Crazy Crust Apple Pie is a fun and easy twist on the traditional apple pie, where you don’t need to worry about making a separate pie crust! The “crazy crust” forms while baking, creating a delicious, buttery, slightly crisp crust on the top, while the apples and spices create a sweet, gooey filling inside. It’s the perfect recipe for when you want a homemade apple pie without the fuss of rolling out dough.
Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Crazy Crust Apple Pie:
Crazy Crust Apple Pie
Ingredients:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups apples (about 6 medium apples), peeled, cored, and sliced thin (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to thicken the filling)
For the Crazy Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or a deep-dish pie pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice. Stir in the flour to coat the apples evenly. The flour helps to thicken the filling as it bakes.
- Set the apple mixture aside while you prepare the crazy crust.
3. Make the Crazy Crust:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the melted butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and milk. Stir until everything is well combined into a smooth batter.
- The batter will be somewhat thick but will spread easily over the apples when poured.
4. Assemble the Pie:
- Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie dish, spreading the apples evenly across the bottom.
- Gently pour the crazy crust batter over the apples. Use a spatula to spread it evenly to cover the top of the apples. The batter will not completely cover the apples, but it will spread out as it bakes.
5. Bake:
- Place the pie in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the crust comes out clean.
- You may want to check the pie halfway through baking. If the crust is browning too quickly, loosely cover the edges with aluminum foil and continue baking.
6. Cool and Serve:
- Let the pie cool for at least 20-30 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set and the flavors to meld.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Storage:
- Store any leftover pie in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to 5 days. If you prefer it warm, reheat slices in the microwave or in the oven for a few minutes.
Tips & Variations:
- Apple Choice: You can use a mix of apples for a more complex flavor. A combination of tart apples (like Granny Smith) and sweet apples (like Fuji or Honeycrisp) gives the best result.
- Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the crust batter before baking for a little crunch.
- Crispier Crust: For a crispier crust, you can sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar over the top before baking.
- Spices: Feel free to experiment with other spices like allspice, ginger, or a dash of cloves for a more aromatic pie.
Crazy Crust Apple Pie is an easy and delicious alternative to traditional apple pie, giving you all the flavor and none of the hassle. It’s a great option for busy bakers who want to enjoy a homemade dessert with minimal effort!
