There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples wafting through your kitchen. Growing up, my grandmother would make apple pie every Sunday, and the whole house would fill with that irresistible scent. However, her traditional recipe took hours, which isn’t always practical for busy weeknights. That’s why I developed this simplified version that captures all the comfort and flavor of classic apple pie in just 50 minutes.
This recipe has become my go-to dessert whenever I need something quick yet impressive. Whether it’s an unexpected visit from friends or a last-minute craving, this easy apple pie never fails to deliver that homemade warmth we all crave.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Pie
Quick and Simple: Unlike traditional apple pies that require pastry-making skills, this recipe uses a simple crumble topping that comes together in minutes. Moreover, you don’t need to worry about rolling dough or creating perfect crusts.
Minimal Cleanup: Everything comes together in just two bowls, making cleanup a breeze. Additionally, the one-dish baking method means fewer pans to wash afterward.
Customizable Flavors: The basic recipe serves as a perfect canvas for your creativity. Furthermore, you can easily adapt it to suit different dietary preferences or seasonal ingredients.
Budget-Friendly: Using simple pantry staples and affordable apples makes this dessert incredibly economical. Best of all, it serves eight people generously without breaking the bank.
Essential Ingredients
Main Components
- 4 medium apples, chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work beautifully)
- 150g sugar (divided: 50g for apples, 100g for topping)
- 100g wheat flour (all-purpose flour works perfectly)
- 100g oat flakes (old-fashioned oats preferred)
- 100g butter, melted (unsalted for best flavor control)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (freshly ground if possible)
Perfect Serving Companions
- Vanilla ice cream for that classic à la mode experience
- Whipped cream for lighter indulgence
- Caramel sauce for extra decadence
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar for elegant presentation
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Phase
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Meanwhile, grease a 20cm baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Wash and chop your apples into bite-sized pieces, leaving the skin on for extra fiber and texture. Subsequently, toss the chopped apples with cinnamon and 50g of sugar in a large bowl, ensuring even coating.
Assembly Process
Step 3: Transfer the seasoned apples to your prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly across the bottom. Next, gently press them down to create a level surface.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oat flakes, remaining 100g sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs with some larger clumps.
Step 5: Evenly distribute the crumble mixture over the apples, ensuring complete coverage. Afterward, gently press the topping down to help it adhere.
Baking to Perfection
Step 6: Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Then, remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Temperature and Timing
This apple pie shines when served warm, about 10-15 minutes after coming out of the oven. At this temperature, the flavors meld beautifully while maintaining the perfect texture contrast between the soft apples and crispy topping.
Presentation Ideas
Classic Style: Serve in individual bowls with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Drizzle with any accumulated juices from the baking dish for extra apple flavor.
Elegant Plating: Cut into neat squares and plate with a dollop of whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon. Additionally, garnish with a thin apple slice for restaurant-quality presentation.
Casual Family Style: Bring the entire baking dish to the table with serving spoons and let everyone help themselves. This approach works perfectly for family gatherings or potluck dinners.
Recipe Variations
Nutty Additions
Walnut Crumble: Add 75g of chopped walnuts to the flour mixture for extra crunch and richness. Similarly, pecans or almonds work wonderfully for different flavor profiles.
Coconut Twist: Replace half the oats with unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical variation. This addition creates an interesting texture contrast and subtle sweetness.
Spice Variations
Warming Spices: Beyond cinnamon, try adding ¼ teaspoon each of nutmeg and ground ginger. These spices complement the apples beautifully while adding complexity.
Citrus Boost: Add the zest of one lemon to the apple mixture for brightness. Furthermore, a tablespoon of lemon juice prevents browning and enhances the fruit’s natural flavors.
Seasonal Adaptations
Mixed Fruit Version: Combine apples with pears, cranberries, or berries depending on the season. Just maintain the same total fruit volume for best results.
Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend. However, you may need to add an extra tablespoon of melted butter for proper binding.
Make-Ahead Tips
Preparation Strategy
Day Before: Prepare the apple mixture and crumble topping separately, storing them in the refrigerator. Then, simply assemble and bake when ready to serve.
Morning Prep: Assemble the entire pie in the morning and refrigerate until dinner time. Consequently, you’ll only need to pop it in the oven when guests arrive.
Storage Guidelines
Refrigerator Storage: Covered leftovers keep well for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.
Freezer Option: The baked pie freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a 160°C oven for 15-20 minutes.
Important Notes
Apple Selection
Choose apples that hold their shape when cooked, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. Avoid overly soft varieties like Red Delicious, which can become mushy during baking.
Butter Temperature
Ensure your butter is melted but not hot when mixing with the dry ingredients. Hot butter can make the mixture too wet and prevent proper crumble formation.
Doneness Test
The pie is ready when the topping is golden brown and the apples are easily pierced with a fork. If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Serving Size
This recipe yields 8 generous servings at approximately 250 calories per portion. Each serving provides a good balance of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fiber.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh? A: Absolutely! Thaw frozen apples completely and drain excess liquid before mixing with cinnamon and sugar. The texture will be slightly softer, but the flavor remains delicious.
Q: My topping isn’t getting crispy. What am I doing wrong? A: This usually happens when the butter is too hot or the mixture is too wet. Make sure your melted butter has cooled slightly, and don’t overmix the crumble ingredients.
Q: How do I know when the apples are properly cooked? A: Pierce the apples with a fork through the topping. They should be tender but not mushy. If they’re still firm after 35 minutes, continue baking in 5-minute intervals.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free? A: Yes! Replace the butter with melted coconut oil or vegan butter substitute. The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? A: For best results, reheat in a 160°C oven for 10-15 minutes to restore the topping’s crispness. Microwave reheating works for convenience but may soften the crumble.
Q: Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd? A: Certainly! Double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish (30x20cm). Increase baking time by 10-15 minutes, checking for doneness with a fork.
Q: Why did my pie turn out too sweet/not sweet enough? A: Apple sweetness varies by variety and season. Taste your apples first and adjust the sugar accordingly. Start with less sugar for sweet apples, more for tart varieties.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 8 | Cuisine: International | Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition per serving: 250 calories | 35g carbs | 10g fat | 2g protein