Old-Fashioned Applesauce Pie

Have you ever flipped through an old church cookbook and found a recipe that made you stop and say, “Oh, this seems so cozy”? That’s exactly how I felt about this applesauce pie.

It’s the kind of dessert you can imagine your grandma making when you visited her for Sunday lunch. No fuss, no fancy ingredients, and so good.

Jump to:

• What Is Applesauce Pie?
• An Old-Fashioned Recipe Made with Pantry Ingredients
• Ingredients for Easy Applesauce Pie
• Can I Use a Store-Bought Frozen Pie Crust?
• How to Make Applesauce Pie
• Tips for the Best Applesauce Pie
• How to Serve Applesauce Pie
• Storing Leftovers
• Applesauce Pie FAQ
• A Little Taste of Nostalgia
• Old-Fashioned Applesauce Pie

What Is Applesauce Pie?

Applesauce pie is a simple, custard-style pie. Instead of slicing apples and piling them into a crust, you stir together applesauce, eggs, sugar, and a little spice, then bake it all in a pie shell.

The filling sets up soft and creamy, a bit like a pumpkin pie but with a gentle apple flavour. A hint of lemon keeps it from being too sweet.

An Old-Fashioned Recipe Made with Pantry Ingredients

This is a true store cupboard recipe. Most of what you need is probably already in your kitchen.

That’s what I love about vintage community cookbook recipes. They were written by home cooks who made delicious things out of simple, everyday staples. There’s no special trip to the store and no hunting down hard-to-find ingredients.

If you want more apple recipes that use pantry ingredients, you might like my recipes for apple crumble with custard and caramel apple cake!

Ingredients for Easy Applesauce Pie

• 2 cups unsweetened applesauce (16 oz.)
• ½ cup of melted butter
• 3 large eggs, slightly beaten
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ cup sugar (100 g)
• 5 tablespoon of flour
• Small pinch of salt
• 1 (9-inch) unbaked deep dish pie shell, thawed (I used Tenderflake)

Can I Use a Store-Bought Frozen Pie Crust?

Yes, and I think you should! The original recipe calls for a frozen pie shell, and that’s how I like to make it.

It keeps the recipe quick and easy, and it stays true to the way these pies were often made. If you love making your own pie crust, go right ahead. A homemade crust will be lovely here too, but it isn’t necessary.

Just be sure to use a deep dish shell. This filling makes a generous pie.

How to Make Applesauce Pie

1. Heat the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Mix the eggs and sugar. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and the sugar together.
3. Add the rest of the filling ingredients. Add the apple sauce, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Whisk to combine. Then whisk in the flour with a pinch of salt. Whisk until everything is well blended.
4. Remove the pie crust from the freezer. Gently poke the frozen pie shell all over with a fork.
5. Fill the pie. Spoon the applesauce mixture into the pie shell.
6. Bake. Bake for 1 hour, or until the pie is firm and the crust is golden brown.
7. Cool. Let the pie cool before cutting into it.

Tips for the Best Applesauce Pie

Use unsweetened applesauce. The recipe has a full cup of sugar, so sweetened applesauce would make the pie too sweet.

Don’t skip the lemon juice. It adds a bright, fresh note that really lifts the apple flavour. Also, the pie will firm up more as it cools, so be patient before slicing.

How to Serve Applesauce Pie

This pie is lovely served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cool ice cream melting into the warm, spiced filling is hard to beat.

It’s just as good served cold, straight from the fridge. I’ve been known to have a slice for breakfast with my coffee, and I’m not sorry!

Storing Leftovers

Because this pie has an egg-based filling, store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator. It keeps well for a few days.

It’s a great make-ahead dessert for potlucks, church suppers, and family dinners.

Applesauce Pie FAQ

A Little Taste of Nostalgia

This applesauce pie reminds me why I love old community cookbooks so much. Simple ingredients, simple steps, and a dessert that tastes like home.

If you try this easy applesauce pie, I’d love to hear what you think. Leave a comment below and tell me if it reminds you of a pie your mom or grandma used to make or share your baking on Instagram!