Welcome to the ultimate apple crisp pie experience, where the best of two beloved desserts unite! This recipe delivers tender, perfectly spiced apples beneath a gloriously golden, crunchy oat streusel topping. It is an absolute must-make for fall gatherings or any time you crave cozy comfort.Forget complicated techniques. Our easy apple crisp pie from scratch guarantees delicious results every time. It’s perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners seeking a truly impressive dessert.Get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and baked apples. This old-fashioned apple crisp pie is destined to become your new family favorite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Apple Crisp Pie
- Quick & Easy preparation for a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Combines the absolute best of two beloved worlds: a flaky, buttery pie crust with tender, perfectly spiced apple filling, all crowned with a glorious crunchy oat streusel.
- The ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from cozy fall gatherings and holiday feasts to a comforting weeknight treat. It fills your home with an irresistible aroma.
- Highly customizable! Easily adjust apple varieties to your preference or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel for an extra indulgent experience.
- Guaranteed rave reviews. This old-fashioned recipe consistently delivers delicious results, ensuring it becomes a cherished family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Irresistible Crumble Topping:
- 2/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold salted butter, cut into small cubes
For the Luscious Apple Filling:
- 5-6 medium firm, crisp apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 6-7 cups)
- 3 Tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 3 Tablespoons whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Optional for Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce
Instructions
Step 1:
Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures a clean release and prevents sticking.
Step 2:
Craft the Crumble Topping: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, packed light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and baking powder. Add the cold, cubed salted butter. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form, with some pea-sized pieces remaining. Refrigerate the crumble while you prepare the apples; this keeps the butter cold for a crispier topping.
Step 3:
Mix the Apple Filling Base: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted salted butter and all-purpose flour until completely smooth. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, whole milk, and pure vanilla extract until well combined. The flour helps to thicken the filling as it bakes.
Step 4:
Flavor the Apples: In a large bowl, add your peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples. Pour the wet butter mixture over the apples. Add the packed light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and freshly grated nutmeg. Gently toss everything together until the apple slices are evenly coated with the delicious spice mixture.
Step 5:
Assemble the Pie: Pour the coated apple mixture into your prepared 8×8-inch baking dish, spreading them into an even layer. Evenly sprinkle the chilled crumble topping over the apples, making sure to cover them completely for a beautiful golden crust.
Step 6:
Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet (to catch any potential drips) and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. You should see the apple juices bubbling up around the edges.
Step 7:
Cool and Serve: Remove the apple crisp pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 15-20 minutes on a wire rack before serving. This cooling time allows the filling to set properly, ensuring neat slices. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special treat.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve your warm apple crisp pie with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, allowing it to melt slightly over the hot apples and crisp topping. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce adds an extra layer of indulgence, enhancing the flavors beautifully. This pie also pairs wonderfully with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.Cover leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4-5 days. Ensure it’s completely cooled before covering to prevent sogginess.To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until warm. For the whole pie, cover loosely with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the topping is crisp again.
Helpful Notes
- Apple Blend is Key: For the best flavor and texture, use a mix of apples. Tart Granny Smiths provide a nice bite and hold their shape well, while sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala add depth and sweetness. This is similar to the approach we take in our delicious healthier apple crumble cake for optimal apple flavor.
- Achieving the Perfect Crumble: Ensure your butter for the topping is cold and cut into small cubes. This creates those delightful, chunky streusel bits that bake up perfectly golden and crisp, not a paste.
- Preventing a Soggy Bottom: For an extra crispy crust, you can brush the bottom of your pie crust with a lightly beaten egg white before adding the filling. Blind baking the crust for 10-15 minutes before filling can also help to prevent a soggy bottom.
Conclusion
Our Ultimate Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp Pie truly delivers on its promise of cozy comfort and irresistible flavor. The combination of tender, perfectly spiced apples and a buttery, crunchy oat streusel topping is simply divine. It’s a dessert that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly delicious, making it an instant classic.This recipe simplifies the process, making it accessible for any home baker to create a masterpiece. It’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special moment with loved ones. You’ll love how easily it comes together, filling your home with the most wonderful aroma.We hope you adore this Apple Crisp Pie as much as we do! Please leave a comment below with your thoughts, give us a star rating, and share your delicious creations on social media. Your feedback helps us grow our community!
Apple Crisp Pie
Ingredients
For the Irresistible Crumble Topping:
- 2/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup 1 stick cold salted butter, cut into small cubes
For the Luscious Apple Filling:
- 5-6 medium firm crisp apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 6-7 cups)
- 3 Tablespoons salted butter melted
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 3 Tablespoons whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Optional for Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce
Instructions
Step 1:
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures a clean release and prevents sticking.
Step 2:
- Craft the Crumble Topping: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, packed light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and baking powder. Add the cold, cubed salted butter. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form, with some pea-sized pieces remaining. Refrigerate the crumble while you prepare the apples; this keeps the butter cold for a crispier topping.
Step 3:
- Mix the Apple Filling Base: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted salted butter and all-purpose flour until completely smooth. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, whole milk, and pure vanilla extract until well combined. The flour helps to thicken the filling as it bakes.
Step 4:
- Flavor the Apples: In a large bowl, add your peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples. Pour the wet butter mixture over the apples. Add the packed light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and freshly grated nutmeg. Gently toss everything together until the apple slices are evenly coated with the delicious spice mixture.
Step 5:
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the coated apple mixture into your prepared 8×8-inch baking dish, spreading them into an even layer. Evenly sprinkle the chilled crumble topping over the apples, making sure to cover them completely for a beautiful golden crust.
Step 6:
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet (to catch any potential drips) and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. You should see the apple juices bubbling up around the edges.
Step 7:
- Cool and Serve: Remove the apple crisp pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 15-20 minutes on a wire rack before serving. This cooling time allows the filling to set properly, ensuring neat slices. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special treat.
Notes
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Note: These values are per serving and are approximate.| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 382 kcal |
| Fat | 16g |
| Carbohydrates | 57g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sugar | 38g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 64mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does apple crisp pie need to be refrigerated after baking?
An apple crisp pie can be left at room temperature, covered loosely, for up to 2 days. After that, it’s best to refrigerate it to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. This is especially true in warmer climates or if it contains dairy-based toppings like ice cream or whipped cream.
How to know when apple crisp pie is cooked?
Your apple crisp pie is cooked when the topping is golden brown and bubbling around the edges of the pie dish. You should also be able to easily pierce an apple slice with a thin knife inserted through a vent in the crust or through the topping. The filling should appear thick and saucy.
What are the best apples for apple crisp pie?
For the best balance of flavor and texture, we recommend using a mix of tart and sweet apples. Granny Smith apples provide a refreshing tartness and hold their shape well during baking. Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji apples add natural sweetness and a pleasant crispness to the filling, creating a complex flavor profile.
