Flora Disney's Deep Dish Wolf River Apple Pie Recipe

It was no secret that Walt Disney, the famous pioneer of animated cartoon films, loved a good apple pie. In fact, there was one, in particular, that was his favorite. Made with love by his mother, Flora Disney, the Wolf River Apple Pie was one Walt would often speak about to anyone who would listen.

Most notable about this pie were the apples that she would use to make it. Grown in their home orchard on their farm in Marceline, Missouri, Flora would use their large Wolf River apples. These apples were so large that it's rumored that she could make an entire pie from just one apple.

On our recent visit to Walt Disney's childhood home, Kaye Malin's shared with us how the current Wolf Apple trees are doing, and the coveted apple pie recipe from Flora Disney.

Deep Dish Wolf River Apple Pie Recipe

Pie Ingredients:

  • 7-8 apples (2-3 if large Wolf River Apples) cut into nugget size pieces
  • 2 cups of sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons of flour
  • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Add all ingredients to a 2-qt bowl and mix well. Let sit while fixing the crust.

Pastry Crust

  • 3 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/8 cup of lard
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon of vinegar
  • 7 tablespoons of water

Cut lard in with flour and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together egg, vinegar, and water. Pour over flour mixture and mix.

The dough may be a little sticky - this is okay. Pinch off a handful of dough and roll out onto a clean flour cloth into a circle large enough to cover the sides and bottom of the pie dish. Place into a 9-inch pie dish.

Pour apple mixture into the dish.

Pinch off a small ball of dough and roll out on a clean flour cloth - this only needs to be the size of the opening of the pie dish. Cut bird tracks into this piece of dough. Place this on top of the apples, then pinch ends together - squeezing/pinching the dough between forefinger and thumbs.

Use any juice left from the apple mixture in the bowl to sprinkle on top of the pie - it makes it prettier.

Cook for 1 hour at 350 degrees. 

Have the ice cream ready to put on top of your piece of pie. ENJOY.

*A special thanks to our friends at the Walt Disney Hometown Museum for sharing the recipe with us!

Article Categories:

Latest Articles

How To Prune Grapes - Summer Care Article imageArticle imageArticle imageArticle image
How To Prune Grapes - Summer Care Summer pruning helps control vigorous growth, improve fruit quality, and keep your grapevines healthy and productive throughout the growing season.
How to Make Redbud Jelly Redbud jellyRedbud jellyRedbud jellyRedbud jelly
How to Make Redbud Jelly Learn how to make redbud jelly from edible redbud tree blossoms with this easy small-batch recipe.
Winter Preparation for Fig Trees: Cutting Back and Mulching Article imageArticle imageArticle imageArticle image
Winter Preparation for Fig Trees: Cutting Back and Mulching Fig trees are beloved for their sweet fruit, but they can be sensitive to freezing temperatures, especially in colder climates. Proper winter preparation ensures the tree survives the harsh weather and grows back vigorously in the spring. One effective method involves cutting back the branches and insulating the tree base with mulch. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Indoor Gardening with Purpose: Fresh Ingredients Year-Round Planting in pots indoorsPlanting in pots indoorsPlanting in pots indoorsPlanting in pots indoors
Indoor Gardening with Purpose: Fresh Ingredients Year-Round Imagine walking into your home and being greeted by the vibrant greenery of your very own indoor garden. With aromatic herbs, fresh ingredients, and even small fruiting plants, indoor gardening can turn any space into a productive and inviting haven. Whether you’re looking to save on grocery costs, enjoy a steady supply of organic produce, or simply find joy in gardening throughout the year, growing indoors is a rewarding way to make the most of your space.
House Plants: Benefits, Top Picks, and Care Tips Article imageArticle imageArticle imageArticle image
House Plants: Benefits, Top Picks, and Care Tips House plants aren’t just for looks—they’re living companions that enhance our homes! Whether you're a plant mom or plant dad who wants to bring nature inside, house plants offer health benefits, create calming atmospheres, and add charm to every room. Let’s dive into the many ways house plants can enhance your well-being and explore the best plant options for your lighting conditions.
The Stark Bro's Story of Leadership in Gardening Excellence Rooted in ServiceRooted in ServiceRooted in ServiceRooted in Service
The Stark Bro's Story of Leadership in Gardening Excellence At Stark Bro’s, we’re proud to be veteran-owned and veteran-operated, bringing the values of service and dedication directly into the heart of gardening. With over 200 years of history, we know that the strongest roots grow from a commitment to quality, integrity, and community. Our leadership upholds these principles, guiding every plant we nurture and every customer we serve. Here, we don’t just grow fruit trees; we grow relationships and legacy.
Preparing Your Garden for a Successful Fall and Winter Harvest basket full of applesHarvest basket full of applesHarvest basket full of applesHarvest basket full of apples
Preparing Your Garden for a Successful Fall and Winter As summer comes to an end, it’s time to give your fruit trees and berry plants the care they need to thrive through the colder months. Proper fall maintenance not only protects your plants from winter damage but also lays the foundation for healthy growth come spring. Here’s your fall checklist to help ensure a smooth transition into the next season.
How to Prep a Garlic Bed for Planting Preparing a garlic bedPreparing a garlic bedPreparing a garlic bedPreparing a garlic bed
How to Prep a Garlic Bed for Planting Preparing a garlic bed properly is essential for growing healthy, productive garlic plants. Garlic is usually planted in the fall, as it needs a cold period to establish strong roots before spring growth. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your garlic bed for planting.
How to Care for Citrus Trees in Containers & Successfully Grow Citrus Indoors citrus treescitrus treescitrus treescitrus trees
How to Care for Citrus Trees in Containers & Successfully Grow Citrus Indoors Imagine filling your home with the vibrant scent of citrus blossoms, while enjoying fresh fruit all year long—even if you live outside the ideal growing zones for citrus! Growing citrus in containers makes this possible, allowing you to bring the beauty and flavor of citrus into any climate. With optimal care, citrus trees can bloom and bear fruit multiple times a year, adding both color, fragrance and flavor to your living space.
When Grapes Are Ready to Harvest: A Guide to Determining Ripeness When are Grapes RipeWhen are Grapes RipeWhen are Grapes RipeWhen are Grapes Ripe
When Grapes Are Ready to Harvest: A Guide to Determining Ripeness Harvesting grapes at the right time is crucial for achieving optimal flavor, sugar content, and overall quality. Grapes can be used for fresh eating, winemaking, or cooking, and each purpose may have slightly different ripeness criteria. Here’s a comprehensive guide on when grapes are ready to be harvested.
Subscribe to Stark Bro's e-newsletters
Get to know your zone! Try the new Stark Bro's Hardiness Zone Finder