Mom’s Flat Apple Pie Recipe
Introduction
Mom’s Flat Apple Pie is a nostalgic dessert that combines a tender, flaky crust with tart Granny Smith apples and a delightful cornflake crunch. Topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, this pie is perfect for sharing any time of year.

Ingredients
- 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups shortening
- 1 egg yolk plus enough milk to make 1 cup of liquid
- 2-3 handfuls of Corn Flakes
- 10 Granny Smith apples, sliced and cored
- 4-8 tablespoons butter, cubed
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 egg (for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (for brushing)
- For the thin frosting:
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 dashes vanilla extract
- Milk, enough to make a thin frosting
Instructions
- Step 1: Mix the flour, salt, shortening, and the egg yolk combined with milk until you form a smooth dough for the crust.
- Step 2: Roll out half of the dough to fit a cookie sheet and place it in the pan.
- Step 3: Evenly sprinkle 2-3 handfuls of Corn Flakes over the rolled-out dough.
- Step 4: Arrange the sliced, cored apples on top of the Corn Flakes layer.
- Step 5: Mix the sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle this mixture over the apples. Dot the top with cubed butter.
- Step 6: Roll out the remaining dough and place it on top to cover the apples completely.
- Step 7: Beat the egg white with 1 teaspoon sugar and brush this mixture over the top crust. Cut a few slits in the crust to allow steam to escape.
- Step 8: Bake the pie at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Step 9: While the pie is hot, mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to create a thin frosting. Drizzle this over the warm pie and let it set before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor that holds well during baking.
- Substitute butter for shortening in the crust if you prefer a richer flavor and crispier texture.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mix for an extra warm spice note.
- For a crunchier topping, increase the amount of Corn Flakes or toast them lightly before adding.
Storage
Store leftover pie covered loosely in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispness. The frosting drip may soften upon refrigeration but will still add lovely sweetness.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this pie?
Yes, you can substitute Granny Smith apples with other firm, tart apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji. These varieties hold their shape well and provide great flavor when baked.
What can I use if I don’t have shortening?
You can replace shortening with an equal amount of cold butter or a mix of butter and vegetable oil. Butter will give a richer flavor but may slightly change the texture of the crust.
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Mom’s Flat Apple Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 1 large sheet pie (serves 8–10 slices) 1x
Description
Mom’s Flat Apple Pie is a classic homemade dessert featuring a flaky crust layered with crispy Corn Flakes, tart Granny Smith apples, and a cinnamon-sugar blend, finished with a delicate vanilla glaze. This sheet-style pie offers a perfect balance of crunchy texture and sweet-tart flavor, baked to golden perfection and crowned with a thin, sweet frosting drizzle.
Ingredients
Crust
- 3 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 egg yolk plus enough milk to make 1 cup of liquid
Filling
- 2–3 handfuls Corn Flakes
- 10 Granny Smith apples, sliced and cored
- 4–8 tablespoons butter, cubed
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Topping
- 1 egg white
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Thin Frosting
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 dashes vanilla extract
- Milk, enough to make a thin frosting
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and shortening. Add the egg yolk and enough milk to total 1 cup of liquid. Mix until a dough forms.
- Roll out dough: Divide the dough in half and roll out one half to fit a cookie sheet or baking pan evenly.
- Add Corn Flakes: Sprinkle 2 to 3 handfuls of Corn Flakes over the rolled-out dough, creating a crunchy base layer.
- Arrange apples: Place the sliced and cored Granny Smith apples evenly on top of the Corn Flakes layer.
- Add sugar and cinnamon: Mix the sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle this evenly over the apple layer. Dot the apples with cubed butter for richness.
- Top the pie: Roll out the remaining dough half to cover the apples and Corn Flakes, sealing the edges.
- Apply egg wash: Beat the egg white with 1 teaspoon sugar and brush this mixture over the top crust. Cut a few small slits in the crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake: Place the pie in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden and cooked through.
- Prepare thin frosting: While the pie is still hot, mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to create a thin frosting. Drizzle this over the warm pie for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for their tartness and firmness, which holds up well during baking.
- The Corn Flakes create a unique crunchy barrier that absorbs excess moisture, keeping the crust crisp.
- Adjust the amount of butter and sugar to your taste preferences or for a richer pie.
- Make slits in the top crust to prevent the pie from bubbling over or becoming soggy.
- The thin frosting adds a lovely sweet glaze but can be omitted if preferred.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple pie, flat apple pie, Granny Smith apples, Corn Flakes pie, homemade pie, classic dessert, cinnamon apple pie, sheet pie

