Gingerbread Apple pie season has officially arrived in my kitchen, and honestly? I’m not mad about it one bit. You know that feeling when your rolling pin suddenly becomes your emotional support tool and flour shows up in places flour should never be? Yep. That’s where I’m at. Full-on pie mode. Again. And this time, it delivered something truly special: a gingerbread-spiced apple pie that feels festive, nostalgic, and just a tiny bit extra—in the best possible way.
If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen wondering whether classic apple pie could be improved, spoiler alert: it can. This recipe proves it. Think warm spiced apples tucked between flaky pastry that smells like Christmas morning. Cozy? Absolutely. Dramatic? A little. Worth it? One hundred percent.
Let’s get into it.
Introduction to This Gingerbread Apple Pie Recipe
Pie mode doesn’t knock politely. It kicks the door in. One minute you’re minding your own business, the next you’re elbow-deep in flour with big plans and zero regrets. That’s exactly how this pie came to life.
After spending an afternoon baking pies for a community event, I came home buzzing with ideas. Regular apple pie felt… predictable. Good, sure. But I wanted something with personality. Something festive. Something that made people pause mid-bite and say, “Wait—what is this?”
Enter gingerbread pastry.
By weaving classic gingerbread spices directly into the crust and swapping eggs for molasses, this pie becomes more than dessert. It becomes an experience. One that smells like winter, tastes like comfort, and looks adorable enough to steal the spotlight on any holiday table.
What Makes This One of Those Delicious Pies Everyone Talks About
There are pies you eat, and then there are pies you remember. This one lands firmly in the second category.
Here’s why it stands out among other Delicious Pies:
- The crust is flavored, not just functional. Ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves transform it into something rich and festive.
- Molasses adds depth. It brings warmth and subtle sweetness without overpowering the apples.
- The apple filling stays classic. Soft, cinnamon-kissed apples balance the bold crust perfectly.
- Visual appeal matters. Gingerbread men holding hands around the top? Come on. That’s joy baked into pastry.
IMO, this is what holiday baking should feel like—familiar but exciting, cozy yet playful.
Gingerbread Apple Pie Ingredients Breakdown
Before we talk technique, let’s talk ingredients. Understanding why each element matters helps you nail the final result.
Gingerbread Pastry Ingredients
- All-purpose flour – The sturdy base for a flaky, tender crust
- Granulated sugar – Just enough sweetness to balance the spices
- Salt – Enhances flavor (never skip it)
- Ground ginger – The star spice that brings gingerbread vibes
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves – Warm supporting spices that round everything out
- Vegetable shortening – Helps create a tender, flaky texture
- Cold unsalted butter – Adds flavor and richness
- Molasses – Replaces eggs and delivers that signature gingerbread depth
- White vinegar – Tenderizes the dough and boosts flakiness
Apple Filling Ingredients
- Apples – The heart of the pie; firm varieties work best
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens without masking apple flavor
- All-purpose flour – Thickens the filling
- Cinnamon – Keeps the filling classic and comforting
Finishing Touches
- Milk – Creates a golden crust
- Sugar – Adds sparkle and crunch
Simple ingredients. Big personality.
How To Make Pie with a Gingerbread Twist
If you’ve ever wondered How To Make Pie that feels both impressive and approachable, this is your moment.
Step 1: Make the Gingerbread Pastry
Whisk flour, sugar, salt, and spices in a large bowl. Mix until evenly combined—you want those spices distributed throughout the crust.
Cut in the shortening and butter until the mixture looks crumbly. Small bits of fat are good. They create flake. Big win.
Stir together molasses and vinegar, then gently work the mixture into the dry ingredients using a fork. The dough will look rustic. That’s fine. Divide into two portions and shape into discs.
Step 2: Roll and Fill
Roll one disc on a floured surface and fit it into your pie plate. No stress if it’s not perfect. Pie is forgiving.
Toss sliced apples with sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Spread evenly into the crust.
Step 3: The Gingerbread Top Crust
Roll the second disc to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut out gingerbread shapes and arrange them on top, letting them overlap slightly.
