Heavenly Apple Crisp Pizza That Steals the Show

There’s something so deeply comforting about the smell of cinnamon and apples baking in the oven. It instantly brings back memories of fall afternoons at Grandma’s house, where apple desserts were a regular staple. One of my favorite inventions inspired by those memories is this Apple Crisp Pizza—a delightful twist on two classic desserts: apple pie and fruit crisp. It’s the perfect fusion of buttery crust, sweet-tart apples, crunchy oat topping, and gooey caramel drizzle.

I first made this recipe for a fall potluck when I wanted to bring something a little more exciting than a standard apple pie. It was gone in minutes. Since then, it’s become a seasonal staple at our house—from cozy Sunday dinners to Thanksgiving dessert tables. Whether you're feeding a family or entertaining guests, this dessert pizza is an absolute crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love Apple Crisp Pizza

• Two Favorites in One: Combines the best parts of apple pie and apple crisp.
• Easy to Customize: Use store-bought or homemade pie crust, and switch up the toppings.
• Perfect for Fall: Apples, cinnamon, and warm caramel are the flavors of the season.
• Great for Sharing: Cut into wedges like a pizza—easy to serve and fun to eat.
• Less Messy Than Pie: No slicing into a deep dish; just grab a slice and enjoy.
• Delicious Warm or Cold: Serve fresh from the oven or chilled from the fridge.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Base & Filling:

• 1 dough for a single-crust pie
  Store-bought or homemade works equally well.
• ⅔ cup sugar
  White sugar helps balance the tartness of the apples.
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  Thickens the apple filling slightly as it bakes.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  Adds that signature apple pie flavor.
• 4 medium baking apples, peeled and sliced into ½-inch pieces
  Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are best.

Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
  Forms the base of the crumb topping.
• ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
  Gives the topping a rich, caramelized flavor.
• ⅓ cup rolled oats
  Adds crunch and a rustic texture.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  For a double dose of warm spice.
• ¼ cup butter, softened
  Helps the topping crisp up and brown beautifully.

Finishing Touch:

• ¼ to ½ cup caramel ice cream topping or caramel apple dip
  Drizzle generously for extra indulgence.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even baking once the pizza goes in.
2. Roll Out the Crust
   • Place your pie dough on a lightly floured surface.
   • Roll into a circle about ¼ inch thick and transfer to a pizza pan or baking sheet.
   • Press the edges slightly to form a rustic crust, just like a pizza.
3. Prepare the Apple Filling
   • In a medium bowl, mix the ⅔ cup sugar, 3 tablespoons flour, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
   • Add the peeled and sliced apples to the bowl.
   • Toss until all the apple slices are evenly coated.
4. Layer the Apples
   • Arrange the coated apple slices evenly over the rolled-out crust.
   • Try to lay them flat and slightly overlapping for an even bake.
5. Make the Crumb Topping
   • In a separate bowl, combine ½ cup flour, ⅓ cup brown sugar, ⅓ cup oats, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
   • Add the softened butter and mix with a fork or pastry blender until crumbly.
   • Sprinkle this mixture generously over the apples.
6. Bake
   • Place the pizza in the preheated oven.
   • Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
7. Add the Caramel Drizzle
   • Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 10–15 minutes.
   • Warm the caramel topping slightly (if needed), then drizzle liberally over the top.
8. Slice and Serve
   • Cut into wedges like a pizza.
   • Serve as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• For a brunch treat, pair with a cup of cider or coffee.
• Perfect for fall parties, potlucks, and bake sales.

Storage:

• Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness.

Freezing:

• Not ideal for freezing after baking due to the delicate topping.
• You can prep the crust and apples in advance, then freeze unbaked (without topping).

Helpful Notes

• Apple Variety Matters: Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweet caramel and topping.
• Caramel Tip: Use high-quality caramel sauce or warm a thick caramel dip slightly for easier drizzling.
• Make It Mini: Use small rounds of dough to make individual apple crisp pizzas—great for parties!
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pie dough and oats.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping for extra crunch.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or clove for a more complex spice profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought pie crust?
   Absolutely! Store-bought crust works great and saves time.
2. What’s the best type of apple to use?
   Tart baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal.
3. Do I need to pre-bake the crust?
   No pre-baking is needed. The crust bakes perfectly along with the toppings.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes! You can assemble everything but the caramel and bake right before serving.
5. What if I don’t have a pizza pan?
   A regular baking sheet or round cake pan works just as well.

Final Thoughts

If you love the warm, nostalgic flavors of apple pie and the crumbly, sweet crunch of apple crisp, this Apple Crisp Pizza will be your new favorite fall dessert. It brings together all the cozy charm of home-baked treats but is easier and more fun to serve, especially at gatherings.

This recipe has been tested and loved many times in our home. It’s simple enough for weeknights and special enough for holiday tables. Just one bite, and you’ll see why it's become a seasonal classic. If you give it a try, don’t forget to leave a comment below—I'd love to see your version!