Welcome to the ultimate autumn treat that perfectly marries two beloved classics: the comforting warmth of apple pie and the playful ease of pizza! This incredible Apple Pie Pizza recipe brings the delightful fall flavors of a traditional apple pie and crisp into a uniquely satisfying Dessert Pizza. Forget the tedious process of crafting a full pie; this sweet sensation is designed for simplicity without compromising on taste. Unlike its savory, cheese-laden counterparts, this Easy Apple Dessert boasts a flaky, buttery pastry crust generously topped with tender, cinnamon-spiced apple slices and crowned with a irresistible crumb topping. It’s an innovative twist that promises to become a new family favorite, especially when autumn leaves begin to fall.
For those seeking a truly unique Homemade Pizza Recipe, this dessert version is a game-changer. It’s inspired by the beloved Dutch Apple Pie, known for its luscious apple filling and irresistible streusel topping. Imagine all the warmth and spice of your favorite apple pie, but presented in an exciting, shareable pizza format. It’s an exquisite way to celebrate the bounty of autumn, perfect for gatherings, weeknight treats, or simply indulging in a cozy evening.
Why This Apple Pie Pizza Will Be Your New Favorite Fall Dessert
Dessert pizzas have charmed palettes for years, ranging from elaborate fruit tarts on cookie dough crusts with cream cheese fillings to simpler pizzeria versions topped with canned pie filling on a bread base. While the latter might have been a childhood favorite at school parties for many, crafting a homemade version elevates the experience entirely. This Apple Pie Pizza isn’t just another dessert; it’s a culinary experience waiting to happen, and here’s why it absolutely deserves a spot on your baking list:
- Authentic, Irresistible Flavor: This isn’t just any dessert pizza. It features a genuinely buttery, flaky pastry crust, generously piled with perfectly sliced apples tossed in a blend of warm, aromatic autumn spices, all crowned with a rich, crunchy streusel topping. Each bite delivers the comforting essence of a classic apple pie in a fun, new format. It’s truly one of those Apple Desserts that leaves you craving more.
- Aromatic Delight for Your Home: As this apple pie pizza bakes, a heavenly aroma of cinnamon and warm apples will gently waft through your entire kitchen, instantly transforming your home into a cozy autumn haven. This irresistible scent is often enough to entice even the pickiest eaters (including my own husband, who surprisingly snuck a slice even before dinner!). It’s a sensory experience that signals pure comfort and homemade goodness.
- A Crowd-Pleasing, Unique Autumn Treat: If you’re searching for a distinctive autumn dessert that will impress both children and adults alike, look no further. This Apple Pie Pizza is a delightful departure from traditional pies and cakes, offering a playful yet sophisticated dessert option. Its familiar flavors in an unexpected form make it an instant hit at any gathering, from casual family dinners to festive holiday parties. Plus, making it from scratch ensures a taste far superior to any store-bought alternative.
- Effortless Preparation: Despite its gourmet appeal, this apple dessert pizza is surprisingly easy to put together. The “pizza” format simplifies the traditional pie-making process, making it less intimidating for novice bakers and quicker for seasoned ones. You get all the incredible flavor of a homemade apple pie with significantly less fuss.
- Versatility and Customization: While the classic combination of apples and cinnamon is divine, this recipe serves as an excellent base for experimentation. You can easily adapt the spices, add nuts to the crumble, or drizzle with additional toppings like caramel or a cream cheese glaze. It’s a versatile dessert that caters to various tastes and preferences.
Crafting Your Delicious Apple Pie Pizza: A Step-by-Step Guide
You might be wondering, “What exactly is a Dutch apple pie?” For anyone who finds rolling out a top pie crust to be a daunting task, a pie adorned with a delightful crumb topping is an absolute dream dessert. And that’s precisely what a Dutch apple pie is: an apple pie without a traditional top crust, instead covered in a delectable streusel. This makes it not only easier to prepare but also adds a wonderful textural contrast. Our Apple Pie Pizza captures the essence of this beloved dessert by incorporating its three essential components: a perfectly tender pastry crust, a generous layer of sweetly cinnamon-spiced apples, and that signature buttery crumb topping.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward approach. Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll find the process remarkably simple. The “pizza” format streamlines assembly, making it quicker and more enjoyable than a traditional pie. Here’s how you’ll bring this sensational dessert to life, ensuring every step is clear and achievable:
- Prepare the Crust: Begin by carefully fitting your pastry crust onto a 12-inch pizza pan. Gently fold the edges of the pastry inward to create a neat, slightly raised rim around the perimeter. This helps contain the apple filling and gives the pizza a finished look. You can use a homemade crust for a truly authentic touch or a store-bought crust for ultimate convenience.
