Mom’s Flat Apple Pie

 

This cozy, sheet-pan-style apple pie is a beloved family classic for good reason. Instead of a deep, towering dessert, Mom's version is beautifully flat—maximizing the crisp, buttery crust in every single bite. Tart Granny Smith apples are layered over a secret layer of crunchy Corn Flakes (which soaks up all those sweet juices), all beneath a golden, flaky top crust and finished with a delicate vanilla glaze. It's simple, nostalgic, and utterly irresistible.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• ¾ teaspoon salt

• 1 ½ cups shortening

• 1 large egg yolk

• Milk, as needed (combined with egg yolk to equal 1 cup total liquid)

For the Filling:

• 2 to 3 handfuls Corn Flakes cereal

• 10 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 4 to 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed (depending on how rich you like it)

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

For the Thin Glaze:

• ⅔ cup powdered sugar

• 2 to 3 dashes vanilla extract

• Milk, just enough to create a thin, drizzling consistency

Instructions

1. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the shortening using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse meal. In a measuring cup, place the egg yolk and add enough milk to reach 1 cup total. Whisk to combine, then gradually add to the flour mixture, stirring just until a smooth dough forms. Divide the dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Have ready a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan or cookie sheet (with at least a slight rim).

3. Roll the Bottom Crust
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a rectangle large enough to fit your pan with a little overhang. Gently transfer it to the pan and press it evenly into the bottom and slightly up the sides.

4. Add the Secret Layer
Sprinkle 2 to 3 generous handfuls of Corn Flakes evenly over the bottom crust. This humble layer is the magic trick—it absorbs the apple juices and prevents a soggy bottom.

5. Layer the Apples
Arrange the sliced Granny Smith apples evenly over the Corn Flakes. They will shrink as they bake, so a generous, mounded layer is perfect.

6. Season and Dot with Butter
In a small bowl, stir together the 1 cup of sugar and the cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apples. Dot the top with the cubed butter.

7. Add the Top Crust
Roll out the second disk of dough into a similar-sized rectangle. Gently place it over the apples. Trim any excess overhang, then crimp the edges firmly with a fork or your fingers to seal.

8. Egg Wash and Vent
In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Brush this mixture generously over the top crust. Cut several slits in the top to allow steam to escape.

9. Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes.

10. Glaze and Serve
While the pie is still warm, prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and just enough milk to create a thin, pourable consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the warm pie. Slice into squares and serve warm—preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips for the Perfect Flat Apple Pie

• The Corn Flake Trick: Don't skip this! The cereal creates a barrier that soaks up excess juice, ensuring your bottom crust stays flaky and crisp.

• Thin Apples: Slice your apples thinly and uniformly so they cook through in the shorter baking time.

• Chill the Dough: If your dough becomes too soft while rolling, pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes. Chilled dough holds its shape better and produces a flakier crust.

• Check for Doneness: The crust should be deep golden brown, and you should see the filling gently bubbling through the slits.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic: Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

• Extra Decadent: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce alongside the vanilla glaze.

• Breakfast Treat: Let's be honest—this pie is so wonderfully flat and not-too-sweet, a square with a cup of coffee the next morning is a beautiful thing.