Apple crisp pizza is a delightful apple dessert pizza that combines the warmth of a baked apple crisp with the fun of a pizza. Imagine cinnamon sugar apples layered over a flaky pie crust dessert and topped with a crispy oat crumble topping. This dessert has quickly become a favorite in American homes because it’s easy, festive, and comforting.
Unlike traditional apple pie or apple crumble, this recipe turns dessert into a fun, sharable dish. The combination of apple crumble pizza flavors and textures makes it a warm apple dessert perfect for fall gatherings or holiday dinners. It’s a creative twist on classic apple pie style pizza, making it a true apple cinnamon treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This apple caramel dessert is perfect for anyone who loves sweet, fruity desserts with a crisp texture. The apple crisp with caramel drizzle brings a rich flavor that is hard to resist. You’ll love how the apple topping for dessert stays tender while the oat topping remains crunchy after baking.
It’s also a versatile recipe. You can make it in under an hour and it works as a family-friendly dessert or a crowd-pleasing dessert recipe for parties. With simple ingredients like diced apples, old-fashioned rolled oats, and pie crust dough, you can enjoy a homemade apple dessert recipe that rivals any bakery.
Why You’ll Love the Texture Contrast
This apple crisp pizza nails texture like a pro. Tender cinnamon apples soften the base while the flaky pie crust dessert stays crisp underneath. On top, the apple oat crumble adds crunch. Each bite shifts from soft to crispy, which keeps your palate excited.
Why This Apple Crisp Pizza Feels Effortless
Even busy days can handle this apple crisp pizza recipe. You can use store-bought crust, simple pantry spices, and fresh apples. The caramel drizzle finishes everything beautifully. It’s an easy apple dessert pizza that tastes slow-made, comforting, and intentionally indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, you need fresh ingredients to get the best flavors. Using the right type of apples is crucial; Gala apples, Fuji apples, or Braeburn apples are ideal for sweetness and texture. Other ingredients include white sugar mixture, all-purpose flour, salted butter, and caramel topping for the finishing touch.
Pantry Staples That Build Flavor
This apple crisp pizza relies on everyday basics that work hard. Granulated sugar, cinnamon, and flour create sweet warmth for the cinnamon sugar apples. Rolled oats and brown sugar form a rustic apple crisp topping, adding depth and bakery-style texture without extra effort.
Fresh Ingredients That Make It Shine
Juicy apples turn this apple crisp pizza recipe into something special. Gala or Fuji apples hold shape while baking, layering naturally over a flaky pie crust dessert. A final caramel drizzle melts into the warm fruit, delivering that cozy, caramel apple flavor you love.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pie crust (homemade or store-bought) | 1 (9-inch) |
| White sugar | 2/3 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 3 tablespoons |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Apples (peeled and diced, Gala/Fuji) | 4 cups (about 4 apples) |
| Topping: All-purpose flour | 1/2 cup |
| Topping: Brown sugar (packed) | 1/3 cup |
| Topping: Old-fashioned rolled oats | 1/2 cup |
| Topping: Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Topping: Salted butter (softened) | 1/4 cup |
| Drizzle: Caramel topping | 1/2 cup |
For the Apple Filling
Toss diced apples in a white sugar mixture and sprinkle with cinnamon to coat. Arrange them evenly over the crust to create the perfect apple slice dessert layer. This step ensures a balanced sweetness and a juicy texture under the crisp topping.
For the Crisp Topping
Combine brown sugar crumble, old-fashioned rolled oats, flour, and softened salted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the apples to form the signature crispy oat crumble topping. This creates a golden, crunchy layer after baking that makes the dessert irresistible.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This apple crisp pizza comes together smoothly when you follow each step in order. Every stage builds flavor, texture, and balance. From preparing the crust to finishing with caramel, the method stays simple yet delivers bakery-style results you’ll feel proud to serve.
