Introduction

Apple Pie Pizza is a delightful twist on two classic favorites: apple pie and pizza. Featuring a soft, yeast-risen crust topped with caramelized apples and a cinnamon crumble, this dessert pizza is a perfect treat for any occasion. It’s simple to make and sure to impress family and friends.

A round dessert pizza with a thick, golden crust forms the base. On top, a layer of cooked apple chunks in warm brown and yellow tones spreads evenly. Above this is a crumbly layer of streusel topping in a light brown color with a rough texture. White icing is drizzled in thin, uneven lines across the entire top, creating a contrast against the crumbly topping. The pizza is placed on light brown parchment paper on a surface with a white marbled texture. A pizza cutter with a wooden handle is visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

5 tablespoons warm water (105-110 degrees)
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for greasing
2 small Granny Smith apples
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons brown sugar, divided use
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided use
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1-2 teaspoons milk (or water)

Instructions

Step 1: In a 2-cup measuring cup, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. If it doesn’t foam, the yeast is inactive; start again.
Step 2: Add flour and stir. Then add salt and olive oil. Stir with a fork until a shaggy dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 1 minute until it’s pliable and no longer sticky.
Step 3: Grease the measuring cup with extra olive oil, place dough inside, turn once to coat in oil, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 hour.
Step 4: Peel and dice the apples. In a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté apples with 1/4 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon butter until soft and sticky.
Step 5: In a small bowl, combine remaining 2 tablespoons butter, flour, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Pinch together to form a crumble.
Step 6: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place a pizza stone inside if available, or prepare a baking sheet with a light dusting of cornmeal.
Step 7: Remove dough from measuring cup, lightly flour your hands and the counter, then knead dough for 1 minute. Shape dough into a 6-inch circle by stretching it gently over your fists and rotating.
Step 8: Place dough on the pizza stone or prepared baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes. Then open the oven and add apples and crumble to the dough, leaving a border for the crust. Press down any bubbles in the dough.
Step 9: Continue baking until crust is golden brown, about 5-10 minutes more depending on your oven.
Step 10: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Mix powdered sugar with milk or water to make a glaze, then drizzle over the pizza. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance against the sweet topping.
If you don’t have a pizza stone, using a preheated baking sheet can help achieve a crispier crust.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the apple mixture.
Try swapping powdered sugar glaze for a vanilla icing drizzle for a richer taste.

Storage

Store leftover apple pie pizza in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a warm oven (around 300°F) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a round pastry with a thick golden-brown crust as the base layer, topped with a crumbly, light brown streusel layer mixed with small pieces of soft, cooked apple that appear caramelized with a shiny brown glaze. The whole top is drizzled with a white icing in thin zigzag lines across the surface. The pastry is placed on brown parchment paper on a white marbled surface, with a pizza cutter blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, while Granny Smith apples offer tartness that balances the sweetness, you can use Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples based on your preference. Just adjust the sugar slightly if they are very sweet.

Is it necessary to let the dough rise?

Letting the dough rise is important to develop a soft, airy crust. Skipping this step may result in a denser and less flavorful base.