This Apple Crisp Pie is a warm and tasty treat! With sweet apples and a crunchy oat topping, it’s a dessert that feels like a cozy hug. Yum!
I love enjoying this pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—it’s the perfect combo! You might want to save a slice for later, but good luck with that! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Using a mix of Granny Smith and sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp gives the best flavor balance. If you can’t find those, any locally grown apples work well. Just aim for a tart-sweet combo!
Flour: All-purpose flour works great for thickening the apple filling. For a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for best results.
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps the topping nicely balanced. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute. It will still taste delicious!
Oats: Old-fashioned oats give the best texture for the topping. Quick oats will work if that’s all you have, but they might make the topping a bit softer.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Apples?
When prepping apples for the filling, it’s important to cut them evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. Here’s how to get it right:
- Peel, core, and slice each apple into even thin slices, about 1/4-inch thick.
- Toss the apples in lemon juice immediately after slicing to prevent browning.
- Mix the apple slices with the sugars and spices so they’re well combined. This adds flavor to all the pieces.
Enjoy the process of making this comforting pie, and don’t forget to taste the filling before putting it into the crust!
Apple Crisp Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie Filling:
- 6 to 7 medium apples (Granny Smith or a mix of tart and sweet apples), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 store-bought or homemade 9-inch pie crust
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Apple Crisp Pie takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 55 to 65 minutes to bake, plus a cooling time of 2 hours. So, you’ll need around 3 hours in total before you can enjoy this delicious dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing Your Oven and Pie Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, place your pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate. Make sure to press it firmly into the edges and trim or flute the edges if you like a fancy finish!
2. Making the Apple Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, toss your thinly sliced apples with lemon juice and vanilla extract to give them a lovely flavor. Then, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix everything together gently until the apples are nicely coated with the mixture.
3. Filling the Pie Crust:
Pour that delicious apple mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly so every slice has a good filling.
4. Preparing the Crisp Topping:
Now, let’s make the topping! In a medium bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces, and using your fingers or a pastry cutter, blend until you get a crumbly mixture with pea-sized clumps. This is going to be the crunchy topping you love!
5. Assembling the Pie:
Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apple filling in the pie crust, making sure to cover it all.
6. Baking Your Pie:
Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake it in your preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping looks golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling away! If it starts to brown too quickly, just cover it loosely with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
7. Cooling Your Pie:
Once baked, take the pie out of the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This will help the filling set perfectly.
8. Serving It Up:
After cooling, slice the pie and serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s especially delightful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. Enjoy every bite!
This recipe yields a delightful apple pie with a tender filling and a crisp, buttery oat topping perfect for fall or any time you crave a comforting dessert!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! A mix of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp will create a balanced flavor. You can also use whatever apples you have on hand; just aim for a combination of tart and sweet for the best results.
Can I Make This Pie in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pie ahead of time! Assemble it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to bake.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave or pop it back into a low oven until warmed through.
What Can I Substitute for Oats in the Topping?
If you need a substitute for oats, you can use crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts for a similar crunchy texture. Alternatively, you can make a crisp topping with additional flour and a bit more butter, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different.