If you adore the warm, comforting flavors of traditional apple pie but want a lighter, more straightforward version without the fuss of making crust, this Crustless Apple Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. It perfectly captures the essence of apple pie—incredibly tender, spiced apples mingled with a soft, cinnamon-scented batter that bakes to golden perfection. Whether you’re serving it for a quick dessert or a cozy snack, this recipe brings all the apple pie nostalgia without the extra steps, making it a beloved favorite you’ll want to keep handy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly wonderful about this Crustless Apple Pie Recipe is how few ingredients it calls for, yet each one is essential in creating the perfect balance of flavors and texture. From crisp apples to fragrant cinnamon, every component plays a starring role in bringing this dish to life.
- Apples: Use 3 cups of thinly sliced, peeled apples for that tender, juicy fruit filling.
- Granulated sugar: A total of 3 tablespoons, split between apples and batter, to add just the right sweetness without overpowering.
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon to brighten the apple flavor and prevent browning.
- Ground cinnamon: 2 to 4 teaspoons overall, divided between apples and batter, to infuse that signature warm spice.
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup to create the soft, cake-like batter that bakes perfectly around the apples.
How to Make Crustless Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by peeling and thinly slicing enough apples to make about 3 cups. Toss these slices with lemon juice to keep them vibrant and fresh-looking. Then, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 to 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon over the apples and gently stir to coat all the slices evenly. This simple step unlocks the natural sweetness and adds a warm spice aroma that sets the tone for the dish.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1 to 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. This batter is the magic that will surround the tender apples. Make sure to blend the dry ingredients thoroughly to avoid any lumps and ensure that cinnamon flavor is evenly dispersed for each bite.
Step 3: Assemble and Combine
Gently fold the cinnamon-sugar coated apples into the batter, making sure every slice is embraced by the smooth mixture. This creates a lovely contrast of textures once baked—soft batter hugging slightly crisp apple slices, all bubbling with cinnamon.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the combined mixture into a greased baking dish and smooth the top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the apples are tender when tested with a fork. You’ll know the Crustless Apple Pie Recipe is ready when the aroma fills your kitchen, and the edges turn beautifully golden.
How to Serve Crustless Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream is the perfect finishing touch to this Crustless Apple Pie Recipe. Consider sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for an extra layer of indulgence that will make every forkful sing with flavor.
Side Dishes
This baked delight pairs wonderfully with warm beverages like spiced chai tea, cinnamon coffee, or even a smooth hot chocolate. If you want to keep things light, a small fruit salad or a crisp green salad can balance the sweet, soft pie quite nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve slices of this Crustless Apple Pie Recipe in pretty dessert bowls or ramekins topped with toasted nuts and fresh apple slices. You can also try layering it with granola for a delicious apple pie parfait or spoon it over pancakes or waffles for a seasonal breakfast treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Crustless Apple Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days and still tastes fantastic when chilled or gently warmed.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. Frozen leftovers can last up to 2 months and can be thawed in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your pie slices in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through to maintain that freshly baked texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can make the texture a bit soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! Crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith work beautifully, but you can also try Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala for a sweeter, softer result. Mixing apple varieties can add great complexity to the flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, it uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend 1:1 to make the Crustless Apple Pie Recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
Can I add nuts or raisins?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or a handful of raisins fold in nicely and add extra texture and flavor to this already delicious dish.
What’s the best way to peel apples quickly?
Using a vegetable peeler is fast and efficient, especially if you’re peeling a large batch. For a softer peel removal, a paring knife works just fine but takes a bit longer.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
This specific Crustless Apple Pie Recipe doesn’t include eggs or dairy in the batter, so it’s already quite close to vegan. Just be sure your sugar is vegan-friendly, and consider using plant-based butter or oil if you choose to grease your baking dish.
Final Thoughts
This Crustless Apple Pie Recipe is truly a gem when you need a simple, delicious dessert full of heartfelt flavor without complicated steps. It’s a warm hug of cinnamon and apples in every bite and perfect for anytime you crave the magic of apple pie without the crust. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to apple treat!
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Crustless Apple Pie Recipe
This Crustless Apple Pie is a simple, comforting dessert that captures the warm flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples blended into a soft, cake-like batter. With no crust to prepare, it offers an easy and quicker alternative to traditional apple pie, delivering all the cozy autumnal goodness in a single dish.
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
Apples
- 3 cups thinly sliced, peeled apples
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 to 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Batter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 to 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: In a mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced and peeled apples with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 to 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Toss these ingredients until the apples are evenly coated. The lemon juice will prevent browning and add a fresh tang while cinnamon adds warmth.
- Make the Batter: In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1 to 2 teaspoons of cinnamon until well combined. This will create a sweet and spiced base for the apple pie filling.
- Combine and Mix: Carefully fold the prepared apples into the batter mixture, ensuring the apples are evenly dispersed throughout the batter. The mixture should be thick but well combined to allow the apples to bake inside the crustless pie.
- Bake the Pie: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the combined apple and batter mixture into a greased baking dish or pie plate. Smooth out the top with a spatula to even it out. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. This helps the pie to set and makes it easier to slice. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- You can adjust the cinnamon to your taste, adding more or less depending on how spicy you like your apple pie flavor.
- Using tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Braeburn will balance the sweetness with a bit of tang.
- If the batter seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk to loosen it slightly.
- This crustless apple pie stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
