Golden, sugar-topped pie in a red dish on a cooling rack.
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Homestyle Vermont Apple Pie for Your Thanksgiving Table

Thanksgiving in Vermont has a way of feeling especially grounded. Maybe it’s the mountains standing steady in the distance, the warmth of small-town gatherings, or the way neighbors look out for one another. Gratitude here isn’t just a sentiment—it’s woven into daily life. And whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving in Stowe or simply hoping to bring a little Vermont comfort to your own holiday table, there’s no better place to start than with a classic: homestyle Vermont apple pie.

In Stowe, gratitude grows from the connections we share—moments around the table, time spent together, and the simple comfort of good food. This recipe is more than a dessert; it’s a reflection of the season itself. Using crisp, local apples and simple ingredients, it brings the flavors of Vermont straight into your kitchen. Pair it with your favorite holiday traditions, and let it be a reminder of the people, places, and small joys worth being thankful for.

Slice of apple pie on a plate with a fork nearby.

Ingredients

For the filling:

  • 6–7 cups peeled and thinly sliced tart apples (like McIntosh, Honeycrisp, or Empire)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp allspice (optional)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp cold butter, cut into small pieces

For the crust:
Use your favorite homemade pie crust recipe (top and bottom crust) or opt for a store-bought version.

Golden-brown apple pie with a slice missing, surrounded by fresh apples.

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a large bowl, toss the apples with both sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice (if using), lemon juice, and vanilla. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes.
  3. Roll out the bottom crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate.
  4. Pour the apple filling into the crust and dot the top with small pieces of butter.
  5. Cover with the top crust, trim and crimp the edges, and cut a few small vents.
  6. Brush the crust lightly with milk or egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired.
  7. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35–45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
  8. Cool for at least an hour so the filling can set before slicing.

Serve it the Vermont Way

In true Vermont fashion, many locals enjoy their apple pie with a thick slice of sharp Cabot cheddar cheese. The salty, creamy bite of the cheese is the perfect complement to the warm, sweet filling. Trust us—try it once, and you may never go back.

As you savor this slice of Vermont apple pie—wherever you may be—we hope it brings a little of Stowe’s warmth to your Thanksgiving table. And when you’re ready to experience this feeling firsthand, we’d love to welcome you back. Visit next November for that magical blend of late-fall color and early-winter sparkle, or plan a holiday getaway this winter to enjoy snow-covered peaks, festive village moments, and cozy fireside stays. However you choose to return, there’s always a place for you here in Vermont’s mountain town. 

PLAN YOUR STAY

Brass Lantern Inn

Bluebird Cady Hill Lodge

AWOL Stowe