If you’re craving a dessert that combines the warm, spicy aroma of baked apples with the creamy indulgence of ice cream, you have to try this Apple Pie à la Mode (Apple Pie with Ice Cream Recipe) Recipe. This classic treat brings together a flaky, buttery crust filled with tender, cinnamon-kissed apples, topped with a lattice crust and finished off with a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream. It’s the perfect comfort dessert that’s as nostalgic as it is irresistible, guaranteed to become a beloved favorite whether for cozy family dinners or special gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A woman's hand is pouring a clear liquid from a small transparent glass over a bowl filled with large, uneven slices of peeled yellow potatoes. The bowl is white, round, and deep, and it is placed on a white marbled surface. The potatoes fill the bowl almost to the top, creating a layered look with their smooth, pale yellow surfaces. The background is dark, which contrasts with the bright colors of the potatoes and the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Apple Pie à la Mode (Apple Pie with Ice Cream Recipe) Recipe uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create layers of delightful flavors and textures. Each component plays a crucial role in building that perfect balance between crust and filling, sweetness and spice, softness and crispness.

300 g all-purpose flour: The foundation of a tender yet flaky crust that holds everything together beautifully.
60 g granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the dough without overpowering the filling.
1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, even in the crust.
220 g unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Cold butter is the secret to achieving a flaky, tender crust with delightful layers.
110 g water: Just enough to bring the dough together without making it tough.
1 kg apples (Pink Lady, Royal Gala, or Fuji): Sweet and crisp apples provide the perfect texture and natural sweetness for the filling.
75 g unsalted butter: Melts into the apples to create a rich, luscious filling.
190 g brown sugar: Offers deep caramel notes that complement the cinnamon beautifully.
1¼ tsp ground cinnamon: The warm spice that gives this pie its classic, comforting aroma.
1¼ tbsp cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling so it’s perfectly set without being runny.
¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness in the apple filling.
2½ tbsp water: Helps dissolve cornstarch and blend the filling ingredients.
5 tbsp almond flour (or finely ground nuts or breadcrumbs): Sprinkled on the crust base to absorb excess moisture and add a subtle nutty flavor.
1 egg: Used to create a glossy, golden finish on the crust.
1 tbsp water (to mix with egg): Forms the perfect egg wash for brushing the crust.
3 tbsp brown sugar: Sprinkled on top of the crust for added texture and a sweet crunch.
Vanilla ice cream or your preferred flavor: The crowning glory that transforms this pie into the ultimate Apple Pie à la Mode (Apple Pie with Ice Cream Recipe) Recipe.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Apple Pie à la Mode (Apple Pie with Ice Cream Recipe) Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Crust

Start by combining flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter and pinch it into the flour mixture until you see a mix of tiny and medium-sized pieces of butter. This technique is key since those little butter pockets create a beautifully flaky crust once baked. Add the water and gently knead the dough just enough to bring it together without overworking it. You want visible spots of butter in your dough — that’s the secret to extra flakiness. Wrap the dough in plastic and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to two days to let it rest.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling

Peel, core, and slice the apples into about 5mm thick pieces, placing them in a large bowl as you go. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the apple slices with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, salt, and water. The mixture will initially be watery but will eventually thicken to a luscious honey-like consistency as the apples soften and the juices cook down. Once done, set the filling aside to cool completely. This step ensures your pie doesn’t turn soggy.

Step 3: Assembling the Pie

Separate one-third of the dough for the lattice topping and refrigerate it while you roll out the remaining dough to about 3mm thick. Carefully place this dough into your pie dish, pressing it gently into the corners and creating an overhang. Sprinkle almond flour over the base to absorb any moisture and then add the cooled apple filling evenly. Roll out the reserved dough even thinner, around 2mm, and cut into strips about 2cm wide for the lattice. Weave the strips over the pie filling in a careful pattern—lifting alternate strips creates that beautiful lattice look. Trim the excess dough leaving about 1cm for folding, then fold it underneath to create a thicker edge. Use your fingers to crimp the edges into decorative tips for that classic pie look.

