If you’ve been binge-watching Stranger Things Season 5, you know exactly which Stranger Things pie I’m talking about. Episode 3 dropped one of the most hilarious scenes when Erica Sinclair showed up at the Turnbow house with a homemade pie and that unforgettable line. While the show’s version had a rather unusual secret ingredient, this Stranger Things pie recipe recreates what we imagine Erica baked: a classic, buttery double-crust apple pie that’s so good, nobody at your table will refuse a slice.
SERVES: 4 | PREP: 30 MIN | COOK: 55 MIN | TOTAL: 85 MIN
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2½ cups |
| Unsalted butter (cold, cubed) | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Ice water | 6-8 tablespoons |
For the Apple Filling
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Granny Smith apples (peeled, sliced) | 4 medium |
| Honeycrisp apples (peeled, sliced) | 2 medium |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup |
| Light brown sugar | ¼ cup |
| Ground cinnamon | 1½ teaspoons |
| Ground nutmeg | ¼ teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour | 3 tablespoons |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Unsalted butter (small pieces) | 2 tablespoons |
| Egg (beaten, for egg wash) | 1 large |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Phase 1: Making the Crust (20 minutes)
Step 1: Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together 2½ cups flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. This dry mixture creates the foundation for a flaky crust. The sugar adds a subtle sweetness that complements the apple filling perfectly.
Step 2: Add 1 cup cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces. Those butter chunks are what create flaky layers when baked.
Step 3: Drizzle in 6 tablespoons ice water, one tablespoon at a time, while gently mixing with a fork. Add up to 2 more tablespoons if needed. The dough should just come together when squeezed. Don’t overmix or your Stranger Things pie crust will turn tough instead of tender.
Step 4: Divide the dough into two discs (one slightly larger for the bottom crust). Wrap each disc tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This rest time lets the gluten relax and the butter firm up, making rolling easier.
Phase 2: Preparing the Filling (15 minutes)
Step 5: While the dough chills, peel and core 4 Granny Smith apples and 2 Honeycrisp apples. Slice them into ¼-inch thick pieces. The Granny Smith apples hold their shape during baking while the Honeycrisp adds natural sweetness.
Step 6: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with 2 tablespoons lemon juice. The acid prevents browning and balances the sweetness. You’ll notice the apples immediately brighten up.
Step 7: Add ¾ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1½ teaspoons cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and 3 tablespoons flour to the apples. Toss everything together until every slice is coated. The flour absorbs the apple juices during baking, preventing a soggy bottom crust.
Step 8: Let the apple mixture sit for 10 minutes. The sugar will start drawing out moisture, which helps you gauge if you need to drain excess liquid before filling the pie.
Phase 3: Assembling Your Stranger Things Pie (15 minutes)
Step 9: Preheat your oven to 425°F and position a rack in the lower third. Place a baking sheet on the rack to catch any drips.
Step 10: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the larger dough disc into a 12-inch circle about ⅛-inch thick. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie pan, letting the excess hang over the edges. Don’t stretch the dough or it’ll shrink during baking.
Step 11: Pour the apple filling into the crust, mounding it slightly in the center. The apples will shrink as they bake, so don’t be afraid to pile them high. Dot the top with 2 tablespoons butter pieces for extra richness.
Step 12: Roll out the second dough disc into an 11-inch circle. Place it over the filling. Trim both crusts to leave a 1-inch overhang, then fold the edges under and crimp with your fingers or a fork.
Step 13: Cut 5-6 slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. This prevents your Stranger Things pie from getting soggy and lets you peek at the bubbling filling.
Step 14: Brush the entire top crust with beaten egg for a beautiful golden finish. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar if you want extra sparkle and crunch.
Phase 4: Baking (55 minutes)
Step 15: Place the pie on the preheated baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 20 minutes. The high heat sets the crust and starts browning the top.
Step 16: Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F without opening the door. Continue baking for 35-40 more minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and you see thick juice bubbles through the vents.
Step 17: If the edges brown too quickly, tent them with aluminum foil strips after 30 minutes of total baking time. The center needs the full baking time to cook through properly.
Step 18: Remove the pie from the oven when the filling actively bubbles through the vents. The internal temperature should reach 200°F if you want to be precise.
Phase 5: Cooling and Serving
Step 19: Let your Stranger Things pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. I know this is torture, but cutting too early means runny filling that won’t hold its shape.
Step 20: Serve warm or at room temperature with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Store leftovers covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Chef’s Notes
Butter Temperature: Keep your butter ice-cold for the flakiest crust. Warm butter melts into the flour instead of creating those essential steam pockets. Pop your butter in the freezer for 10 minutes before starting if your kitchen is warm.
