Description
This dessert is perfect when you can’t decide between apple pie and apple crisp—why not enjoy both in one delicious slice? Flaky pie crust, tender spiced apples, crumbly oat streusel, and salted caramel for the finishing touch.
Ingredients:
1 chilled pie shell (or enough pie pastry for a bottom crust)
For the filling:
• 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
For the streusel topping:
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
• ¼ cup salted caramel sauce
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). (
5 minutes)
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, and granulated sugar until evenly coated. (
5 minutes)
Roll out the chilled pie dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate, trimming and crimping the edges. (
7 minutes)
Transfer the apple mixture into the crust, piling it up. (
3 minutes)
Prepare the streusel topping: in another bowl mix flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then cut in the cold butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. (
8 minutes)
Crumble the streusel over the apple filling, then drizzle the salted caramel sauce on top. (
2 minutes)
Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 40–50 minutes, until the crust is golden and the apples are tender. (
60 minutes total bake time)
Let the pie cool before slicing. Serve warm (optionally with vanilla ice cream) for extra deliciousness. (
15 minutes cooling)
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Baking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10 slices
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Apples: After peeling, coring, and slicing your apples, immediately toss them in a large bowl with the lemon juice to prevent browning. Add the 1/4 cup flour, granulated sugar, 1.5 tsp cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until every slice is evenly coated. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll your chilled pie dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate. Gently press it into the bottom and sides. Trim the overhang to about 1/2-inch, then fold it under itself and crimp the edges decoratively with your fingers or a fork.
3. Assemble the Filling: Pour the spiced apple mixture into the prepared crust, piling it high in the center. The apples will shrink slightly during baking.
4. Make the Streusel: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and 1 tsp cinnamon. Add the cold, diced butter. Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse, crumbly sand with some pea-sized lumps.
5. Top and Bake: Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apples, covering them completely. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the streusel. Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake as directed, starting hot to set the crust and finishing at a lower temperature to cook the apples through without burning the topping.
Serving Suggestions
This pie is decadent on its own but becomes a showstopper with simple pairings. Serve a warm slice à la mode with a scoop of high-quality vanilla ice cream. For a contrast in temperature, try it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A drizzle of extra warm caramel sauce just before serving adds a beautiful, glossy finish. Pair with a cup of strong coffee or black tea to balance the sweetness.
How-to Summary
This hybrid dessert combines a flaky pie crust with a spiced apple filling and a crunchy oat streusel topping. The process involves: preparing and spicing the apples, fitting the crust into the pie plate, making a simple butter-and-oat streusel, assembling the layers, and baking with a two-temperature method to ensure perfect texture. A final drizzle of salted caramel sauce ties all the flavors together.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best apples to use for this pie?
Use a mix of firm, tart apples (like Granny Smith) and sweeter, softer varieties (like Honeycrisp or Fuji). This combination provides a complex flavor and better texture, as the firmer apples hold their shape while the softer ones break down slightly to create a saucy filling.
2. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the pie (without baking) up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold. The baked pie keeps well at room temperature for up to 2 days.
3. My streusel is sinking into the filling. How can I prevent this?
Ensure your streusel mixture is properly crumbly and not too wet. The initial high oven temperature (400°F) helps set the top layer quickly, creating a barrier that prevents the streusel from sinking.
4. Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely. A quality store-bought crust works perfectly to save time. For best results, use one that is chilled, not the shelf-stable kind in a tin.
5. How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The pie is done when the crust and streusel are a deep golden brown, the filling is bubbling vigorously around the edges, and a thin knife or skewer inserted into the center of the apple mound meets little resistance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Only One Type of Apple: This can lead to a monotonous flavor or a filling that is too mushy or too firm.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Starting in a fully preheated 400°F oven is crucial for setting the crust and topping.
- Using Softened Butter for Streusel: The butter must be cold to create distinct, crumbly pieces. Soft butter makes a paste that bakes into a hard layer.
- Skipping the Baking Sheet: The caramel and apple juices will likely bubble over. Placing the pie plate on a baking sheet protects your oven from messy drips.
- Slicing While Hot: Let the pie cool for at least 2-3 hours. This allows the filling to set, so slices hold their shape when cut.
Conclusion
This Apple Pie Crisp truly offers the best of both worlds: the comforting, flaky foundation of a classic pie and the irresistible, crunchy texture of a crisp. The addition of salted caramel elevates it from a simple dessert to a memorable treat. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can confidently create this stunning dessert that is sure to impress at any gathering. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!