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Crust
Preheat the oven to 350°F so heat distributes evenly. Roll the pie crust onto a pizza pan and gently fold the edges upward. This creates structure and helps the flaky pie crust dessert hold the apple filling without leaking.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Apple Filling
In a bowl, combine sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add diced apples and toss until coated. These cinnamon sugar apples release juice while baking, creating a soft center that defines a great apple crisp pizza recipe.
Step 3: Arrange Apples on the Crust
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust in a single layer. Avoid piling too high so the apples cook evenly. This step ensures every slice of apple crisp pizza tastes balanced and clean.
Step 4: Build the Crisp Topping
Mix flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and softened butter until crumbly. The texture should resemble damp sand. This apple crisp topping adds crunch and contrasts beautifully with the tender baked apples.
Step 5: Add Topping Evenly
Sprinkle the topping across the apples, covering them completely. Don’t press it down. Loose crumbs bake better and create that signature apple oat crumble texture people love.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Place the pizza pan in the oven and bake until the apples soften and the topping turns golden brown. The aroma will tell you when the baked apple dessert is nearly ready.
Step 7: Drizzle with Caramel
Remove from the oven and drizzle caramel sauce immediately. The heat helps it melt into the topping. This transforms the dessert into a rich caramel apple pizza with glossy appeal.
Step 8: Slice and Serve Warm
Let the pizza rest briefly, then slice and serve warm. Pair it with vanilla ice cream for contrast. This final touch makes your apple crisp pizza feel indulgent, comforting, and unforgettable.
Making the Apple Mixture
Toss your diced apples in a white sugar mixture with cinnamon. Arrange apples in a single layer over the crust to make sure the flavor is even throughout. This step ensures every slice has the perfect apple topping for dessert.
Choosing the Right Apples
Great flavor starts with smart apple choices. For this apple crisp pizza, use firm apples like Gala or Fuji. They hold their shape while baking and soak up cinnamon beautifully. This keeps the cinnamon sugar apples tender, not mushy, and perfectly balanced.
Mixing for Maximum Flavor
Combine diced apples with sugar, flour, and cinnamon until evenly coated. This simple step thickens the juices as they bake. The mixture becomes glossy and fragrant, creating a rich apple filling that defines a memorable apple crisp pizza recipe.
Baking the Pizza
Sprinkle the crispy oat crumble topping over the apples and bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes or until apples are tender. Remove from oven and immediately drizzle caramel on top. Serve warm with ice cream to enjoy a classic apple crisp variation.
Preheat and Prepare for Baking
Before anything else, make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F. A properly heated oven ensures the apple crisp pizza cooks evenly. The flaky pie crust dessert browns nicely while the apples soften perfectly, creating a balanced texture.
Bake Until Golden and Fragrant
Place the prepared pizza in the oven and bake until the apple crisp topping turns golden and the apples are tender. The sweet aroma of cinnamon and caramel fills the kitchen. This step transforms your apple dessert pizza into a warm, irresistible treat ready to serve.
Tips, Tricks
Mastering the perfect apple crisp pizza is easier when you know a few insider tips. Small adjustments in preparation, baking, and serving make a big difference in flavor and texture. These tricks help your dessert stay crisp, caramelized, and unforgettable every time.
Use the Right Apples
Choose firm, sweet apples like Gala, Fuji, or Braeburn. They hold their shape and maintain a tender bite when baked. Avoid overly soft varieties, which can make your apple crisp pizza recipe soggy and less appealing.
Keep the Topping Crunchy
Use cold, softened butter and mix it just enough with oats, brown sugar, and flour. Overmixing can make the apple oat crumble dense. Sprinkle it loosely over apples to ensure a golden, crunchy top every time.
Notes
Small details can elevate your apple crisp pizza from good to unforgettable. Paying attention to butter, sugar, and serving tips ensures the dessert tastes bakery-perfect at home. These notes help you get consistent results every time.
Salted vs. Unsalted Butter
Using salted butter in the apple crisp topping balances sweetness naturally. If you use unsalted butter, sprinkle a pinch of salt over the topping. This enhances the flavor of the cinnamon sugar apples and caramel drizzle.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your apple crisp pizza recipe warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also drizzle extra caramel for indulgence. Freshly baked, it makes a comforting dessert for family dinners or special occasions.
