple Pie is not just a dessert it’s a baking experience. It represents everything we love about home baking: bold flavors, cozy aromas, creative expression, and the satisfaction of crafting something truly special from simple ingredients.

With its towering presence and heartwarming flavor, this pie has earned its place as a star of the dessert world. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or tackling it for the first time, it’s a recipe that invites celebration, conversation, and joy. Bake it once, and it might just become your signature dish.