Betty Crocker Apricot Pie Recipe: Golden Crust, Jammy Filling Magic

Betty Crocker's apricot pie delivers that perfect balance of golden crust and jammy filling that tastes like summer in every bite.

I've recreated this classic recipe with a few modern twists to ensure the crust stays crisp while the apricot filling achieves that signature wobble—just like the iconic Betty Crocker version. The secret lies in a precise blend of spices and a well-baked crust that holds its shape without cracking.

What makes this recipe special is the foolproof technique for creating a lattice crust that's both visually stunning and structurally sound. You'll start with a classic pie dough, but the real magic happens when you cut it into strips and weave them over the filling.

This method ensures even baking while keeping the center tender. The apricot filling is where the real flavor shines—sweet, tangy, and thick enough to hold its shape when sliced.

By the time you pull this pie from the oven, you'll have a dessert that looks like it came straight from a bakery. The crust will be golden brown, the apricot filling will be bubbly and slightly jiggly, and the aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth.

This is the kind of pie that disappears quickly, so be prepared to make a second one—it's that good.

Whether you're baking for a family gathering or treating yourself to a homemade dessert, this apricot pie delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal fuss. The recipe includes tips for adjusting sweetness, adding a streusel topping, or even making a gluten-free version. Let's get started on creating this timeless classic!

Ingredients for betty crocker apricot pie

Pantry staples plus a few specialty touches for that iconic Betty Crocker apricot pie.

The apricot preserves are non-negotiable—Mott's or Bonne Maman are my go-tos, but any jammy variety works. Look for ones with no added pectin or thickeners (those just make the filling gummy). For the crust, Land O'Lakes unsalted butter gives the best flakiness, but any cold, high-fat butter will do. The trick is keeping everything cold until the dough comes together. If your kitchen's warm, chill the dough balls for 30 minutes before rolling. And trust me, freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg make all the difference—pre-ground tastes like dust.

No apricot preserves? Fresh apricots puréed with sugar works (about 3 cups fruit + 1 cup sugar), but it's messy. Short on butter? Shortening in the crust keeps it flaky, but it won't brown as nicely. The cornstarch is key for that thick, wobbly filling—don't skip it. For the lattice, I use a pizza cutter (clean blades only!) to get those perfect strips. No pizza cutter? Sharp kitchen scissors work in a pinch. The heavy cream glaze is optional but worth it—just whisk it with a pinch of sugar and brush over the lattice before baking.

This pie reheats beautifully—just 10 minutes at 350°F to warm the filling. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days, though it rarely lasts that long. The crust stays crisp for 3 days if you refrigerate it covered with parchment. Freeze the whole pie (unbaked or baked) for 3 months—just thaw overnight before serving. Pro tip: Make the dough first thing in the morning so it chills all day. Patience here = perfect crust.

Step-by-step instructions for Betty Crocker apricot pie recipe

Here's how to assemble a showstopping apricot pie with a golden crust and jammy filling that tastes like summer in every bite.

In a large bowl, combine the 2.5 cups all-purpose flour, 0.5 cup granulated sugar, 0.5 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg. Whisk until evenly distributed—those spices will infuse the crust with warm flavor. Cut in the 1 cup cold unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces.

Gradually add the 0.5 cup ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough just comes together. It shouldn't be sticky—if it is, add a little more flour. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into two equal parts. Roll one disk to fit your 9-inch pie dish, pressing gently to create a smooth bottom and sides. Chill while you prepare the filling.

In a medium saucepan, combine the 2 cups apricot preserves, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 tbsp cornstarch. Stir over medium heat until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon—about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely. This step ensures your filling has the perfect jammy consistency without being runny.

While the filling cools, preheat your oven to 375°F. Roll out the second pie crust disk to create a top crust or lattice pattern. For a classic look, cut the top crust into strips about 1 inch wide and arrange them in a lattice over the filling. Brush the top crust with the 0.5 cup heavy cream for a golden finish—this optional step adds that bakery-style shine.

Carefully transfer the cooled filling into the chilled pie crust, spreading it evenly. Place the top crust or lattice over the filling, crimping the edges to seal. Brush the top crust with the beaten 1 whole large egg mixed with a splash of water for that signature golden sheen. Cut a few small slits in the top to allow steam to escape—this prevents a soggy pie.

Bake on the middle rack for 45-50 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the slits. The edges should be set but not burnt. If the crust browns too quickly, tent with foil. Let the pie cool completely before slicing—this ensures clean cuts and lets the filling set properly.

Once cooled, slice the pie into 8 equal wedges for your 8 servings. The crust should be flaky and crisp, while the filling remains jammy and fragrant. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience. This pie keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, though I doubt it'll last that long!

Perfect pairings for this recipe

Ice Cream Harmony

Vanilla bean ice cream is the classic pairing for apricot pie—its creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the pie's jammy filling. I recommend Breyer's Vanilla Bean for its rich, smooth consistency that won't melt too quickly.

For a lighter option, Ben & Jerry's Phish Food adds a playful swirl of caramel that complements the apricot's natural sweetness. Serve the pie slightly warm so the ice cream softens just enough to blend flavors. 🍦

Creamy Complements

Whipped cream is a must-have topping for this pie, but elevate it with Land O'Lakes Heavy Whipping Cream sweetened with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and a pinch of cinnamon. For a gourmet touch, fold in 1 teaspoon apricot jam into the whipped cream before serving.

A dollop on each slice adds a velvety contrast to the pie's crisp crust and jammy filling.

Coffee Pairings

An espresso martini or cappuccino balances the pie's sweetness with bold coffee flavors. I love pairing this dessert with a dark roast coffee like Peet's Major Dickason's Blend—its deep, chocolatey notes cut through the apricot's jammy richness.

For a lighter option, Starbucks Caffè Latte with vanilla syrup mirrors the pie's vanilla-infused filling. ☕

Cheese Board Fusion

Create a dessert-inspired cheese board with Brie and Gouda—their creamy textures and mild sweetness complement the pie's apricot flavors. Add fig jam or honeycomb to tie the flavors together.

A sprinkle of toasted almonds adds crunch, while sparkling wine like Prosecco cleanses the palate between bites. This fusion turns dessert into a sophisticated shared experience. 🧀

Seasonal Fruit Twist

In summer, serve the pie with fresh peaches or nectarines—their juicy sweetness enhances the apricot filling. In winter, pair with cranberry sauce for a tart contrast. I also love adding toasted pecans to the pie's lattice before baking for a nutty crunch that works year-round. 🍑

Boozy Elevations

For an adult twist, drizzle the pie with apricot brandy like Stock 21 before serving. A splash of bourbon in the filling (replace 1 tablespoon of lemon juice) deepens the flavor profile. For a lighter option, Sparkling Wine like Moët Impérial adds effervescence that refreshes the palate. 🍷

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