Name: Apple Pie with a Unique Crust
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 0.5 cup powdered sugar; 0.25 cup granulated sugar; 1.75 cups all-purpose flour; 0.5 teaspoon salt 6 apples, peeled and thinly sliced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji) 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 0.5 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves (optional) 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small cubes

Apple pie is one of those comforting classics that brings warmth to any table, but this version takes it up a notch with a truly unique crust. Instead of the standard pastry shell, this pie features a crust that’s part shortbread, part cookie, delivering a buttery, slightly crumbly texture that melts right in your mouth. It adds a new dimension to the familiar apple-spiced filling, making it perfect for when you want to impress without overcomplicating the baking process.

The magic of this pie lies in the contrast: the tender apples cooked to perfection, paired with that unexpected crust that holds everything together beautifully. It’s rustic but refined, nostalgic yet different enough to spark curiosity. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday dessert or a cozy weekend treat, this pie promises to become a new favorite.

What Kind of Apples Work Best for This Pie?

For the perfect balance of sweetness and structure, I recommend using a mix of tart and sweet apples. Granny Smiths bring that bright acidity, while Honeycrisp or Fuji add natural sweetness and juiciness. This combination ensures the filling doesn’t get too mushy and stays flavorful even after baking.

Ingredients for the Apple Pie with a Unique Crust

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
5–6 apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
1 tablespoon butter, cut into small cubes (for topping)

How To Make the Apple Pie with a Unique Crust

Step 1: Prepare the Unique Crust

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Press about two-thirds of the dough into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish, creating an even layer. Reserve the remaining dough for the topping.

Step 2: Pre-Bake the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the crust-lined pie dish in the freezer for 15 minutes. Then, bake it for 10 minutes until just set but not browned. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Make the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, toss the peeled and sliced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and optional ground cloves. Mix well to coat all the slices evenly. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Pour the apple filling into the pre-baked crust, gently spreading it out evenly. Dot the top with small cubes of butter. Crumble the reserved dough over the apples like a streusel topping.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the pie at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown. If the edges begin to brown too quickly, cover them with foil halfway through baking. Let the pie cool for at least 1 hour before slicing to allow the filling to set.

Serving and Storing This Apple Pie with a Unique Crust

This pie is best served slightly warm, with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrast of the warm spiced apples and buttery crust with cool, creamy toppings is pure comfort. For an elegant presentation, dust a little powdered sugar over the top before serving.

To store, let the pie cool completely and then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It keeps well at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain the crust’s texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

Pre-baking the crust and using cornstarch in the filling both help to keep the base crisp and prevent sogginess.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it wrapped in the refrigerator until ready to use.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can substitute it with flour or arrowroot powder, but cornstarch gives the cleanest thickening result without clouding the filling.

Can I freeze this pie?

Yes! After baking and cooling, wrap the entire pie tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through.

Is it okay to use only one type of apple?

Certainly! The mix adds complexity, but using a single type like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp works fine too. Just keep in mind the sweetness and texture may vary slightly.

Want More Pie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Apple Pie with a Unique Crust, you might want to explore other flavor-packed, creative dessert ideas from Nina Dishes:

Try the warm, nutty goodness of Irresistible Pecan Pie Bites for bite-sized indulgence.
The fruity-tart combo in Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake is another bold take on a classic.
Craving something cozy? The Cinnamon Donut Bread is like a bakery treat in loaf form.
Add a creamy twist to breakfast or dessert with Nutella French Toast Casserole.
For something festive and fun, check out Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so it’s easy to find when the apple pie cravings hit!

And when you bake it, tag me or comment to let me know how it turned out. Did you stick with the classic apple combo or mix in pears or cranberries? Any spice swaps?

I love seeing how you put your own spin on these treats. Questions and baking tips are always welcome—let’s keep sharing and baking together.

Find more recipes and daily updates on Pinterest @NinaDishes.

Apple Pie with a Unique Crust

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 80 minutes
Yield: 1 pie (8 servings)
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Apple Pie with a Unique Crust puts a fresh spin on a traditional favorite. The crust—part buttery shortbread, part cookie—adds an unexpected and delightful texture to the warm, spiced apple filling. It’s a rustic dessert with a refined finish, perfect for holidays or cozy nights in.

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, cream together butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour and salt; mix until a dough forms. Press two-thirds of the dough into a 9-inch pie dish. Reserve the rest.

2. Freeze crust-lined dish for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the crust for 10 minutes until just set. Cool slightly.

3. In another bowl, toss apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and cloves. Let sit for 5 minutes.

4. Pour apple mixture into pre-baked crust. Dot with butter cubes. Crumble remaining dough over the top like a streusel.

5. Bake for 45–55 minutes until apples are tender and top is golden brown. Cover edges with foil if needed. Let cool at least 1 hour before serving.