- Layer the Apples: In a large bowl, combine your freshly sliced apples with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Ensure each apple slice is evenly coated with the fragrant spice blend. Then, artfully arrange these sweet, spiced apples over the prepared crust in a single, even layer, spreading them out to cover the base completely.
- Add the Crumble and Bake: Evenly sprinkle your rich, buttery crumb topping over the apple layer. This topping will bake into a golden, crunchy delight. Place the pizza in your preheated oven and bake according to the recipe instructions, or until the apples are wonderfully soft and tender when pierced with a knife, and the crust is beautifully golden brown. Once baked, allow the pizza to cool slightly before slicing. For an extra touch of indulgence, serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Mastering Your Apple Pie Pizza: Professional Tips for Perfection
Creating the perfect Apple Pie Pizza is within reach, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out. These expert tips will help you achieve a dessert that’s not only delicious but also beautifully presented and incredibly satisfying:
- Crust Selection Made Easy: While an easy-to-roll-out pie crust made with butter and cream cheese can make this dessert pizza a joy to prepare, don’t hesitate to simplify your process even further. Opting for a ready-to-bake, store-bought pie crust from your local grocery store is a fantastic time-saver that delivers excellent results without the extra effort of making dough from scratch. Both options will give you a delicious foundation for your apple pizza.
- Choosing the Best Baking Apples: The type of apple you use significantly impacts the flavor and texture of your pizza. Look for firm, flavorful baking apples that hold their shape well when cooked. Excellent choices include Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, Jonathans, Fuji, or the classic Granny Smith, which adds a lovely tart contrast. Using a combination of sweet and tart apples can create a more complex and balanced flavor profile. If you have access to local pie apples in your area, they often offer unparalleled freshness and taste.
- PRO-Tip: Consistent Apple Slices: The thickness of your apple slices is crucial for even cooking. Aim for slices that are approximately ½-inch thick. If your slices are too thick, they may not cook through and become tender by the time your pastry crust is perfectly golden and crisp. Slices that are too thin, however, might turn mushy. A mandoline can help achieve uniform slices, but a sharp knife and a steady hand work just as well.
- Customizing Your Crumble Topping: Years ago, I experimented with an oat streusel for this homemade pizza recipe. However, my family, especially my husband, prefers oatmeal strictly for breakfast. So, I found a simpler yet equally delicious brown sugar, flour, and butter crumble topping to be a consistent hit. This classic streusel provides a wonderful texture and sweet crunch. Feel free to customize your crumble: add a pinch of nutmeg, a dash of ginger, or even some chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Either way, a robust crumble is essential for a delicious apple dessert.
- PRO-Tip: Testing for Doneness: To ensure your apples are perfectly tender, use a sharp, thin knife or a skewer to pierce a few apple slices towards the end of the baking time. The knife should insert easily into the apples, indicating they are fully cooked and soft. If there’s resistance, continue baking for a few more minutes and test again.
- The Right Baking Equipment: While a dedicated 12-inch pizza pan is ideal for achieving a perfectly round Apple Pie Pizza, don’t feel obligated to buy one if you don’t already own it. A standard sheet pan or even a round baking dish will work just as well. The goal is to have a flat surface that can accommodate the crust and filling. If homemade pizza isn’t a regular feature in your kitchen, improvising with existing bakeware is perfectly acceptable.
- Cooling Before Slicing: Allow the apple pie pizza to cool for at least 15-20 minutes before attempting to slice it. This cooling time allows the filling to set, preventing it from oozing out and making for cleaner, more manageable slices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Pie Pizza
A dessert pizza typically consists of up to three primary components: the crust, the filling, and the topping. The crust is incredibly versatile and can be made from various bases, including traditional pizza dough (often sweetened), a flaky pastry dough like the one used in this Apple Pie Pizza, or even a sweet cookie dough for a chewier foundation. The filling is usually fruit-based, but can also include creamy components like cream cheese or custard. The topping can range from a crunchy crumble or streusel, a smooth glaze, whipped cream, or additional fresh fruit and nuts. The combinations are endless, allowing for a wide array of sweet creations!
