Mom’s Flat Apple Pie – Best Nostalgic Recipe Ever

There’s something magical about Mom’s Flat Apple Pie — a dessert that brings generations together with every flaky, fruit-filled bite. This old-fashioned sheet pan pie is the perfect blend of simplicity and satisfaction, ideal for feeding a crowd or bringing to potlucks. With a tender, golden crust and a cinnamon-kissed apple filling, this recipe is easier than a traditional double-crust pie and even more delightful. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a family reunion, or a cozy Sunday dinner, Mom’s Flat Apple Pie will quickly become your go-to comfort dessert.

Why This Flat Apple Pie Recipe is a Must-Try

Mom’s Flat Apple Pie isn’t just another dessert—it’s a time-honored treat that checks all the boxes: easy to prepare, incredibly delicious, and designed for sharing. Unlike traditional deep-dish pies, this version is baked in a sheet pan, making it quicker to assemble and more sliceable for large gatherings. It delivers all the classic apple pie flavor with a few clever twists—like a cornflake layer that keeps the bottom crust perfectly crisp. Ideal for beginner bakers or seasoned pie lovers alike, this recipe is a nostalgic nod to homemade desserts with practical, modern appeal.

Ingredient Highlights for Mom’s Flat Apple Pie

Each component of Mom’s Flat Apple Pie works together to create layers of flavor, texture, and aroma. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

For the Crust:

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and flakiness.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Shortening: Ensures a tender, flaky texture in the crust.
• Egg Yolk + Milk: Adds richness and helps bind the dough together for a pliable consistency.

For the Filling:

• Corn Flakes: Act as a barrier to absorb moisture and keep the bottom crust from getting soggy.
• Granny Smith Apples: Their tartness balances the sugar and holds shape beautifully when baked.
• Sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps draw out the apples’ juices.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a cozy depth of flavor.
• Butter: Melts into the apples for added richness and a glossy finish.

For the Topping:

• Beaten Egg White: Helps create a shiny, golden crust when baked.
• Sugar: Lightly caramelizes for a delicate crunch.

For the Frosting:

• Powdered Sugar: Forms the base of a quick drizzle glaze.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor depth to the icing.
• Milk: Thins the glaze to a pourable consistency for that perfect drizzle.

Smart Ingredient Swaps and Baking Substitutions

If you need to tailor Mom’s Flat Apple Pie to fit dietary preferences or pantry limitations, here are some easy and effective alternatives:

• Butter instead of Shortening: For a richer, more buttery flavor in the crust, swap in unsalted butter at a 1:1 ratio.
• Gluten-Free Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make the crust gluten-friendly without sacrificing texture.
• Apples: Don’t have Granny Smith? Try Honeycrisp or Braeburn for similar tartness and structure.
• Cereal Alternatives: Replace Corn Flakes with crushed graham crackers or oats for a different texture base.

How to Make Mom’s Flat Apple Pie: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure a hot start for the crust.
2. Prepare the Crust by mixing flour, salt, and shortening until crumbly. Add the egg yolk and milk mixture and stir until the dough forms.
3. Roll Out Half the Dough to fit a 15×10-inch cookie sheet. Press into the pan to form the bottom crust.
4. Layer with Corn Flakes to create a moisture barrier that keeps the crust crisp and firm.
5. Add the Apples in an even layer, spreading them from edge to edge.
6. Mix Sugar and Cinnamon, then sprinkle over the apple layer to coat them evenly.
7. Dot with Butter Cubes, distributing them across the top of the apples to melt into the filling.
8. Roll Out the Remaining Dough and place it over the apples. Trim and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
9. Brush with Egg White for shine, then sprinkle with sugar to enhance the golden crust.
10. Cut Slits in the Top to allow steam to escape during baking.
11. Bake for 25–30 Minutes or until the crust is golden brown and you see bubbling juices.
12. While Still Warm, mix powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to make a thin glaze. Drizzle generously over the top.

Essential Tips & Tricks for Perfect Results

• Don’t Skip the Corn Flakes: They’re a genius hack to keep the bottom crust from turning soggy.
• Chill Your Dough: If you have time, refrigerate the dough before rolling for an even flakier texture.
• Cut Even Slices: Let the pie cool slightly before slicing to help it set and slice cleanly.
• Storage Tip: Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 4–5 days.

Serving Ideas and Delicious Variations

Mom’s Flat Apple Pie is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic combo that never fails.
• Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy to balance the pie’s richness.
• Cheddar Cheese: A slice of sharp cheddar on top? Trust us—it’s a vintage Midwest tradition worth trying.

Want to mix things up? Try these variations:

• Cranberry-Apple Twist: Add a cup of fresh cranberries to the filling for a tangy, festive flair.
• Caramel Drizzle: Swap the powdered sugar glaze for a warm caramel topping.
• Nut Crust Variation: Add chopped pecans to the crust or sprinkle on top for crunch.

Make-ahead tip: Bake the crust and filling, then frost just before serving to maintain that beautiful glaze finish.

A Legacy Recipe That Stands the Test of Time

More than just a dessert, Mom’s Flat Apple Pie is a reminder of the warmth of home and the joy of sharing something sweet with loved ones. With its tender crust, spiced apples, and nostalgic glaze, it’s no surprise this vintage recipe continues to charm bakers and eaters alike. Whether you’re reviving a family tradition or starting a new one, this flat apple pie recipe will always rise to the occasion.

Conclusion: A Pie That Feels Like Home

Mom’s Flat Apple Pie is more than just a dessert — it’s a warm memory baked into a golden crust. From its flaky, tender base to the sweet, cinnamon-scented apple filling and that nostalgic drizzle of icing, this sheet pan apple pie delivers comfort in every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, baking it on a lazy Sunday, or recreating a family favorite, this recipe is easy to make, feeds a crowd, and tastes just like mom used to make — maybe even better.

So preheat the oven, roll out that crust, and enjoy the simple joy of baking something timeless. This flat apple pie is bound to become a cherished part of your dessert rotation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mom’s Flat Apple Pie

More Relevant Recipes

• Apple Bread with Cinnamon Swirl: This moist and flavorful quick bread delivers all the cozy comfort of apple pie in a loaf form. With warm cinnamon ribbons running through, it’s perfect for breakfast or dessert, and a delicious twist on traditional apple desserts like Mom’s Flat Apple Pie.
• Irresistible Apple Crumble Cheesecake: Combining creamy cheesecake with spiced apple filling and a crumbly oat topping, this dessert is a luxurious, layered version of your classic apple pie. A crowd-pleaser that offers similar flavor notes in a new form.
• Cherry Crumb Pie – Easy Homemade Recipe: If you love fruit-forward desserts like Mom’s Flat Apple Pie, this cherry crumb pie brings sweet-tart fruit filling under a buttery crumble topping. It’s simple to make and offers that same rustic charm and nostalgic flavor profile.

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