Old-Fashioned Apple Pie Baked in a Paper Bag

If you’ve never tried baking a pie in a brown paper bag, you’re about to uncover a time-honored secret to perfectly tender apples and a crisp, buttery topping. This rustic apple pie recipe takes a traditional favorite and transforms it into something extraordinary with one simple twist—baking it inside a brown bag. The result? A perfectly cooked filling, no soggy crust, and flavor that rivals any pie shop in town. Trust the method and prepare to wow your family or guests with a pie that’s bursting with cozy comfort and charm.

Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Apple Pie Baked in a Paper Bag

• 1 unbaked pie crust (9-inch / 23 centimeters)

• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) ground cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice

• 3 to 4 medium apples, thinly sliced

Topping

• 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) granulated sugar

• 1 stick (1/2 cup / 113 grams) butter, softened

• 1/2 cup (64 grams) all-purpose flour (use less if apples are not very juicy)

How to Make Old-Fashioned Apple Pie Baked in a Paper Bag

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel and thinly slice 3 to 4 medium apples—just enough to fill a 9-inch (23 centimeters) unbaked pie shell.

2. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and lemon juice until well coated.

3. Pour the apple mixture into the unbaked pie crust, spreading evenly.

4. In a separate bowl, mix the sugar and flour for the topping. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the apple filling.

5. Place the prepared pie inside a large brown paper grocery bag. Set it on a baking sheet and staple or fold the bag shut.

6. Carefully place the baking sheet in the preheated oven, ensuring the paper bag doesn’t touch the heating element. Bake for 1 hour at 425°F (220°C).

7. Once done, remove the pie from the oven and carefully open the bag—watch out for steam! Let the pie cool slightly before serving.

The Secret’s in the Bag

Who knew something as simple as a paper bag could transform a humble apple pie into a legendary dessert? The bag creates a mini steam chamber, keeping the apples juicy and tender while the topping crisps beautifully. Pair a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream for a nostalgic, bakery-worthy treat right at home. This is more than just a pie—it’s a little piece of old-school magic. Try it once, and you’ll be baking in brown paper forever.