A Sweet Twist on Classic Apple Pie

Apple Crisp Pizza is a fun and modern take on traditional American apple desserts. While apple pie has deep roots in Europe and became a symbol of comfort food in the United States, this recipe reimagines it as a dessert pizza. Instead of a pie dish, the apples rest on a pie dough “pizza crust,” topped with a crunchy oat crumble. The result? A dish that’s nostalgic yet playful. It brings together the warmth of apple pie and the creativity of dessert pizzas, making it perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or just when you want a sweet treat that feels new but familiar.

Why Apples Are Perfect for Dessert Pizzas

Apples are one of the world’s most versatile fruits, and they shine in baked desserts. Tart apples like Granny Smith balance the sweetness of sugar and caramel, ensuring the dish isn’t overly sweet. When baked, apples soften while still holding their shape, adding texture to every bite. Combined with cinnamon, sugar, and oats, apples create the perfect filling that pairs beautifully with the crisp crust. This blend of flavor and texture is why apple crisp pizza has quickly become a favorite fall dessert across the USA.

The Magic of Crumble and Caramel Topping

What truly makes this recipe shine is the topping. A mix of oats, cinnamon, sugar, and butter bakes into a golden crumble that adds both crunch and flavor. Once the pizza comes out of the oven, it’s drizzled with caramel sauce, making each slice gooey and irresistible. Adding vanilla ice cream takes it over the top, creating a hot-and-cold dessert that’s pure comfort. This combination transforms a simple apple dessert into a shareable masterpiece that’s perfect for birthdays, Thanksgiving, or cozy weekend baking.

Ingredients for Apple Crisp Pizza

• 1 dough for a single-crust pie
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 4 medium baking apples, peeled and sliced

Topping:

• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup rolled oats
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup butter, softened

Finishing:

• 1/4 to 1/2 cup caramel ice cream topping or caramel apple dip
• Vanilla ice cream (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Dough

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the pie dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 12-inch pizza pan. Fold the edges under or flute them for a neat finish.

Step 2 – Coat the Apples

In a large bowl, mix sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Toss the peeled apple slices until evenly coated. Arrange apples in a circular pattern over the dough, covering the surface completely.

Step 3 – Make the Crumble Topping

In another bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the apples.

Step 4 – Bake and Finish

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until apples are tender and topping is golden brown. Remove from the oven and drizzle with caramel topping. Serve warm, with vanilla ice cream if desired.

Timing and Nutrition

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 8 slices
• Calories: ~350 kcal per serving

Apple Crisp Pizza

Q: Can I make Apple Crisp Pizza ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake it in advance and store it covered at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Before serving, warm it in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to refresh the flavors and crispness.

Q: Which apples work best for this recipe?

Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal. They hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance of sweetness and acidity, preventing the pizza from becoming too sweet.

Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Absolutely! Store-bought caramel works perfectly, but if you want extra depth of flavor, you can make a quick homemade caramel with butter, brown sugar, and cream.

Q: How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute the pie crust with a gluten-free crust and replace the flour in the topping with almond flour or oat flour. The result will still be delicious and crisp.