Bright and cheery, this easy recipe takes apples to a new level of yummy!
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Table of Contents
❤️ Why you'll love it
- An irresistibly sweet, cinnamon-spicy apple pie filling.
- The beautiful lattice top lets the enticing red apples peek through—after all, we eat with our eyes, first!
- Tastes just like the old-fashioned candy apples from childhood, but stuffed into a delicious, golden-brown crust.
There are few things better than homemade pie, except for maybe homemade pie with Red Hot candy apple filling.
Paired with an ultra-buttery, flaky crust and spiked (optionally) with Fireball Whiskey, this cinnamon candy apple pie is tasty beyond belief—you just have to try it!
🧾 Ingredients
This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the green recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
📖 Variations
Though the pie is perfect as written, there are a few ways to spice up this easy cinnamon apple pie recipe if you feel like being extra creative.
- For a sweet, crunchy layer, brush your lattice crust with a bit of egg wash and sprinkle some brown sugar over the top of the pie towards the end of the baking time.
- Instead of making a lattice crust, you can simply add the second sheet of pie dough to the top of your pie. Just be sure to cut two or three small vents to let the steam escape!
- This apple filling recipe is delicious as a filling to these southern fried pies.
- Some people like to add oats or walnuts to the apple mixture for added texture. I don't think they are necessary, by any means, but if you are nuts about nuts, you'll love the addition!
- For a flaky, homemade pie crust, use my pie dough recipe. To save time, you can buy an unbaked pie crust from the store.
🔪 Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the green recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- In a large saucepan, boil the cinnamon candy, apple juice, Fireball, and sugar.
- Mix flour, cinnamon, and lemon juice into the liquid.
- Fill the bottom crust of the pie with apple slices and cinnamon syrup.
- Form the top crust into a lattice pattern and bake until golden brown.
🥫 How to store leftovers
Cinnamon candy apple pie leftovers can be stored at room temperature for two days.
Be sure to seal the pie dish with plastic wrap, or transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
Fruit pies (portions or whole) freeze really well. Wrap the cooked and cooled pie in at least two layers of plastic wrap and store in the freezer for three to four months.
You can also freeze the pie unbaked if you wish.
To reheat leftovers:
Let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
Baked pie: Let the pie come to room temperature or microwave individual slices until warmed through.
Unbaked pie: After thawing overnight in the refrigerator bake as directed in the recipe card below.
🍎 Best apples for apple pie
Use a variety of baking apples rather than just one type to give your pie more flavor. Everyone will want to know your secret!
Choose a mixture from the following:
| Apple Type | Flavor | Texture | Hold shape? |
| HoneyCrisp | sweet | crisp & juicy | yes |
| MacIntosh | tangy | creamy | no |
| Braeburn | balanced sweet & tart | firm & crisp | yes |
| Winesap | sweet; slight spicy flavor | crisp & juicy | yes |
| Jonathon | sweet & tangy | crisp | yes |
| Jazz | sweet, tart, tangy, slight spice | crisp & juicy | yes |
| Granny Smith | very tart | crisp | yes |
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💭 Things to know
Expert Tip: Instead of a whisk, use a spoon or spatula to stir the candies when they're melting. Otherwise, the syrup becomes too sticky and makes clean-up a (literal) mess!
- The best apples for apple pie are a mixture of tangy and sweet. Try a mixture of McIntosh, Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, and Autumn Glory.
- Use a clear pie dish to be able to check your bottom pie crust for doneness. Very carefully peek at the underside of the pie plate, and if you see wet-looking spots, keep baking! Nobody likes a soggy bottom!
- If the visual cues don't work, listen to your pie to check for doneness! A cooked apple pie sounds thick and bubbly.
- Don't let your apples simmer for too long, or they'll be mush after baking. Just give them enough time to release some of the juices and pick up the glorious Red Hot flavor.
- If your rolling pin is sticking to your pie crust, give it a little sprinkle of flour. If it still sticks, put the crust in the fridge for a few minutes to chill.
👩🍳 FAQs
They are similar, except for cinnamon candy apple pie uses Red Hot candies and a splash of Fireball Whiskey. The addition creates a delicious cinnamon-spiced syrup into which the apples nestle cozily.
I use a special pastry wheel/cutter to crimp to edges of the strips of dough. However, if you don't have one, you can cut the pie dough with a pizza cutter, sharp knife, or kitchen shears.
Yes, you can! Assemble the pie as directed and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped pie into a freezer bag and store it for up to three months.
When it comes time to bake, unwrap it and put it straight into the oven from the freezer (don't let it thaw.) Bake at 450 degrees F for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature and bake as directed in this recipe.
📚 Related recipes
- A traditional Dutch Apple Pie baked with crunchy sweet streusel and oven-tender apples—this one tastes like home!
- Cinnamon Spiced Apple Rings are an old fashioned side dish that are delicious.
- This crimson beauty is bursting full of sweet strawberries and tangy rhubarb—an easier take on everyone's favorite Strawberry Rhubarb Pie.
