When making apple pie, it’s incredibly important to cut the same size apple slices so they all cook evenly. You don’t want your pie to be filled with a mixture of hard and mushy apple bits, but instead, be perfectly tender. The apples should be soft, but still have texture to them when you take a bite of your pie. Follow this simple guide to learn how to slice apples for all the upcoming holiday desserts you’ll be making!
How to cut apples for apple pie
The first step is to peel the apples with a vegetable peeler. Then, using a sharp knife, slice one side of the apple as closely as possible to the core.
Repeat with remaining 3 sides, as pictured below.
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For every piece of apple, hold it cut-side down and slice evenly, about ¼-inch (½ cm) thick.
Common questions about slicing apples for pie
- Should I slice or dice apples for pie?
Classic apple pie is made with sliced above, as shown above. However, if you prefer to dice them into cubes, feel free! If you do so, I recommend cutting them into½in thick cubes. - How thick should you slice apples for apple pie?
Apple slices for pie should be about ¼-inch (½ cm) thick. - Do you have to peel apples for apple pie?
Yes. Otherwise, the apple peel will add unwanted texture to the pie filling. - What kind of apples should I use for apple pie?
While you can use any apples you like, I personally prefer using a combination of tart apples, like Granny Smith, with sweeter apples, like Pink Ladies. The combination creates a wonderfully tasting apple pie filling. - Can I cut apples ahead of time for apple pie?
Because apples begin to oxidize as soon as they are exposed to air, they will begin to brown shortly after you peel them. For this reason, I like to slice them immediately before I plan on using them, However, if you want to slice your apples ahead of time, I recommend tossing them in lemon juice and keeping them in a closed container in the refrigerator to keep them from oxidizing. The acid from the lemon juice helps prevent oxidation and keeping them closed helps prevent them from being exposed to too much air.
My favorite recipes with sliced apples
- Caramel Apple Pie. This apple pie filling is made with salted caramel sauce and fresh, juicy apples inside a flaky, buttery pie crust.
- Apple Hand Pies. Perfectly portioned and individually sized, these scrumptious apple hand pies are a great alternative to traditional apple pie!
- Easy Puff Pastry Apple Tart. This rustic apple tart required only four ingredients. It’s made with flaky, crispy puff pastry and juicy apples. Top with powdered sugar and vanilla ice cream!
- Caramel Upside Down Cake. Moist, buttery cake has gooey, caramelized apples baked into it for the perfect fall and holiday dessert.
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