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Deconstructed Apple Pie 1

Deconstructed Apple Pie

This Deconstructed Apple Pie delivers all the comforting flavors of apple pie without the fuss of a traditional pie crust. With tender spiced apples and a buttery crumble topping, this reimagined classic is both visually stunning and easier to prepare than its traditional counterpart.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 385 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Large Skillet

Ingredients
  

Apple Filling

  • 6 medium Honeycrisp apples about 2 pounds, peeled, cored and sliced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar packed (light or dark)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water

Crumble Topping

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cubed
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional

For Serving (Optional)

  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Caramel sauce
  • Fresh mint leaves

Instructions
 

  • Wash, peel, and core the apples, then cut them into ¼-inch thick slices or 1-inch cubes, depending on your presentation preference.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingertips to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining. If using nuts, fold them in now.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, spread the crumble mixture evenly, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown, stirring halfway through.
  • While the crumble bakes, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced apples and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves over the apples, stirring to coat evenly. Let the sugar melt into the apples for about 2 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water, then pour this mixture into the skillet. Add the lemon juice and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the apples with a glossy finish.
  • For individual servings, divide the warm apple filling among serving dishes. Top generously with the crispy crumble. For a family-style presentation, transfer the apple filling to a shallow serving dish and scatter the crumble over the top.
  • For the full experience, top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Store the apple filling and crumble separately in airtight containers to maintain the crumble's crispness for up to 3 days.
For a healthier version, you can replace half the all-purpose flour with almond flour or oat flour, use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar, or substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce.
The ideal apple texture happens when you can pierce the fruit with a fork with slight resistance—they should not be mushy. Granny Smith or Pink Lady apples work well as substitutes for Honeycrisp.

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 3gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gSodium: 105mgFiber: 4gSugar: 38g
Keyword Apple Pie, Deconstructed Dessert, Apple Crumble, Easy Apple Dessert
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