Variations – Mix It Up Your Way
Try a caramel apple pizza version by adding extra caramel drizzle. Add nuts or raisins to the topping for a nutty twist. You can also make a gluten-free version using a store-bought crust. This apple crisp with caramel drizzle works with different apples to create new apple slice dessert ideas.
Add Different Fruits
Try mixing pears, peaches, or berries with apples for a twist. These fruits blend well with cinnamon and sugar, enhancing the apple crisp topping while adding new textures and flavors. It’s a creative way to reinvent your apple dessert pizza.
Spice and Nut Enhancements
Incorporate nutmeg, ginger, or chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the topping. These additions deepen flavor and add crunch. Your apple crisp pizza recipe gains complexity while keeping the classic caramel and apple combination irresistible.
How to Serve Apple Crisp Pizza
Serve your pizza warm, straight from the oven. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top creates a perfect contrast with the baked apple crisp. You can also drizzle more caramel topping for extra indulgence. Slice it like a pizza for parties, or serve as an individual apple pastry pizza.
Serve Warm with Ice Cream
Slice the apple crisp pizza and serve immediately while warm. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top contrasts with the cinnamon sugar apples and crunchy apple oat crumble, creating a creamy, indulgent bite every time.
Drizzle with Extra Caramel
For an extra touch, drizzle warm caramel over each slice just before serving. The glossy caramel enhances the sweet apples and adds visual appeal, making your apple dessert pizza feel luxurious and special.
Storage Tips – Keeping It Fresh
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2–3 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked apple crisp pizza from scratch and reheat in the oven at 350°F to maintain the crispy oat crumble topping. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy crust.
Short-Term Storage
Keep leftover apple crisp pizza covered at room temperature for up to 24 hours. This preserves the cinnamon sugar apples and keeps the apple oat topping from drying out. Reheat gently before serving for a warm, fresh taste.
Long-Term Storage
For longer storage, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for 3–4 days. You can also freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to maintain the flaky pie crust dessert texture and caramelized flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Knowing the nutrition of your apple crisp pizza helps you enjoy it responsibly while appreciating every delicious bite. The combination of apples, oats, butter, and caramel creates a dessert that’s indulgent yet made with wholesome ingredients. Below is an approximate breakdown per serving.
Nutrition per Serving (1 Slice)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 30 mg |
| Sodium | 140 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 25 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
This easy apple dessert idea is indulgent but perfect for a family-friendly dessert during fall or holiday seasons.
Extra Nutritional Insights
This apple crisp pizza recipe not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also provides some nutritional value. Apples contribute vitamin C, while the dessert contains potassium and iron. Pairing with low-fat ice cream can balance calories, and note it contains wheat and dairy for allergen awareness.
| Component | Notes |
|---|---|
| Vitamins | Good source of vitamin C from apples |
| Minerals | Contains potassium and iron |
| Serving Tip | Pair with low-fat ice cream to balance calories |
| Allergen Info | Contains wheat (crust) and dairy (butter) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make apple crisp pizza from scratch?
Use homemade dough, toss diced apples in sugar and cinnamon, and top with crispy oat crumble topping.
Can I use canned apples?
Fresh apples like Gala apples, Fuji apples, or Braeburn apples are preferred for texture.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it step-by-step and bake before serving.
What crust works best?
A buttery pie crust dough is ideal for a flaky pie crust dessert experience.
Conclusion
Apple crisp pizza is a perfect fall dessert that combines the fun of pizza with the comfort of a warm apple dessert. With cinnamon sugar apples, crispy oat crumble topping, and a caramel apple pizza finish, it’s one of the best easy dessert pizza recipes for family gatherings or cozy nights. Try it today and enjoy a delicious apple crisp variation everyone will love.
Hamza Qayyum is a passionate home chef and recipe developer with over 4 years of experience creating healthy, family-friendly meals. She loves simplifying classic dishes with fresh, seasonal ingredients and sharing practical, tested recipes that help home cooks gain confidence in the kitchen.