Homemade Cracker Barrel Apple Pie – Just Like the Restaurant!

Few desserts capture the warmth and nostalgia of home quite like a classic apple pie, and Cracker Barrel’s version takes it to another level.

With its buttery, flaky crust and perfectly spiced apple filling, this pie is a true Southern delight.

Whether you’ve enjoyed it at the restaurant or are craving a homemade version, this recipe will bring those comforting flavors straight to your kitchen.

Imagine a slice of warm apple pie, fresh from the oven, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel.

It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery goodness—just like the one from Cracker Barrel.

This guide will walk you through every step, from making the perfect pie crust to creating that signature filling.

Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a weekend treat, or just because, this pie is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Cracker Barrel Apple Pie Recipe

1. Authentic Southern Flavor

This recipe captures the rich, homemade taste of Cracker Barrel’s apple pie.

With the right balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar, each bite is filled with warm, comforting flavors.

2. Made with Simple, Fresh Ingredients

No complicated ingredients here—just fresh apples, pantry staples, and a few essential spices.

You likely have everything you need right in your kitchen.

3. Perfectly Flaky, Buttery Crust

The homemade crust is tender and flaky, complementing the soft, caramelized apple filling.

If you prefer, you can also use a high-quality store-bought crust for convenience.

4. Great for Any Occasion

Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, a family dinner, or simply to satisfy a craving, this apple pie is a timeless dessert that everyone will love.

5. Easy to Follow

Even if you’re new to baking, this step-by-step recipe ensures success.

With a few simple techniques, you’ll have a pie that looks and tastes like it came straight from the Cracker Barrel kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start baking, gather all the ingredients to ensure a smooth and enjoyable baking experience.

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to recreate the comforting taste of Cracker Barrel’s apple pie.

For the Pie Crust:

A good apple pie starts with a flaky, buttery crust. You can use store-bought, but making it from scratch takes the pie to another level.

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling:

The secret to a flavorful filling is using the right apples and a perfect blend of spices.

• 6-7 Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon allspice (optional, for extra warmth)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or flour for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons butter (cut into small pieces)

For the Egg Wash (Optional):

Brushing the crust with an egg wash gives it a beautiful golden-brown finish.

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk

Now that you have everything ready, let’s start baking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the dough forms pea-sized crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
4. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

1. Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even pieces.
2. In a large bowl, toss the apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
3. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cornstarch. Mix until the apples are well coated.
4. Let the filling sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the juices to release.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out one of the chilled dough discs on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
3. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish and press it gently into the edges.
4. Pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading evenly. Dot with small pieces of butter for added richness.
5. Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filling. Trim the excess dough and crimp the edges to seal.
6. Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. If using an egg wash, brush it over the crust for a golden finish.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

1. Place the pie on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
2. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield.
3. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least an hour before slicing. This helps the filling set properly.

Tips for the Best Homemade Apple Pie

Want to make the most delicious Cracker Barrel-style apple pie?

Follow these expert tips to achieve the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and presentation.

1. Choose the Right Apples

Not all apples are created equal when it comes to baking.

Granny Smith apples are the best choice for their tartness and firm texture, which holds up well during baking.

You can also mix in Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn apples for added depth of flavor.

2. Pre-Cook the Apples for a Perfect Filling

One common issue with homemade apple pies is a watery filling.

To avoid this, consider lightly cooking the apples with sugar and spices before assembling the pie.

This helps release excess moisture, ensuring a rich and thick filling.

3. Keep the Dough Cold for a Flaky Crust

A flaky crust is the hallmark of a great apple pie.

Always use cold butter and ice water when making the dough, and chill it before rolling it out.

If the dough gets too warm, refrigerate it again before baking to prevent it from becoming tough.

4. Use an Egg Wash for a Golden Finish

Brushing the top crust with a mixture of egg and milk creates a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Sprinkle a little sugar on top for a slightly crisp texture.