Step 4: Baking the Pie

Brush the lattice and edges with an egg wash made by beating an egg with 1 tablespoon of water, avoiding the filling. Sprinkle the top lightly with brown sugar for a sweet, crunchy finish. Cover the edges of the pie with foil to prevent burning. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles invitingly. Once baked, cool the pie on a wire rack until just warm.

Step 5: Serving Your Apple Pie à la Mode (Apple Pie with Ice Cream Recipe) Recipe

Gently remove the pie from its dish if possible, or serve straight from the pan. The final touch? A generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream that melts into every slice—the perfect balance of warm and cold, crusty and smooth, sweet and tangy flavors that bring this dessert to a new level of indulgence.

How to Serve Apple Pie à la Mode (Apple Pie with Ice Cream Recipe) Recipe

A round pie with a golden brown lattice crust lies flat on a white marbled surface, showing a peek of the dark brown filling underneath through the woven dough strips; the crust edge is crimped neatly all around, giving a textured and slightly raised border. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an added touch of elegance, sprinkle some chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts over the ice cream to add crunch and a toasty aroma. Freshly whipped cream or a dusting of ground cinnamon also complements the warm spices in the pie wonderfully. If you want to get creative, a drizzle of caramel sauce will bring out the brown sugar richness even more.

Side Dishes

The beauty of this Apple Pie à la Mode (Apple Pie with Ice Cream Recipe) Recipe is that it can shine all on its own, but a cup of steaming coffee, chai tea, or even a dessert wine like a late harvest Riesling pairs beautifully to round out your dessert experience. For a lighter balance, serve with a fresh green salad sprinkled with lemon zest and honey vinaigrette before dessert to keep the meal lively.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by serving individual slices of apple pie in dessert plates topped with a rounded scoop of ice cream, garnished with a mint leaf or a curl of lemon zest for a pop of freshness. For a family-style twist, place the pie on a rustic wooden board surrounded by a selection of ice cream flavors to let everyone customize their own à la mode creation. Miniature apple pies baked in ramekins topped with ice cream can also make fun handheld treats for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover apple pie tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or sealed in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigeration is best and will keep the pie moist and flavorful for up to four days. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature or warm it gently before serving.

Freezing

This Apple Pie à la Mode (Apple Pie with Ice Cream Recipe) Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap the cooled pie tightly in multiple layers of plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat to enjoy that just-baked taste.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven aroma and texture, reheat your slice of apple pie in an oven preheated to 175°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible as it tends to make the crust soggy. Serve warm with a generous scoop of your favorite ice cream for that true à la mode experience.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pie crust for this recipe?

Absolutely! While homemade crust adds the best flaky texture, store-bought frozen pie crust can be a convenient shortcut. Just be sure to thaw it properly and handle gently to avoid cracking when creating your lattice top.

What types of apples work best in this Apple Pie à la Mode (Apple Pie with Ice Cream Recipe) Recipe?

Firm, slightly tart varieties like Pink Lady, Royal Gala, or Fuji work beautifully as they hold their shape during baking while offering a natural sweetness that complements the spices perfectly.

Can I substitute the brown sugar in the filling?

Light or dark brown sugar is preferred for that caramel flavor, but you can experiment with coconut sugar for a subtle twist or even white sugar combined with molasses if you’re out of brown sugar.

Is it necessary to make a lattice crust?

The lattice creates a classic look and lets steam escape during baking, but you could opt for a full top crust or even a crumb topping if you prefer. Each has its own charm, though the lattice is truly special for presentation and texture.

What’s the best ice cream flavor to pair with this apple pie?

Vanilla is the classic and most popular choice, but feel free to get creative with cinnamon, caramel, or even butter pecan ice cream. Each flavor adds a unique twist that pairs beautifully with warm apple pie.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Apple Pie à la Mode (Apple Pie with Ice Cream Recipe) Recipe inspires you to bake a warm slice of comfort and joy. It’s a timeless dessert that brings together the best of sweet, spiced apples and creamy ice cream in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday, family dinner, or just because, it promises smiles and seconds. So roll up your sleeves, get ready to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas, and create an unforgettable dessert experience!

Apple Pie à la Mode (Apple Pie with Ice Cream Recipe) Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need