🍽️ Serve with...
A warm slice of this better-than classic apple pie with a scoop of my cinnamon gelato oozing down the sides? Heaven, I tell ya... heaven.
The only other thing I need in my life at that moment is a good cup oc coffee!
📞 The last word
Red Hots candy apple pie tastes just like an old-fashioned candy apple! Spicy, sweet, cinnamon syrup bathes tangy Granny Smith apples (plus at least one other variety) to create an unforgettable dessert everyone loves.
Buttery lattice crust lets the vibrant color shine through.
I love making this "all American" apple pie for summer parties because the color is just so gorgeous!
If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need. Don't forget that you can click on "add to collection" to save it to your own, private recipe box!
If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖 Recipe
Candy Apple Pie
Print Pin Recipe Save Recipe Rate RecipeIngredients
- Dough for 1 double crust pie
- 8 apples, (a mixture of different types gives the best flavor - use at least part Granny Smith)
- ⅓ cup Red Hots Candy, or Cinnamon Imperials
- ½ cup apple juice
- 1 tablespoon FireBall Whiskey, optional
- ¾ cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF.
- Peel, core, and slice apples - set aside.
- In a large saucepan, combine cinnamon candies, apple juice, Fireball, and sugar.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the cinnamon candies dissolve completely.
- Add the sliced apples to the pan and simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, or until the apples just start to soften.
- Strain the apples, reserving the liquid.
- Allow to cool to room temperature.
- Whisk the flour, cinnamon, and lemon juice into ½ cup of the liquid.
- Heat, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened.
- Place a rolled out pie crust in the bottom of the pie pan.
- Fill with the apples.
- Pour the thickened liquid over the top.
- Dot with butter.
- Add the top crust and seal the edges.
- If not using a lattice crust cut vents in the top.
- Bake at 350F for 50 minutes, or until apples are tender and juices are thick and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and cool.
Notes
- Instead of a whisk, use a spoon or spatula to stir the candies when they're melting. Otherwise, the syrup becomes too sticky and makes clean-up a (literal) mess!
- The best apples for apple pie are a mixture of tangy and sweet. Try a mixture of McIntosh, Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, and Autumn Glory.
- Use a clear pie dish to be able to check your bottom pie crust for doneness. Very carefully peek at the underside of the pie plate, and if you see wet-looking spots, keep baking! Nobody likes a soggy bottom!
- If the visual cues don't work, listen to your pie to check for doneness! A cooked apple pie sounds thick and bubbly.
- Don't let your apples simmer for too long, or they'll be mush after baking. Just give them enough time to release some of the juices and pick up the glorious Red Hot flavor.
- If your rolling pin is sticking to your pie crust, give it a little sprinkle of flour. If it still sticks, put the crust in the fridge for a few minutes to chill.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
This recipe has been tested several times. If you choose to use other ingredients, or change the technique in some way, the results may not be the same.
First published August 9, 2015 Last updated July 10, 2023 for more helpful content and editorial improvements.
Kristy Yoder Schemrich says
Hi, I just read the instructions. It says reserve liquid after straining apples. Do I use all the reserved liquid left over and thicken it or just use 1/2 cup of liquid?
Marye says
I keep the liquid to use again. It's not needed in the recipe.
Christine Sturtz says
I have already canned Hot Cinnamon candy apple butter. The only thing I didn't use in the canning of it was the four & lemon. So if I want to use my pre-made cinnamon apple butter. How much do I use of that? And would I use the lemon & flour to my already made mixture?
Marye says
I honestly have no idea, sorry.
Sandra says
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon cinnamon but there are no directions for it. When do I add the cinnamon?
Sandra says
Found it. Smells delicious in the oven right now!
Marye Audet says
I'll double check the instructions!
Carol Judy says
In the recipe it doesn't say when to add cinnamon! I totally forgot to add it! Hope it comes out ok!
Marye Audet says
Ooops! It goes in with the flour - I'm sure it will be fine.
Sara says
What a fun idea, a creative twist on a classic recipe! i love the bright red color and I'm sure the red hots add so much flavor.
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says
Okay, this is genius! I wonder what my dad would think of it! I am so excited to try this!
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says
I, too, love Halloween and come from a time when it was much safer to go trick or treating. I can't even imagine letting my daughter go off for hours and hours like I used to.
Pure genius on your part with this pie, great idea to take that candied apple and make it a pie. Oh and fireball is not optional.
Alice says
this is certainly intriguing and I think it fits your blog so perfectly!
heather @french press says
oh how I miss candy apples - they were a childhood favorite of mine
I never would have thought to add red hots to apple pie - that is just genius!!
Katie @ Recipe for Perfection says
I very much agree that things can taste better in memory! It's a lovely memory, though, and inspired a beautifully colored pie.
allie @ Through Her Looking Glass says
Dear Marye, I loved your halloween memories. And I love this beautiful pie. Is that sparkling sugar I see on the lattice work?I couldn't quite tell. I've still never made a lattice pie. Maybe my first will be this one.