Name: Apple Crisp Pizza
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: One 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought).; 2/3 cup granulated sugar.; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour.; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.; 4 cups of peeled and diced apples (Gala, Fuji, Braeburn, or Empire).; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for the Topping).; 1/3 cup densely packed brown sugar (for the Topping).; 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (for the Topping).; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the Topping).; 1/4 cup salted butter, softened (for the Topping).; 1/2 cup premium caramel sauce (for the Drizzle).

Apple Crisp Pizza combines the sweet, crunchy goodness of apple crisp with the fun format of a pizza. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a pie crust on a 12-inch pizza pan and fold the edges to create a slight rim. Toss peeled and diced apples with sugar, flour, and cinnamon, then spread evenly over the crust. Prepare a crumbly topping with flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and butter, and sprinkle over the apples. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the apples are soft and the topping is golden brown. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

Apple Crisp Pizza is a delightful dessert that combines the best of two worlds: the crispy, sweet goodness of apple crisp and the fun, shareable format of a pizza. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this recipe will be a hit with everyone.

INGREDIENTS

One 9-inch pie crust: You can use homemade or store-bought. The crust forms the base of your apple crisp pizza and holds all the delicious toppings.
2/3 cup granulated sugar: This adds sweetness to the apple filling, balancing the tartness of the apples.
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the apple filling, ensuring it's not too runny.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a classic apple pie flavor to the filling.
4 cups of peeled and diced apples: Use varieties like Gala, Fuji, Braeburn, or Empire for the best flavor and texture.

For the Topping:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crumbly topping.
1/3 cup densely packed brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses to the topping.
1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats: Gives the topping a delightful crunch.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Enhances the flavor of the topping.
1/4 cup salted butter, softened: Helps bind the topping ingredients together and adds richness.

For the Drizzle:

1/2 cup premium caramel sauce: Adds a luxurious finishing touch to the apple crisp pizza.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your apple crisp pizza will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
Step 2:: Prepare the Crust: Take your 9-inch pie crust and spread it out on a 12-inch pizza pan. Fold the edges of the crust to create a slight rim. This will help contain the apple filling and prevent it from spilling over as it bakes.
Step 3:: Prepare the Apple Filling: In a medium bowl, combine 2/3 cup of granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed. Add 4 cups of peeled and diced apples to the bowl and toss to coat them with the sugar mixture. This will not only sweeten the apples but also help thicken the filling as it bakes. Arrange the coated apples evenly over the prepared crust.
Step 4:: Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of densely packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Add 1/4 cup of softened salted butter to the bowl. Use a fork or your hands to mix the ingredients together until they form a crumbly texture. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the apples. The topping will add a delightful crunch and extra sweetness to the apple crisp pizza.
Step 5:: Bake: Place the pizza pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the topping is golden brown. The aroma of baked apples and cinnamon will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait for the finished product!
Step 6:: Drizzle: Once the apple crisp pizza is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Then, drizzle 1/2 cup of premium caramel sauce over the top. The caramel adds a rich, buttery sweetness that perfectly complements the tart apples and crunchy topping.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve the apple crisp pizza warm, ideally right after adding the caramel drizzle. The warmth enhances the flavors and the caramel will be delightfully gooey.
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to enjoy warm again.
This recipe is great for sharing at gatherings, parties, or family dinners. It’s a unique twist on traditional apple desserts and is sure to be a hit!

Helpful Notes

Variation: Try using a mix of different apple varieties for a more complex flavor. Combining tart and sweet apples can add a delightful balance.
Substitution: If you don’t have a pie crust on hand, you can use a refrigerated pizza dough or even a puff pastry as a base. Each will give a slightly different texture but will be equally delicious.
Tip: For an added crunch, sprinkle a handful of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, over the topping before baking.

Tips from well-known chefs

Chef Ina Garten recommends using good-quality vanilla extract if you decide to add a touch of vanilla to your caramel sauce for extra flavor.
Chef Martha Stewart suggests pre-baking the pie crust slightly before adding the filling to ensure it stays crisp and doesn’t become soggy.
Chef Alton Brown advises letting the baked apple crisp pizza rest for about 10 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld.