This Apple Crisp Pie is a warm hug in dessert form! With juicy apples and a crunchy topping, it’s the perfect blend of sweet and cozy flavors.
When it’s baking, your kitchen will smell amazing—just try not to eat all the topping before it goes in the oven! I love serving this pie with a scoop of ice cream on the side. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work great for this pie due to their balance of tartness and sweetness. If you want a sweeter pie, Fuji or Gala apples are also excellent. Just mix different varieties for a more complex flavor!
Pie crust: A pre-made crust saves time, but you can easily make your own with flour, butter, and water. For a gluten-free option, try a store-bought gluten-free crust or make one using almond flour.
Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and depth. If you’re cutting down on sugar, try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia, but adjust the amount as needed for sweetness.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for control over salt levels. If dairy is a concern, use plant-based butter or coconut oil, which adds a nice flavor, too!
How Do You Get the Best Crisp Topping?
The topping is crucial for that delicious contrast to the soft apples. Start with cold butter to achieve a crumbly texture. Here’s how to master it:
- In a mixing bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender or your fingers. You want it crumbly, not mushy.
- Don’t overmix! It should look like coarse crumbs when you’re done.
- Spread the topping evenly over the apples, but avoid packing it down too much for that nice crunch.
Keeping it light helps it crisp nicely while baking, creating that wonderful texture you crave!
How to Make Apple Crisp Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Crisp Topping:
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 20 minutes for preparation and 50-60 minutes for baking. After baking, let the pie cool for at least 20-30 minutes before serving. So, in total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 30 minutes or so to make this delightful dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pie Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that gets warm, place your unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and gently press it into the shape of the dish. Set it aside while you prepare the apple filling.
2. Make the Apple Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, 2 tbsp flour, and 1/4 tsp salt. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated with the mixture. This will add flavor and help create a lovely filling!
3. Assemble the Pie:
Transfer the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly. Make sure the apples are nicely arranged for an appealing look.
4. Prepare the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. Mix them together thoroughly! Add in the cold butter pieces and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until you have a crumbly texture.
5. Top the Apples:
Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apple filling in the pie dish. Be sure to cover the apples well; this will create that delicious crunchy topping we love!
6. Bake the Pie:
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’re looking for a golden brown topping and bubbly apple filling.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the pie out of the oven and let it cool for at least 20-30 minutes. This not only helps with serving but also lets the filling set up a bit! When ready to serve, enjoy a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’d like!
Enjoy your warm, comforting Apple Crisp Pie! Perfect for any occasion or just because it’s delicious!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent choices, you can mix and match other apples like Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn. This will give your pie a unique flavor and sweetness!
Can I Make the Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for a bit before placing it in the oven.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or enjoy it cold—it’s delicious either way!
What Can I Use Instead of Oats in the Topping?
If you need a substitute for oats, try using chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a crunchy texture. Just make sure to adjust the quantity so it balances well with the other ingredients!
