Apple Crisp Pizza

Introduction

Imagine the buttery, cinnamon-kissed goodness of apple crisp baked on a golden crust and topped with a sweet drizzle. That’s exactly what Apple Crisp Pizza brings to the table—a dessert that blends nostalgia with creativity. This recipe is simple to prepare yet looks impressive enough for gatherings. With tender apples, a crisp streusel topping, and a luscious glaze, this dessert pizza is bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re baking for a party or just craving something sweet on a chilly evening, Apple Crisp Pizza delivers comfort and indulgence in every bite.

My recipe story

This recipe first came to me after a family apple-picking trip in autumn. We had baskets full of fresh apples and endless ideas for pies, crisps, and cobblers. But I wanted something a little different—something fun and shareable. That’s when I decided to layer apple crisp flavors over a flaky pie crust, shaping it like a pizza. The first attempt was a hit with my kids, who loved cutting it into slices just like a traditional pizza. Since then, it has become a family tradition every fall, and sometimes even during summer barbecues when we want a fruity dessert that isn’t overly heavy. The combination of crispy crust, warm apples, and buttery topping is pure magic.

Ingredient breakdown

The beauty of Apple Crisp Pizza lies in its simplicity. Most of the ingredients are items you likely already have at home, making this dessert quick to pull together without a trip to the store. The base is made with a ready-to-use single-crust pie dough, which saves time while still providing a flaky, golden foundation for the toppings.

Granulated sugar and flour help thicken the apple filling and add sweetness, while fresh apples bring natural flavor and juiciness. A blend of cinnamon and sugar coats the apples, giving that signature warmth we all associate with apple desserts. The crisp topping is made with butter, flour, oats, and brown sugar, creating a crumbly, golden layer that contrasts perfectly with the tender apples below. Finally, a drizzle of vanilla glaze ties everything together with a touch of sweetness and shine, making the presentation irresistible.

Equipment you’ll need

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet or pizza pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Pastry brush (optional, for glaze)
• Whisk or fork for mixing glaze

Step-by-step directions

Step 1: Prepare the crust
Roll out your pie dough and place it on a lightly greased pizza pan or baking sheet. Use your fingers to create a small lip around the edge, just like a pizza crust. This will help hold in the apple filling as it bakes. The crust should be even and not too thick, ensuring it cooks through to a golden crisp without becoming soggy under the topping.

Step 2: Slice and season the apples
Peel and thinly slice the apples, then toss them in a bowl with a mixture of sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Coating the apples evenly ensures that every bite is infused with sweetness and spice, while the flour helps absorb the juices during baking, preventing excess liquid from soaking into the crust.

Step 3: Arrange the apples on the crust
Layer the apple slices neatly over the crust, overlapping slightly like pepperoni on a pizza. This not only looks appealing but also guarantees a consistent distribution of apples in every slice. Make sure the apples stay within the edges of the crust to avoid spillage during baking.

Step 4: Make the crisp topping
In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and softened butter. Use your fingertips or a fork to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. This buttery topping will bake into a golden, crunchy layer that perfectly complements the tender apples beneath it.

Step 5: Bake to perfection
Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apples, then transfer the pan to a preheated oven. Bake until the crust is golden brown, the apples are tender, and the topping is crisp. The aroma of cinnamon and baked apples filling your kitchen will let you know it’s nearly done.

Step 6: Drizzle and serve
While the pizza cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla to create the glaze. Drizzle it generously over the warm pizza, then slice into wedges and serve. The combination of warm apples, crunchy topping, and sweet glaze is absolutely irresistible.

Variations & substitutions

If you’d like to experiment with different flavors, try swapping apples for pears, peaches, or even mixed berries. You can also add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crisp topping for extra crunch. For a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat flour or coconut sugar. If you want a richer glaze, substitute milk with cream or even caramel sauce for a decadent drizzle. Gluten-free pie crusts also work wonderfully, making this recipe adaptable for different dietary needs.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

Apple Crisp Pizza is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, which will help maintain the crisp texture. Freezing is also possible—wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven before serving. If making ahead, prepare the crust and crisp topping separately, then assemble and bake just before serving.

Serving ideas & pairings

Serve Apple Crisp Pizza warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic pairing. A drizzle of caramel sauce adds an extra layer of indulgence. For beverages, pair with hot apple cider, chai tea, or a steaming cup of coffee. If serving at a party, cut into smaller squares or wedges for bite-sized portions. You can even set up a dessert bar where guests can add their own toppings, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or extra glaze.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought pie dough?
Yes, store-bought dough works perfectly for this recipe and saves time.

What apples work best for Apple Crisp Pizza?
Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold up best during baking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely—just use a gluten-free pie crust and gluten-free flour in the topping.

Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake, or bake and reheat before serving.

What can I use instead of glaze?
Caramel sauce, cream cheese icing, or even a dusting of powdered sugar make great alternatives.

Final thoughts

Apple Crisp Pizza is a delightful fusion of two comforting desserts, offering all the flavors of apple crisp with the fun, shareable format of pizza. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you serve it as the grand finale to a family dinner or as a sweet surprise at a party, this recipe is sure to win hearts. Try experimenting with variations, enjoy it fresh out of the oven, and make it a staple in your dessert rotation. One slice, and you’ll understand why this treat has become a beloved tradition in so many kitchens.

Apple Crisp Pizza

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A sweet twist on a classic dessert, Apple Crisp Pizza pairs tender spiced apples with a crisp streusel topping on a golden crust. Perfect for sharing at parties or cozy nights in.

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Ingredients

• 1 dough for a single-crust pie
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 4 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)

• 1/3 cup rolled oats
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a pizza pan or baking sheet. Roll out the pie dough and press it into the pan, shaping a small lip around the edge.

2. In a bowl, mix granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons flour, and cinnamon. Toss the sliced apples in this mixture until evenly coated.

3. Arrange the apples evenly over the crust, slightly overlapping them like pizza toppings.
4. In another bowl, combine 1/2 cup flour, oats, brown sugar, and softened butter. Mix with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the apples.

5. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the crust is golden and the topping is crisp. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

6. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the warm pizza, slice, and serve.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American