This Apple Crisp Pie is a delightful mix of sweet apples and crunchy topping. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cozy evenings!
You can’t go wrong with that yummy, buttery crumble on top. Honestly, I sometimes just make the topping and eat it on its own! 😄
Making this pie is easy-peasy! Just slice your apples, sprinkle some sugar and spices, then cover with the crisp topping. It’s a tasty treat everyone will love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are my favorites for pies because they balance sweetness and tartness well. If you can’t find these, Fuji or Braeburn apples are great alternatives.
Sugar: You can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer flavor. I often combine both for a sweet depth.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is essential for that warm flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of cardamom or pumpkin spice for a twist!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the saltiness. If you prefer a dairy-free option, use vegan butter or coconut oil.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crisp Topping?
Creating the crisp topping is key to a delightful Apple Crisp Pie. The texture should be crunchy and buttery. Here’s how to nail it:
- Use cold butter and cut it into the dry ingredients until you see pea-sized crumbs.
- Mix in oats; they add that lovely texture. Old-fashioned rolled oats work best, as quick oats can get mushy.
- A sprinkle of salt enhances the flavor; don’t skip it!
You can adjust the sweetness by tasting as you mix. If you want it sweeter, feel free to add a bit more brown sugar. Bake until the topping is golden brown for that crisp finish!
How to Make Apple Crisp Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie:
- 1 double pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 6 cups apples (about 6 medium apples), peeled, cored, and sliced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for filling)
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Apple Crisp Pie will take about 20 minutes of prep time and around 1 hour to bake. After baking, you’ll need to let it cool for about 2 hours. So, set aside a couple of hours in total, and you’ll be ready to enjoy a slice!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pie Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take one pie crust and roll it out to fit into a 9-inch pie plate. Once it’s in the dish, you can trim or crimp the edges to make it look nice. This is the base for your delicious filling!
2. Mix the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with the granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and the 1/4 cup of flour. Toss everything gently until the apples are evenly coated. This mixture will be both sweet and flavorful!
3. Fill the Pie Crust:
Now, take your apple mixture and transfer it into the prepared pie crust. Spread it out evenly so every slice has a great filling.
4. Make the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, mix together the oats, 3/4 cup of flour, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and salt. Then, add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, mix until you get a crumbly texture that resembles coarse crumbs. This will add that delightful crunch!
5. Assemble and Bake:
Sprinkle the crisp topping generously over the apple filling in the pie. If you want to add a decorative lattice top, you can roll out the second crust and cut it into strips to make a lattice design, but this pie is just as delicious with a crumb topping. Now, place the pie on the lower rack of your oven and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes. The apples should be tender and the topping golden brown and crispy.
6. Let it Cool:
If the topping browns too quickly, don’t hesitate to cover the pie loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking. Once done, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This will help the filling set perfectly!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, enjoy your Apple Crisp Pie warm or at room temperature. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top makes it even better!
Bon appétit, and enjoy your warm, crumbly Apple Crisp Pie!
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Pie?
Absolutely! While apples are traditional, you can mix in other fruits like pears, blueberries, or cherries. Just consider the sweetness of the fruits you choose and adjust the sugar accordingly.
How Do I Store Leftover Apple Crisp Pie?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy again, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Freeze the Pie for Later?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pie for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake it directly from frozen; just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time!
What Type of Apples Are Best for Baking?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent choices for baking due to their perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. You can also use Braeburn, Fuji, or even a mix of different apples for added flavor!
