Easy Brown Bag Apple Pie

Easy Brown Bag Apple Pie is a foolproof way to achieve a perfectly golden crust and a sweet, caramelized apple filling. The secret? Baking the pie inside a brown paper bag! This technique locks in moisture while allowing the top to crisp up beautifully, resulting in a bakery-quality pie with minimal effort. Whether you’re making it for the holidays or a casual dessert, this pie is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Baked Every Time – The brown bag method ensures an evenly baked, golden-brown crust.
• No Soggy Crust – Locks in moisture while preventing a mushy bottom.
• Simple Ingredients – Uses pantry staples to create an old-fashioned, comforting dessert.
• Rich Caramelized Flavor – The butter and sugar topping creates a slightly crunchy, caramel-like finish.
• Great for Any Occasion – A wonderful dessert for Thanksgiving, family dinners, or a cozy weekend treat.

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
• Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Lemon juice
• Unsalted butter

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Pie Crust – Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Set aside.
3. Make the Apple Filling – Peel, core, and slice the apples. Toss them in a bowl with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
4. Assemble the Pie – Pour the apple filling into the pie crust.
5. Prepare the Topping – Mix brown sugar, flour, and butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over the apples.
6. Bag It Up – Place the pie inside a large brown paper bag. Fold the opening closed and staple or fold tightly. Place the bag on a baking sheet.
7. Bake – Bake for 60-70 minutes, then carefully remove the pie from the bag. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 slices
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Cooling Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

• Different Apples – Mix tart and sweet apples for more depth of flavor.
• Nutty Topping – Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping.
• Extra Spice – Increase cinnamon or add cardamom for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Dutch Apple Pie Style – Swap the top crust for a streusel topping instead.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free pie crust and flour substitute.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.

FAQs

What does the brown bag do when baking?

The bag traps steam, ensuring the apples soften perfectly while the crust turns golden brown without burning.

Is it safe to bake with a brown paper bag?

Yes! As long as it’s a plain, uncoated bag and does not touch the oven walls or heating elements.

Can I use a pie crust with a lattice top?

It’s best to use a single crust with a crumble topping, as the bag may prevent a lattice crust from crisping properly.

What kind of apples work best?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix of tart and sweet apples provide the best balance.

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Absolutely! A pre-made crust makes this recipe even easier.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Using a brown bag naturally helps, but you can also brush the crust with egg white before filling.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! Bake it a day ahead and store it at room temperature or in the fridge.

Can I use a different topping?

Yes! A traditional pie crust top, streusel, or even a lattice crust can work.

What if I don’t have a brown bag?

You can loosely cover the pie with parchment paper and foil, but the brown bag works best.

How do I know when my pie is done?

The apples should be tender, and the topping golden brown. A knife should slide into the filling easily.

Conclusion

Easy Brown Bag Apple Pie is a foolproof way to bake a delicious, caramelized apple pie with a perfectly crisp crust. The brown bag method simplifies the process while delivering incredible results. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a cozy dessert, this pie is sure to become a favorite!

Print