This Apple Crisp Pie is a warm and comforting dessert! It features sweet, juicy apples covered with a crunchy topping that hugs the pie like a cozy blanket.
What I love most is how the topping gets all deliciously crispy while the apples stay soft and tender. It’s perfect with a scoop of ice cream on top—just yummy! 🍏🥧
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: You can use either a store-bought or homemade pie crust. For a lighter option, consider a graham cracker crust. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, check for gluten-free premade crusts or make one using almond flour.
Apples: Granny Smith apples are my favorite for their tartness, which balances well with sweetness. If you prefer sweeter apples, try Honeycrisp or Braeburn. You can mix different types for more depth of flavor!
Sweeteners: The combination of granulated and brown sugar brings both sweetness and rich flavor to the filling. You can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute if you’re watching sugar intake, just adjust to taste.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred as it lets you control the saltiness better. If you’re vegan, try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative instead for the crisp topping.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Apples for Pie?
Preparing the apples properly is key to ensure they are flavorful and cook evenly. Start by peeling and slicing them evenly so they cook at the same rate. Aim for about 1/4-inch thick slices; thinner slices may turn mushy, while thicker ones may stay crunchy.
- Mix apple slices with sugar and lemon juice in a bowl to help prevent browning and enhance natural sweetness.
- Let the apple mixture sit for a few minutes before transferring it to the pie crust. This allows the sugars to draw out some juices, which will create a delicious filling!
How to Make Delicious Apple Crisp Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups peeled and sliced tart apples (such as Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
Optional:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 50-60 minutes of baking time. You’ll want to let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before serving, so set aside around 1 hour and 50 minutes in total. Perfect for when you’re in the mood for baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This warms your oven up and ensures an even bake for your pie.
2. Prepare the Pie Crust:
Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate. Gently press the crust into the plate and trim any excess dough hanging over the edges. Set the crust aside for later.
3. Make the Apple Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. This adds flavor and helps thicken the filling.
4. Assemble the Pie:
Carefully transfer the apple mixture into your prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Make sure to fill in all the gaps for an even bake!
5. Prepare the Crisp Topping:
For the topping, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. This gives your topping that delightful crunch!
6. Combine the Topping:
Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers. Mix until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This will create a crumbly texture that’s delicious when baked.
7. Add the Topping to the Pie:
Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the apple filling in the pie crust, covering all the apples completely.
8. Bake the Pie:
Put the pie in the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown, and you see the apple filling bubbling. If the topping starts to brown too fast, cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil.
9. Cool the Pie:
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. This helps the filling set up nicely.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Apple Crisp Pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you like. Enjoy every delicious bite of this cozy dessert!
Can I Use a Store-Bought Pie Crust?
Absolutely! A store-bought pie crust can save you time and still yield a delicious pie. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the package for best results.
What Type of Apples Are Best for This Pie?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work wonderfully in this recipe. Their firmness and tartness balance the sweetness of the sugars used in the filling!
Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie filling and topping a day in advance. Store the apple filling in the fridge and assemble the pie just before baking. This way, the crust stays fresh and crisp!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave for a warm treat!