Can You Prep Apple Pie Ahead? Here's What Our Test Kitchen Says (2024)

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Whenever apples are in season (yay for fall!), a warm slice of old-fashioned apple pie filled with aromatic spices and covered in buttery crust really hits the spot. If you're getting a head start on your favorite fall baking recipes, you might be wondering if it's OK to assemble an apple pie in advance and bake it the next day. While this might sound like a good plan (and totally is for many desserts), you may want to reconsider prepping an apple pie ahead of time to bake later on. Read on to find out our Test Kitchen's recommendations for a make-ahead apple pie to make sure everyone gets to enjoy a fresh slice of the classic fall dessert.

Can You Prep Apple Pie Ahead of Time?

Our Test Kitchen doesn't recommend assembling an apple pie before baking it at a later time. If made ahead without baking, the pastry crust can become too wet and end up soggy after baking. The best way to make your apple pie in advance? Bake the pie completely, then chill it overnight, allowing the pie to sit at room temperature for at least an hour before serving. If you don't have room in your fridge for a pie, there are still several ways you can easily make a homemade apple pie by doing a lot of the prep work ahead of time. Here are some tips for getting as close to creating a make-ahead apple pie as possible:

• Prep your pastry crust in advance: Luckily, pastry dough for pie is easy to make ahead of time and store in the fridge or freezer so you can bake a pie at a moment's notice. Use our Test Kitchen's method for make-ahead piecrust.
• Make homemade apple pie filling: Turn your freshly-picked apples into a delicious apple pie filling. You can even allow your homemade pie filling to keep for longer by canning it in jars so you'll have the filling ready to dump and bake whenever you need it.

If you're planning way ahead, you can also bake an apple pie in advance, cool it, and pop it in the freezer for up to four months. Once you're ready to serve, simply allow it to thaw at room temperature—you can also reheat the pie for 15 minutes (or until warmed through) in a 425 F oven so everyone gets a nice warm slice after dinner.