If you’re craving a dessert that brings together the cozy flavors of fall in a way that’s fun and totally shareable, you’ve got to try this Apple Crisp Pizza with Cinnamon Oat Topping Recipe. Imagine the tartness of juicy Granny Smith apples bubbling in a spiced syrup, layered atop a crisp sourdough crust, all crowned with a buttery, cinnamon-kissed oat topping that bakes up golden and crunchy. It’s like your favorite apple crisp got a playful makeover, perfect for gatherings or a special treat to brighten up any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly fantastic about this Apple Crisp Pizza with Cinnamon Oat Topping Recipe is how it only calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create extraordinary flavors and textures. Each component, from the tart apples to the flaky crust and crumbly topping, plays a vital role to bring harmony in every bite.
- ½ cup rolled oats: Brings that hearty chew and rustic texture to the topping.
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice that enhances the apples.
- 4 tbsp butter (melted and cooled slightly): Provides buttery richness for the crumble topping.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1.1 flour): Helps bind the topping while keeping it tender and crisp.
- Pinch of salt: Balances and elevates all the sweet and savory elements.
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans (or substitute walnuts): Introduces extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- 5 cups Granny Smith apples (peeled and thinly sliced): The star fruit for a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
- ½ lemon (juiced): Prevents browning while adding subtle zestiness.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the filling just right without overpowering.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Layers the apple filling with cozy spice.
- 1/16 tsp ground cloves: Gives depth and warmth to the spice mix.
- 1/16 tsp ground nutmeg: Adds a hint of aromatic complexity.
- ½ cup water: Helps cook down the apples into a saucy filling.
- 2 tbsp cornstarch + 3 tbsp water (slurry): Thickens the filling to a luscious consistency.
- 1 sourdough pizza crust (premade or homemade test dough): The crisp, tangy base that holds all the delicious layers.
How to Make Apple Crisp Pizza with Cinnamon Oat Topping Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Oat Topping
Start by melting the butter and letting it cool just a bit so it’s warm but not hot. Mix together the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, and chopped pecans if you’re using them. Pour in the melted butter and use your fingers or a fork to combine everything until you see large, crumbly clusters forming—this will bake into that perfect crisp and buttery texture.
Step 2: Cook the Apple Filling
In a large saucepan, toss your peeled and thinly sliced Granny Smith apples with the fresh lemon juice to keep them bright. Add the sugar, a pinch of salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and water. Warm this over medium heat until the apples soften and the mixture bubbles gently, creating a fragrant, syrupy base. Slowly stir in your cornstarch slurry and keep stirring until the filling thickens nicely. Then, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly so it’s ready to spread.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Get your oven set to 375°F (190°C) so it’s perfectly heated when you’re ready to bake your pizza creation.
Step 4: Assemble the Apple Crisp Pizza with Cinnamon Oat Topping Recipe
Lay your sourdough pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Spread the warm apple filling evenly over the crust, leaving a small border free for those crispy edges. Then generously sprinkle the oat crumble topping across the apples for that irresistible crunch and cinnamon goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the assembled pizza into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the topping crisps up beautifully. The aroma alone will have you eagerly waiting to dig in!
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once baked, allow the pizza to cool just slightly—this helps everything set and makes slicing easier. Serve it warm to enjoy the gooey, spiced apple filling mingling with that buttery cinnamon oat topping, all on a satisfyingly crispy sourdough crust.
How to Serve Apple Crisp Pizza with Cinnamon Oat Topping Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet irresistible touch, dollop some vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream on each slice. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds lovely visual appeal and a hint of extra sweetness. Fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of chopped pecans can elevate the presentation and flavor even more.
Side Dishes
This Apple Crisp Pizza with Cinnamon Oat Topping Recipe stands well on its own but pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, warm spiced tea, or a glass of chilled apple cider. For a brunch twist, complement it with a crisp green salad or a creamy cheese plate to balance the sweet and tart flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Make this dessert the star of your next gathering by cutting it into smaller, bite-sized squares to serve as sweet finger food. Or try drizzling a caramel sauce or a tangy maple glaze over the top for an extra layer of decadence. You can even experiment by rounding the edges for mini “dessert pizzas” that are perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Apple Crisp Pizza with Cinnamon Oat Topping Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture for a convenient next-day treat.
Freezing
If you want to make this ahead or save extra portions, freeze your cooled pizza slices by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for up to two months, ready to thaw and enjoy whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked goodness, reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until the topping crisps back up and the apples warm through. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crispiness of the topping and crust.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples give the perfect tartness and hold their shape well, you can experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala for a sweeter, softer filling. Just keep in mind the texture and sugar balance might vary slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend labeled 1-to-1, you can keep the topping and crust gluten-free. Just ensure your premade sourdough crust is also gluten-free or make your own to suit.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Definitely, the apple filling can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the fridge. This makes assembling the pizza quicker when you’re ready to bake!
What if I don’t have sourdough pizza crust?
No worries! You can use any pizza crust you like, whether it’s whole wheat, traditional, or even a pre-made flatbread. Just adjust baking times if needed to prevent burning.
How do I make the topping extra crunchy?
To give the oat topping more crunch, try to keep larger crumb clusters when mixing and spread it evenly without pressing down too hard. Toasting chopped nuts beforehand also adds a complex crunch and richer flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Apple Crisp Pizza with Cinnamon Oat Topping Recipe that turns simple ingredients into a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday, weekend treat, or just because, it’s sure to fill your home with warmth and create smiles around the table. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become one of your favorite fall-inspired desserts to share and savor again and again.
Print
Apple Crisp Pizza with Cinnamon Oat Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Crisp Pizza with Cinnamon Oat Topping is a delightful twist on classic apple crisp, combining a flaky sourdough crust with warm cinnamon-spiced apple filling and a crunchy oat-nut topping. Perfect for a cozy dessert or sweet snack, it offers the comforting flavors of baked apples and buttery crumble in an easy-to-serve pizza format.
Ingredients
Topping
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 tbsp butter, melted and cooled slightly
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1-to-1 flour)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Apple Filling
- 5 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 1 cup sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/16 tsp ground cloves
- 1/16 tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup water
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water (slurry)
Base
- 1 sourdough pizza crust (premade or homemade test dough)
Instructions
- Prepare the topping: Melt the butter and let it cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, cinnamon, all-purpose flour, salt, and chopped nuts if using. Add the melted butter and mix with your fingers or a fork until large crumb-like clusters form. Set aside.
- Prepare the apple filling: In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and the mixture bubbles gently, creating a syrupy consistency. Gradually stir in the cornstarch slurry, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet or pizza stone for the pizza crust.
- Assemble the pizza: Place the sourdough pizza crust on the prepared baking surface. Spread the warm apple filling evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges. Evenly sprinkle the oat crumble topping over the apples.
- Bake the pizza: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the oat topping is crispy and browned.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm to enjoy the combination of gooey cinnamon apples, buttery oat topping, and crispy sourdough crust.
Notes
- You can substitute gluten-free 1-to-1 flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Chopped walnuts can be used instead of pecans in the topping.
- Let the apple filling cool slightly before spreading on the pizza crust to prevent sogginess.
- Use a pizza stone if available for a crispier crust.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
