Apple Crisp Pie is a warm, cozy treat filled with juicy apples and topped with a crunchy, golden-brown layer. It’s perfect for fall gatherings or just because!
I love how the sweet smell fills the kitchen as it bakes! Top it with a scoop of ice cream for a little extra joy. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 🍏🥧
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Using a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp gives great flavor and texture. If you can’t find these, try Fuji or Braeburn. Avoid apples that are too soft, as they won’t hold up well when baked.
Pie Crust: You can either buy a pre-made crust or make your own. For a quick fix, a graham cracker crust also works well and adds a different flavor!
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats create a lovely crunchy topping. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free oats without losing the texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the saltiness in your pie. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter can be good substitutes, but the flavor will change a bit.
How Do I Get the Crisp Topping Just Right?
The crisp topping is what makes Apple Crisp Pie special. Here’s how to achieve that perfect crunch:
- Ensure your butter is cold before cutting it into the dry ingredients. This helps create a flaky texture.
- Mix the topping until it resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t over-mix; some pea-sized pieces of butter should remain for added crunch.
- Sprinkle the crisp topping generously over the apples, making sure it evenly covers the filling for balanced flavor and texture.
Remember to let the pie cool after baking; this helps the filling set and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Apple Crisp Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie:
- 1 prepared 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (use a mix like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
Optional:
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Apple Crisp Pie will take approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 50-60 minutes to bake. After baking, allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes so it sets up nicely. Your total time investment will be around 1 hour 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pie Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take your pie crust and place it into a 9-inch pie pan, pressing it gently to fit the shape. Set this aside while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the Apple Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples with the granulated sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Toss everything together well until the apples are completely coated in the mixture.
3. Fill the Pie Crust:
Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading the apples evenly so they will bake uniformly. This will help create an even sweet flavor throughout the pie.
4. Prepare the Crisp Topping:
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate the butter until everything looks like coarse crumbs with some larger, pea-sized bits.
5. Sprinkle the Topping:
Evenly spread the crisp topping over the apple filling. It should cover all the apples well for that delightful crunch!
6. Bake the Pie:
Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and then bake it in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes. You want the topping to be golden brown and the apple filling bubbling away!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once you remove the pie from the oven, let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes. This cooling time allows the filling to thicken up a bit. Serve warm, and don’t forget a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top if you like!
Enjoy every bite of this warm, tender apple filling topped with a buttery, crunchy crisp. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! A mix of tart and sweet apples works best. Granny Smith adds tartness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji contributes sweetness. Feel free to experiment with your favorite varieties!
How Do I Prevent the Crisp Topping from Getting Soggy?
To ensure a crunchy topping, make sure to keep the butter cold until you’re ready to mix it in. Also, avoid overmixing the topping to maintain texture, and bake the pie until the topping is golden brown.
Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the pie a day in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re baking it straight from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave, or warm the whole pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