The world of dessert pizzas is vast and exciting, offering endless possibilities beyond our delicious Apple Pie Pizza. I’ve also enjoyed making a vibrant Fresh Fruit Pizza, often featuring a sugar cookie crust with a cream cheese frosting and an assortment of colorful berries and kiwi. Other popular and equally tempting ideas include: a sweet Strawberry Pizza, a rich Blueberry Pizza, or a classic Cherry Pie Pizza (easily made using canned pie filling for convenience). For chocolate lovers, consider a decadent Nutella Pizza or a S’mores Pizza, complete with toasted marshmallows and chocolate. A Chocolate Chip Cookie Pizza is always a hit, and for breakfast-dessert fusion, a Cinnamon Roll Pizza is fantastic. Don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild – virtually any sweet combination can be transformed into a dessert pizza!
The best apples for Apple Pie Pizza are those that hold their shape well during baking and offer a balanced flavor. Popular choices include Honeycrisp, Granny Smith (for a tart counterpoint), Golden Delicious, Fuji, Braeburn, and Jonagold. A combination of sweet and tart apples often yields the most complex and satisfying flavor profile. Avoid overly soft or mealy apple varieties, as they tend to turn mushy during baking.
Yes, you can absolutely make certain components of the Apple Pie Pizza ahead of time to streamline your baking process. You can prepare the pastry crust a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The crumb topping can also be made ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Even the apples can be peeled, cored, and sliced a few hours before baking, tossed with a little lemon juice to prevent browning, and then mixed with the sugar and spices just before assembly. Baking the entire pizza too far in advance can sometimes lead to a slightly softer crust, so for optimal crispness, it’s best to bake it the day you plan to serve it.
To store leftover Apple Pie Pizza, first ensure it has completely cooled to room temperature. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer slices to an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 1-2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. While it’s best enjoyed fresh, it can also be frozen. Wrap individual slices or the entire cooled pizza tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently.
To reheat leftover Apple Pie Pizza and restore its deliciousness, especially its crispy crust and warm filling, the oven is your best friend. Preheat your oven to 300-325°F (150-160°C). Place the pizza slices directly on a baking sheet or on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the apples are warmed through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.
Explore More Delicious Apple Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting flavors of apple in this dessert pizza, you’ll be thrilled to discover a wider world of apple-infused delights. From classic pies to innovative treats, apples are incredibly versatile. Here are some other fantastic recipes featuring the beloved fruit that you might enjoy:
- Caramel Apple Cupcakes from Big Bear’s Wife
- Air Fryer Apple Pie from Air Frying Foodie
- Fried Apple Pies
- Traditional Apple Cobbler
- Best Apple Pie
- Apple Streusel Bars
- Deep Dish Apple Pie
- Best Apple Recipes
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Apple Pie Pizza Recipe
30 minutes
40 minutes
1 hour 10 minutes
8 servings
Apple Pie Pizza: A delicious, sweet twist on the classic Italian treat, perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 58 reviews)
Ingredients
For the Pizza:
- Pastry for a single-crust pie. (Recommended: Apple Galette pastry dough for best results).
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A few gratings of fresh nutmeg (approximately ¼ teaspoon)
- 4 medium baking apples (suggested: 2 Granny Smiths for tartness and 2 Golden Delicious for sweetness), peeled, cored, and sliced into ½-inch thick pieces.
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
- ½ – 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (adjust to your preference)
Optional Garnish:
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling over the warm pizza
- Vanilla Ice Cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry crust to fit a 12-inch pizza pan. Carefully transfer the dough to the pizza pan. Fold the edges of the pizza dough under to create a small rim around the perimeter, pressing gently to secure.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with the granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons of flour, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and fresh nutmeg. Toss gently until all apple slices are evenly coated. Arrange the apple mixture over the prepared pastry crust in a single, even layer.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine the 1 cup of flour, brown sugar, ½ cup of cold butter pieces, and ½ – 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for the topping. Use your fingertips, a pastry blender, or a fork to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Evenly sprinkle this crumbly topping over the apples on the pizza crust.
- Bake the Apple Pie Pizza for 35-40 minutes, or until the apple slices are tender when pierced with a knife and the crust is golden brown.
- Let the pizza cool on the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set. Drizzle with caramel sauce if desired, and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
This recipe was inspired by a Taste of Home recipe. You can explore their original recipe for an option to include an oatmeal topping for a different textural experience.
Watch this video to see how easily you can create this delicious dessert pizza with a pastry crust, sweetened cinnamon apples, and a buttery crumb topping. Perfect for any pizza night!
Recommended Products
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8 servings
Serving Size:
1 slice
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 628Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 427mgCarbohydrates: 90gFiber: 4gSugar: 46gProtein: 7g
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