This Apple Crisp Pie is a warm and cozy treat, featuring sweet, juicy apples topped with a crunchy oat and brown sugar mixture. It’s like a hug in dessert form!
Honestly, who can resist that crunchy topping? It’s the perfect way to use up those apples and impress friends and family. Serve it warm with ice cream if you’re feeling fancy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using Granny Smith for that perfect tartness paired with sweetness. Honeycrisp are also great if you prefer sweetness. If you’re out, any firm apple will do, even a mix. Just avoid soft varieties that go mushy.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar adds sweetness, but consider reducing it if your apples are extra sweet. You can swap some sugar for maple syrup or honey for a different flavor profile.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best because you control the salt level. If you’re dairy-free, use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Just remember to keep it cold for that crumbly topping!
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give a nice texture. Quick oats will work too, but they might result in a finer topping. If gluten-free, look for certified gluten-free oats.
How Do You Ensure a Perfectly Crunchy Topping?
The key to a crunchy topping is really about how you incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients. For best results, keep the butter cold! Here’s how:
- Combine the dry ingredients (flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt) in one bowl.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands until you get pea-sized crumbs. Don’t overmix; you want to see bits of butter for crunch.
Assembling your pie: Spread the topping evenly over the apples before baking. This layer traps moisture, keeping the topping crunchy while the apples cook. Enjoy your pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added deliciousness!
How to Make Apple Crisp Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie:
- 1 double pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
Optional: Vanilla ice cream for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 20 minutes for preparation and then bake for 50-60 minutes. After that, let it cool for about 30 minutes before serving. So, around an hour and a half total, and you’ll have a delicious pie ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place one pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it down gently to fit, and trim any excess edges if needed. This will be the base for your delicious filling!
2. Mix the Apple Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, add your sliced apples. Then, sprinkle in the granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated and all ingredients are mixed evenly.
3. Assemble the Pie:
Carefully pour the apple mixture into your prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly so it cooks uniformly. Now it’s time for the crispy topping!
4. Make the Crisp Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix it well. Next, add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, blend the butter into the mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs. This is what will give your pie the delicious crispy texture!
5. Top the Pie:
Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apple mixture in the pie crust. If you want, you can cover it with a second pie crust instead and cut slits in it for steam to escape, but leaving the topping exposed shows off that yummy crunch!
6. Bake the Pie:
Place your pie in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling merrily!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set, making it easier to slice. Serve it warm, and don’t forget to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delightful treat!
Enjoy your homemade Apple Crisp Pie bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are popular choices for their balance of sweetness and tartness, you can use any firm apple variety. Try a mix for added flavor complexity!
How Can I Make This Pie Gluten-Free?
To make a gluten-free Apple Crisp Pie, use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute all-purpose flour in the filling and topping with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free as well.
Can I Prepare This Pie in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the pie and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. For baked pies, store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Apple Crisp Pie?
This pie is delicious on its own, but for an extra treat, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of caramel sauce adds a lovely touch too!
