How Long to Bake An Apple Pie at 350°F for Perfect Results

Apple pie is one of the most classic and beloved desserts, gracing holiday tables and potlucks for generations. With its buttery, flaky crust and sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, apple pie is the ultimate comfort food. While easy to prepare, baking the perfect apple pie requires knowing exactly how long to bake it to achieve ideal textures and flavors. Baking apple pie at 350°F allows you to control the moisture, prevent overbrowning, and ensure even cooking from edge to center for apple pie perfection.

Factors That Determine Apple Pie Baking Time

Several key factors impact how long you should bake an apple pie at 350 degrees Fahrenheit:

Pie size – Smaller pies bake faster than larger ones. An 8-inch pie takes less time than a 10-inch.
Type of apples – Dense apples like Granny Smith take longer than softer types like McIntosh.
Number of apple layers – More packed-in apples require longer baking.
Pie plate material – Metal pans bake faster than glass or ceramic.
Lattice vs full top crust – A lattice top exposes more filling to bake faster.
Oven variances – All ovens bake a bit differently. Get to know yours.
Pie accessories – Using a pie shield or foil tent affects timing.

Recommended Baking Times for Apple Pie

Here are general guidelines for how long to bake apple pie at 350 degrees F based on size:

Small Pie – 8 or 9 inches

A small apple pie with a diameter of 8 or 9 inches will take 45 to 50 minutes to bake fully at 350°F. The reduced volume allows the interior to bake through while the crust turns golden brown. Check for doneness at 45 minutes.

Medium Pie – 9 or 10 inches

For a medium 9 or 10-inch apple pie, bake for 50 to 55 minutes at 350 degrees. The slightly larger size requires more time for the middle to bake through. Check doneness at 50 minutes.

Large Pie – 10 or 11 inches

A generously sized 10 or 11-inch apple pie needs 55 to 60 minutes in the oven preheated to 350°F to ensure it bakes fully without burning. The larger volume and additional apple filling requires more time. Check doneness at 55 minutes.

How to Know When Your Apple Pie is Done Baking

Rather than rely solely on timing, I use multiple tests to determine doneness when baking apple pie at 350°F:

The filling is bubbling steadily through the vents or lattice top.
A knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
The center of the apple pie reaches 195°F on a thermometer.
The apples feel fork-tender when pierced through the crust.
The top crust is evenly golden brown.
The bottom crust is light brown and cooked through.

The times recommended provide general guidelines but ovens do vary. Use the visual and temperature cues above to decide when your apple pie is perfectly baked.

Why 350°F is the Ideal Temperature for Baking Apple Pie

Baking apple pie at 350°F offers several advantages over higher temperatures:

Prevents overbrowning – Moderately low heat ensures the crust browns evenly without burning.
Retains moisture – The filling stays tender and juicy rather than drying out.
Allows even cooking – The apples and crust bake at the same rate for uniform texture.
Provides a safety buffer – 350°F keeps the pie from overcooking if left in slightly too long.
Achieves ideal browning – Gives the crust and streusel a perfect golden color.

How Apples Impact Baking Time

The type of apples you select for your apple pie filling impacts how long it takes to bake fully at 350°F:

Firm, dense apples like Granny Smith and Rome hold their shape longer during baking. They require up to 60 minutes for tender, baked results.
Soft, porous apples such as McIntosh, Cortland, and Empire bake down more quickly in 45 to 50 minutes at 350°F.
Using a combination of apple types creates more complex flavor and cuts down baking time slightly. The softer apples help the firmer varieties soften.
Precooking apples by sautéing briefly until just tender reduces baking time by up to 10 minutes for any apple variety.

Picking the right balance of apple varieties can help shorten your pie’s time in the oven.

Baking Tips for Apple Perfection

Use these tips for apple pie success when baking at 350°F:

Vent the crust with slits or a lattice top to allow steam to release. This prevents a soggy bottom crust.
Use a pie shield or foil to prevent overbrowning of the edges and allow even baking.
Pack the fruit tightly so the filling doesn’t shrink. Create mounded, fanned layers.
Brush crust with egg wash or milk before baking for enhanced browning and sheen.
Place a baking sheet under the pie to catch any juices and prevent burning.
Let cool for at least 2 hours before slicing for clean, neat portions of pie.

Storing and Freezing Baked Apple Pie

After all your effort baking the perfect apple pie at 350°F, be sure to store it properly:

Room temperature – Cover and store at room temp up to 2 days.
Refrigeration – For 3 to 5 days of storage, refrigerate the covered pie.
Freezing – Double wrap slices or whole pie for 2 to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating – Thaw frozen pie overnight in fridge. Reheat chilled pie at 325°F for 10 to 15 minutes.

With the proper storage methods, you can enjoy your delicious homemade apple pie all season long.

Satisfying Apple Pie Cravings All Year Long

I hope these apple pie baking tips help you achieve pie perfection every time. With the right tools and techniques, you can become expert at knowing precisely how long to bake apple pie at 350°F for your desired size and apple type. So go ahead – enjoy this American classic any time of year and impress your family with your expertly baked apple pies. Dig into that sweet, cinnamon-y, flaky, juicy goodness and satisfy your apple pie craving in any season!