This Apple Crisp Pie is a warm hug in dessert form! With sweet, juicy apples and a crunchy oat topping, it’s the perfect treat for any time of year.
Who can resist that golden, crispy layer? I like to serve it with a scoop of ice cream on top—because, let’s be honest, ice cream makes everything better! 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a great balance with the crisp topping. Honeycrisp also adds sweetness. If you can’t find these, other apples like Fuji or Braeburn work too!
Pie Crust: An unbaked store-bought crust saves time. For a homemade option, you can use a simple mixture of flour, butter, and water. If gluten-free, there are good alternatives available in stores.
Oats: I prefer old-fashioned rolled oats for texture. Quick oats can work, but they’ll create a finer topping. If you’re gluten-free, there are certified gluten-free oats that will fit right in.
Butter: Use unsalted butter to maintain control over the pie’s saltiness. In a pinch, coconut oil or vegan butter work well for a dairy-free version.
How Do I Achieve a Crisp Topping?
Getting that deliciously crunchy topping is key! Here’s how to do it right:
- Keep your butter cold. Cubes should be chilled before mixing to maintain a crumbly texture.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the butter with dry ingredients until crumbly—don’t overwork it.
- Let the pie cool for a couple of hours after baking. This helps the filling set and keeps the topping crunchy.
How to Make Apple Crisp Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 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:
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Apple Crisp Pie takes about 30 minutes to prepare and about 50-60 minutes to bake. After it’s baked, let it cool for at least 2 hours before serving so the filling sets properly. In total, plan for about 3 hours including prep, bake, and cooling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, place your pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan. This step gets your crust nice and ready for all those yummy apple fillings!
2. Prepare the Apples:
In a large mixing bowl, take your sliced apples and add the lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Gently toss everything together until the apples are nicely coated with the mixture—yum!
3. Fill the Pie Crust:
Pour the apple mixture into your prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Make sure all those juicy apples are well distributed.
4. Make the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Then, add the cold butter pieces. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until it looks like coarse crumbs. This will be the topping that gives you that delicious crunch!
5. Assemble the Pie:
Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apple filling. Don’t be shy; coat it well to create that delightful crispy layer!
6. Bake:
Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and pop it in your preheated oven. Bake for about 50-60 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and you see the apple filling bubbling. Your kitchen should smell amazing by now!
7. Cool:
Once baked, take the pie out of the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours. This step helps the filling set nicely, making it easier to slice.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the pie and serve it warm or at room temperature. Top each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you’d like. Enjoy the wonderful combination of tender apples and crunchy, buttery oats!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples in This Recipe?
Absolutely! A mix of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweeter varieties such as Honeycrisp or Fuji works beautifully. Just aim for a combination to balance sweetness and tartness for the best flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Make This Pie in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pie a day ahead! Assemble the pie with the filling and topping, but do not bake it. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Bake it the following day when you’re ready to serve for the freshest taste.
What Should I Do If the Topping Is Browning Too Quickly?
If the topping is browning faster than the filling is cooking, simply cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil. This will protect the topping while the apples finish baking. Remove the foil in the last 10-15 minutes for a crispy finish!