5. Prevent a Soggy Bottom Crust

No one likes a soggy pie crust! To prevent this:

• Bake the pie on the lower rack of the oven so the bottom crust gets enough heat.
• Use a glass or ceramic pie dish for even baking.
• Sprinkle a light layer of breadcrumbs or crushed graham crackers on the bottom crust before adding the filling to absorb excess moisture.

6. Let the Pie Cool Before Slicing

It’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting the pie cool for at least an hour helps the filling set.

Cutting into it too soon may cause the filling to spill out.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

Once your homemade Cracker Barrel apple pie is ready, take it to the next level with these delicious serving ideas and creative variations.

Classic Serving Ideas

• With Vanilla Ice Cream: The warm apple pie paired with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is a match made in heaven.
• With Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the rich filling.
• Drizzled with Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of warm caramel enhances the sweetness and gives it a gourmet touch.
• Paired with Cheddar Cheese: A slice of sharp cheddar cheese melted on top is a classic Southern twist that balances the sweetness with a hint of saltiness.

Recipe Variations

1. Crumb-Topped Apple Pie (Dutch Apple Pie)

Instead of a traditional top crust, cover the apple filling with a crunchy streusel topping made with:

• ½ cup flour
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup melted butter

Mix the ingredients until crumbly and sprinkle over the filling before baking.

2. Caramel Apple Pie

For extra indulgence, mix ½ cup of caramel sauce into the apple filling before baking. You can also drizzle caramel over the finished pie for a gooey, rich dessert.

3. Mini Apple Hand Pies

Turn this classic pie into a grab-and-go treat! Use the same dough and filling but cut the crust into small circles, fill, fold, and bake. These are perfect for parties or lunchbox treats.

4. Gluten-Free Apple Pie

Make this pie gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend for the crust and replacing cornstarch with arrowroot powder in the filling.

5. Apple Pie Bars

Want a more portable version of this pie? Press the dough into a baking pan, spread the apple filling evenly, and top with another layer of dough or a crumb topping. Cut into squares for a pie-inspired dessert bar.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which isn’t always guaranteed with a pie this good!), proper storage and reheating can help maintain its delicious flavor and texture.

Storing Apple Pie

• At Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the pie within 1-2 days, cover it loosely with foil or plastic wrap and keep it on the counter.
• In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the pie in an airtight container or wrap it well with plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.
• In the Freezer: Want to save your pie for later? Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. You can freeze the whole pie or individual slices for easy serving.

Reheating Apple Pie

• In the Oven (Best Method): Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This method keeps the crust crisp.
• In the Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds, but be aware that the crust may become softer.
• In the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 325°F (160°C) and warm the pie for 5-7 minutes for a quick and crispy reheat.

Conclusion

Making a Cracker Barrel-inspired apple pie at home is easier than you think—and the results are absolutely worth it.

With a buttery, flaky crust and a spiced apple filling, this pie is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy family dessert.

By following these step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and variations, you can customize this classic pie to suit your tastes.

Don’t forget to serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel for the ultimate comfort dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making my own?

Yes! While homemade crust gives the best flaky and buttery texture, a good-quality store-bought crust can save time and still produce a delicious pie.

2. What are the best apples to use for apple pie?

Granny Smith apples are the top choice because they hold their shape and provide a tart contrast to the sweetness.

However, you can mix in Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn for added flavor complexity.

3. How do I prevent my pie filling from being too runny?

To avoid a watery filling:

• Use cornstarch or flour as a thickener.
• Let the apple mixture sit for 15 minutes before adding it to the crust.
• Bake until the filling is bubbling, ensuring proper thickening.
• Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing, as this helps the filling set.

4. Can I make this apple pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pie up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge before baking.

Alternatively, you can bake it completely, let it cool, and store it for later reheating.

5. How can I make this pie healthier?

For a lighter version:

• Use less sugar or replace some with honey or maple syrup.
• Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour in the crust.
• Reduce butter and use Greek yogurt for some moisture.
• Serve with low-fat whipped cream or yogurt instead of ice cream.