This Apple Crisp Pie is a warm hug on a plate! With sweet, juicy apples tucked inside a flakey crust and topped with a crunchy oat mixture, it’s simply irresistible.
Every bite feels like fall, and let’s be real, who can resist that crispy topping? I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—pure happiness! 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I like using a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for their balance of tart and sweet. If you can’t find these, any tart apples like Jonagold or Fuji will work. You can even use frozen apples if that’s what you have on hand.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are best for the topping, giving that crunchy texture. If you’re gluten-free, choose certified gluten-free oats. Quick oats aren’t ideal here, as they won’t provide the same crunch.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to for better control over seasoning. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Just make sure it’s cold, just like butter, for the crust.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds a lovely molasses flavor. If you’re out, you can substitute with granulated sugar, just know it won’t have the same richness. If you prefer a less sweet option, you can reduce the sugar in the filling.
How Do I Make Sure My Pie Crust Stays Flaky?
The secret to a flaky pie crust is all about keeping your ingredients cold and not overworking the dough. Here are some tips:
- Start with cold butter and water. This helps create little pockets of fat, leading to that flaky texture.
- Mix the butter into the flour until it looks like coarse crumbs. You want some small pieces of butter to remain visible.
- Don’t overmix! Once the dough starts to hold together, stop mixing. Form it into a disk and let it chill to help relax the gluten.
- Roll out the dough gently on a floured surface and avoid pressing too hard, which can compact the layers.
Apple Crisp Pie Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 6-7 medium apples (such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 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
To Serve:
- Vanilla ice cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Apple Crisp Pie will take about 30 minutes to prepare and about 50-60 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to let it cool for about 30 minutes before serving, bringing your total to about 2 hours, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Pie Crust:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or a fork until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, just one tablespoon at a time, and mix gently until the dough begins to hold together. Form it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to chill.
2. Preheat the Oven:
While your crust is chilling, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your pie will bake evenly and perfectly.
3. Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, vanilla extract, flour, and lemon juice. This mixture will create a sweet and spiced filling. Set it aside for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.
4. Roll Out the Crust:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your chilled dough until it fits your 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the crust to the pie dish, pressing it gently to fit and trimming any excess dough from the edges. Make it look nice!
5. Make the Topping:
In a medium bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend everything together until it looks like coarse crumbs. This will give your pie that delightful crunchy topping.
6. Assemble the Pie:
Pour the prepared apple filling evenly into the pie crust. Then spread the crisp topping mixture evenly over the apples for a final touch.
7. Bake:
Place the pie in your preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling. If you notice the topping browning too quickly, just cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil for the last few minutes.
8. Cool:
Once baked, take the pie out of the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. This step is important, as it allows the filling to set up a bit more.
9. Serve:
Enjoy your warm Apple Crisp Pie, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for that extra treat! It’s perfect for sharing (or not!).
Dig in and savor the delightful combination of tender spiced apples and a crunchy oat topping. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples in This Pie?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, you can mix and match with other varieties like Fuji, Jonagold, or Braeburn. Just make sure at least some of the apples are tart for the best flavor!
Is It Possible to Make This Pie in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the pie and assemble it, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, bake it in advance, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat slices in the oven before serving for a warm treat!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Apple Crisp Pie?
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven; if reheating in the oven, place it at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes to warm through.
Can I Freeze Apple Crisp Pie?
Yes, you can freeze the pie! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat before enjoying.