Apple Variety Matters: Combining tart Granny Smith with sweet Honeycrisp creates complex flavor and prevents mushy filling. The Stranger Things pie needs apples that hold their shape, so avoid Red Delicious or McIntosh.
Blind Baking Isn’t Needed: Unlike custard pies, this double-crust apple pie doesn’t require pre-baking the bottom crust. The high initial temperature and long bake time ensure a crispy bottom.
Steam Vents Are Essential: Those slits in the top crust release moisture and prevent a soggy disaster. Make them at least 1 inch long for proper ventilation during the long baking time.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 485 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 68g | Fat: 23g | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 38g | Sodium: 310mg
Creative Variations
Caramel Apple Pie: Drizzle ½ cup caramel sauce over the apples before adding the top crust. The caramel melts into the filling and creates an incredible depth of flavor. If you love rich desserts, try our Capricorn Cake for another indulgent option.
Cheddar Crust Stranger Things Pie: Add ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar to your crust dough. This classic combination might sound weird, but the savory cheese beautifully contrasts the sweet apples. It’s a Midwest favorite!
Crumb Top Version: Skip the top crust and make a streusel topping with 1 cup flour, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup butter, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Mix until crumbly and sprinkle over the filling before baking.
Spiced Rum Apple Pie: Add 2 tablespoons dark rum and ½ teaspoon allspice to your filling. The rum enhances the apple flavor without making the pie boozy. For more dessert inspiration, explore our recipe desserts collection.
Storage and Reheating
Room Temperature: Cover your Stranger Things pie loosely with foil and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. The crust stays crispiest this way, though the filling will be slightly firmer when chilled.
Refrigerator: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving, or warm individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Freezer: Wrap unbaked or baked pie tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Bake frozen unbaked pies directly from the freezer, adding 15-20 minutes to the baking time. Thaw baked pies overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating: Warm individual slices in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes or until heated through. The oven maintains the crispy crust better than microwave reheating.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Soggy Bottom Crust: Your pie likely wasn’t baked long enough or the oven temperature was too low. Make sure you see active bubbling through the vents before removing the pie. The baking sheet underneath helps conduct heat to the bottom crust.
Filling Leaks Through Crust: You either overfilled the pie or didn’t seal the edges properly. Pinch the top and bottom crusts together firmly, and make sure there’s at least ¼ inch of dough all around for a secure seal.
Burnt Edges, Raw Center: Cover the edges with foil strips after 30 minutes of baking. The Stranger Things pie needs the full baking time, but the thinner edges brown faster than the thick center.
Filling Too Runny: You cut the pie before it cooled properly, or your apples released too much liquid. Always cool for at least 2 hours. If your apples seem extra juicy, drain some liquid after the 10-minute sitting period in Step 8.
Tough, Dense Crust: You overworked the dough or added too much water. Handle the dough gently and add water just until it barely comes together. It should look shaggy, not smooth.
Equipment Essentials
9-inch Pie Pan: Glass or ceramic works best because it conducts heat evenly and lets you check the bottom crust for browning.
Pastry Cutter: Makes cutting butter into flour much easier than using your hands, which can warm the butter.
Rolling Pin: A heavy wooden or marble pin gives you better control and more even pressure when rolling dough.
Baking Sheet: Catches drips and provides extra bottom heat for a crispy crust.
Wire Cooling Rack: Allows air circulation underneath the pie so the bottom crust stays crisp while cooling.
Shopping List
Produce Section
- Granny Smith apples (4 medium)
- Honeycrisp apples (2 medium)
- Lemon (1 for juice)
Dairy Section
- Unsalted butter (1½ cups total)
- Large eggs (1)
Baking Aisle
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Light brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Salt
Success Secrets
- Freeze Your Butter: Fifteen minutes in the freezer before starting guarantees the coldest butter for maximum flakiness. This single step dramatically improves your crust texture.
- Use a Mix of Apples: Granny Smith provides structure while Honeycrisp adds natural sweetness. Don’t use only one variety or you’ll miss out on complex flavor and perfect texture.
- Don’t Skip the Cooling Time: The filling needs at least 2 hours to set up properly. Cutting too early means soupy filling that slides off the plate instead of holding a clean slice.
- Check for Bubbling Vents: Your Stranger Things pie is done when you see thick juice bubbles actively coming through the top crust vents. This visual cue is more reliable than timing alone.
- Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, creamy ice cream melting into warm pie creates an incredible contrast. It’s the classic pairing for good reason!
Pro Tip: Want to recreate Erica’s dramatic entrance from Episode 3? Bake this Stranger Things pie the night before, let it cool completely, then show up to your next gathering with it under one arm. Just skip the sedatives and bring extra forks instead. Your friends will be begging for seconds without any convincing necessary!