This is where the magic happens visually.
Brush with milk. Sprinkle with sugar.
Step 4: Bake Like a Pro
Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes on the bottom rack. Then reduce to 375°F and move to the middle rack for another 35 minutes.
Let it cool. I know it’s hard. But this step matters.
The Story Behind This Festive Bake
Some recipes are planned. Others show up when you least expect them.
This one came from equal parts exhaustion and inspiration. After baking pies all afternoon, I wanted something that felt playful again. Something that reminded me why I love baking in the first place.
Gingerbread spices felt right. Apples felt grounding. And the cookie-cutter crust? Pure whimsy.
FYI, messy notebooks and molasses-covered countertops are just part of the process.
Pro Tips for the Best Gingerbread Apple Pie
Cold butter is non-negotiable.
Warm butter kills flakiness.
Don’t overwork the dough.
Less mixing = better texture.
Choose firm apples.
Soft apples turn mushy.
Let the pie cool before slicing.
This helps the filling set properly.
Bake on the bottom rack first.
It prevents soggy bottoms. Nobody wants that.
Variations to Try When You’re Feeling Creative
Feeling adventurous? Try these twists:
- Add orange zest to the filling for brightness
- Swap some apples for pears
- Drizzle caramel over slices before serving
- Turn leftovers into hand pies
- Use the pastry dough to make cookies on the side
This crust even works for other Apple Recipes, FYI.
Best Way to Serve This Holiday Pie
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream. Always.
Whipped cream works too. Or a drizzle of caramel if you’re feeling indulgent.
This pie also pairs beautifully with cozy drinks and other Sweets Treats on a dessert table.
Quick Tips for Storage and Leftovers
- Cover and store at room temperature for one day
- Refrigerate for up to four days
- Reheat slices gently in the oven
- Freeze baked slices for later cravings
Yes, pie for breakfast is acceptable. No judgment here.
FAQs About Gingerbread Apple Pie
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. Chill it for up to two days.
What apples work best?
Firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
Can I skip the gingerbread men?
You can, but why would you?
Does molasses make it bitter?
Not at all. It adds depth and warmth.
Is this good for Holiday Baking?
It’s practically made for it.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Holiday Rotation
This pie isn’t trying to compete with a Bundt Cake, steal attention from a fancy Boulangerie, or pretend it’s something trendy like S’mores desserts. It knows exactly what it is: a cozy, festive pie that feels nostalgic and new at the same time.
It’s playful. It’s comforting. It’s memorable.
And once you make it, fair warning—you may find yourself entering pie mode more often than planned.
Long live rolling pins. Long live molasses. And long live gingerbread-spiced apple pie. Print
Heavenly Gingerbread Apple Pie – One of the Most Delicious Pies Ever
Description
This cozy apple pie gets a holiday upgrade thanks to a warmly spiced gingerbread crust made with molasses instead of eggs. The dough bakes up flaky and fragrant, while the topping of tiny gingerbread figures adds charm you simply can’t ignore. It’s classic apple pie—with a playful, seasonal twist that feels extra special.
Ingredients
Gingerbread Pastry
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ cup vegetable shortening
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
Apple Filling
- 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Top
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Gingerbread Dough
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and all the spices. Mix well. Add the shortening and cold butter, working them into the flour mixture with a pastry cutter or two knives until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate small bowl, stir together the molasses and vinegar. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix with a fork until a dough forms. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a disk. Roll out one portion on a lightly floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Set the second portion aside.
- Mix the Apple Filling
- Place the sliced apples in a large bowl. In another bowl, stir together the sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and toss until evenly coated. Spoon the apple mixture into the prepared pie shell.
- Create the Decorative Top
- Roll out the remaining dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a gingerbread-shaped cookie cutter to cut out several figures. Arrange them gently on top of the filling, slightly overlapping if needed.
- Brush the pastry with milk and sprinkle with sugar to give the crust a golden, lightly crisp finish.
- Bake the Pie
- Place the pie in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven on the lowest rack and bake for 10 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C), move the pie to the center rack, and continue baking for about 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
- Category: Desserts
