Crust Apple Pie offers a wonderfully simple approach to pie-making, featuring a unique batter-based crust that forms its own shell as it bakes around a spiced apple filling. This recipe creates a tender, cake-like crust that contrasts beautifully with the sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples, all while eliminating the traditional challenges of rolling out pastry dough. The magic happens in the oven as the thick batter puffs up around the edges, creating a natural well for the apple filling to nestle into, while the bottom forms a sturdy yet delicate base that soaks up the delicious apple juices. The addition of lemon juice to the canned pie filling brightens the flavor and adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness, making this dessert feel homemade despite its convenience. This is the perfect pie for beginners or anyone who wants the comfort of homemade apple pie without the fuss of traditional pastry.
What makes this pie so special is its self-forming crust and the way the components interact during baking. The batter, whirled together in minutes with an electric mixer, creates a texture somewhere between a shortcake and a sugar cookie—sturdy enough to hold the filling yet tender enough to melt in your mouth. As it bakes, the crust rises around the apples, creating a beautiful presentation with the fruit peeking through the golden-brown top. The high initial oven temperature ensures the crust sets quickly, then the extended baking time allows the apples to become tender and the flavors to meld perfectly. This forgiving recipe welcomes variations—add a handful of raisins or chopped walnuts to the apple mixture, sprinkle the top with coarse sugar before baking, or substitute other canned fruit fillings like cherry or peach for different seasonal treats. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this humble pie delivers all the comfort of the traditional version with a fraction of the effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• No-Roll Crust: A simple batter forms its own crust as it bakes
• Beginner-Friendly: Virtually foolproof with minimal technique required
• Quick Preparation: Ready for the oven in just 10 minutes of active prep
• Comforting Flavor: All the classic apple pie taste with much less work
Ingredients:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ⅔ cup shortening
• ¾ cup water
• 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare
• Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). No need to grease the pie pan as the shortening in the batter provides sufficient release.
Step 2: Make the Batter Crust
• In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, egg, shortening, and water. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat until the batter is smooth and well combined, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
• Pour the batter into a 9-inch pie pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
• In a separate bowl, stir together the apple pie filling, lemon juice, and cinnamon until well mixed.
• Spoon the apple mixture into the center of the batter, being careful not to stir or mix it into the crust batter.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
• Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the crust portion comes out clean.
• The crust will have risen up around the apples, forming a beautiful border.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
• Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the crust to set properly.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips:
• Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix just until smooth to avoid a tough crust
• Center the Filling: Keep the apple mixture in the middle to allow the crust to rise evenly around it
• Check for Doneness: The crust should be golden and sound hollow when tapped
• Customize the Filling: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon
Storage Options:
• Room Temperature: Cover and store at room temperature for up to 2 days
• Refrigerator: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days
• Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crispness
Crust Apple Pie is the ultimate easy dessert that delivers all the homemade comfort of traditional apple pie with an incredibly simple approach. Its unique self-forming crust and delicious spiced apple filling make it a foolproof treat that will become a family favorite.
