Apple pie: the classic dessert that’s both comforting and frustrating. There’s nothing quite like pulling a golden, bubbling pie out of the oven, but if you’ve ever ended up with a soggy bottom, you know the heartbreak is real.

Fear not! We’ve got some tips to help you bake the perfect apple pie every time.

Tip 1: Pre-cook Your Apples

One of the biggest culprits of a soggy pie is excess moisture from the apples. By pre-cooking your apple filling, you reduce the amount of juice they’ll release while baking. Just sauté them with a bit of sugar and cinnamon until slightly softened, then let them cool before filling your pie.

Tip 2: Use the Right Apples

Not all apples can be considered equal when it comes to pie. You want apples that hold their shape and don’t turn to mush. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn are all excellent choices. Combining different types of apples can also give you the perfect balance of tart and sweet​.

Tip 3: Blind Bake the Crust

If you’ve never blind-baked a pie crust before, now’s the time to start. It’s simple: line your pie dish with crust, add parchment paper, and fill it with pie weights (or dried beans if you’re in a pinch). Bake it for about 10-15 minutes before adding your filling. This step helps the crust hold up better to the juicy apples.

Tip 4: Add a Thickener

Cornstarch, flour, or even tapioca can be your pie’s best friend. These thickeners will absorb the excess juices from the apples and help prevent that dreaded soggy crust. Just be careful not to overdo it, or you’ll end up with a gummy filling.

The Final Apple Pie Recipe

Looking to bake the perfect apple pie? Here’s a tried-and-true recipe to get you started.

Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into small cubes), 6-7 tbsp ice water, 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great choices), ¾ cup sugar, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into small pieces).

Step-By-Step Recipe:

1. Start by preparing the pie crust. Mix the flour and salt, then cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the ice water a tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together.

2. Roll out the dough and place it in your pie dish, chilling it for at least 30 minutes.

3. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel, core, and slice the apples, then toss them with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.

4. Pour the apple mixture into the crust and dot with butter.

5. Add the top crust, crimp the edges, and make slits for steam to escape. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling​.

There you go! With these simple tips, you can avoid soggy crusts and create the perfect apple pie that will have everyone asking for seconds!