If you’re ready to wow everyone with a sweet treat that’s both fun and downright delicious, you’re going to love this Apple Crisp Pizza with Caramel Recipe. Imagine all the cozy, warm flavors of a classic apple crisp—juicy cinnamon-spiced apples, buttery crumb topping, and that irresistible caramel drizzle—served up like a pizza you can slice and share. I absolutely love how this turns out every time, and I can’t wait to walk you through making yours just as amazing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Shareable & Fun: It’s a dessert that feels like pizza night—perfect for family and friends to dig into.
- Cozy Autumn Flavors: Warm cinnamon-spiced apples and brown sugar bring that classic apple crisp taste.
- Perfect Balance: The crisp buttery topping pairs beautifully with sweet caramel and smooth vanilla ice cream.
- Simple to Make: No fancy techniques needed—just mix, bake, and drizzle. Anyone can do this!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of the magic happens with simple pantry staples blended with fresh apples, which means shopping is easy and you can customize to what you have on hand. When I pick apples for this, I like ones that hold their shape but get tender while baking, like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
- Pie crust: Store-bought or homemade; rolling it big enough to fit your pizza pan is key.
- Fresh apples: Peeled and diced—choose varieties that aren’t too soft to keep a nice texture.
- White sugar: For that straightforward sweetness that balances tart apples wonderfully.
- Flour: Used both in the apple mix and crumb topping to help bind everything.
- Cinnamon: The warm spice star that turns ordinary apples into comfort food.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness to the crumb topping.
- Old-fashioned oats: For that perfect chewy, crumbly texture on top.
- Butter: Softer is better for mixing into the topping—makes it beautifully rich.
- Caramel sauce: Drizzled on warm right before serving for that irresistible gooey finish.
- Vanilla ice cream: Optional but highly recommended for serving; hot and cold is the best combo!
Variations
I love making this Apple Crisp Pizza with Caramel Recipe my own by tweaking a few things based on season or how sweet I want it. Feel free to experiment—this recipe plays well with a lot of ideas!
- Add nuts: Sometimes I sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top with the crumb topping for extra crunch and nuttiness.
- Use different fruits: Pears or peaches can replace apples, especially in summer—just adjust baking time as needed.
- Spice it up: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a deeper fall flavor.
- Gluten-free crust: I’ve adapted this with gluten-free pie crust and it comes out just as tasty.
How to Make Apple Crisp Pizza with Caramel Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Crust Ready
Start by heating your oven to 350°F. While it comes up to temp, roll out your pie crust to fit a 12-inch pizza pan—yes, I like using a pizza pan here because it helps create that perfect crisp base. Fold the edges up slightly to make a rim that will hold all your apple goodness in place. This little border is a game-changer because it keeps juices from spilling over.
Step 2: Prepare Your Apples
Peel and dice about four medium apples and toss them in a bowl with white sugar, 3 tablespoons of flour, and a teaspoon of cinnamon. This coating not only sweetens the apples but the flour helps soak up any extra juice so your crust stays crisp instead of soggy. Make sure every apple piece is nicely covered before spreading them out evenly over your prepared crust.
Step 3: Whip Up the Crumb Topping
In another bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and softened butter. I like squishing this mix with my hands until it looks like damp sand with some chunky bits—that’s the texture you’re aiming for. Sprinkle this crumbly topping evenly over the apple layer. Without this, it wouldn’t be a crisp (or a delicious pizza!) so don’t skimp here.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your pizza into the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. You’ll want to watch for golden brown edges on the topping and tender apples under the crumbs. If your kitchen smells like fall, you’re on the right track! I usually check with a fork to make sure the apples are fork-tender but still hold their shape.
Step 5: The Best Part—Caramel and Serve
Right after you pull it out of the oven, drizzle half a cup of caramel sauce over the top. The warmth melts it slightly, creating a sticky-sweet finish nobody can resist. Slice it like a pizza and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—because that’s how you take this dessert from yum to unforgettable.
Pro Tips for Making Apple Crisp Pizza with Caramel Recipe
- Use firm apples: They keep their shape after baking, preventing a mushy pizza.
- Chill your butter: For the crumb topping, soft butter works best but not melted; it helps create that perfect texture.
- Don’t overload on caramel: Too much can make the crust soggy—drizzle sparingly and enjoy every bite.
- Let it cool briefly: A 5-minute rest before slicing helps the topping set and keeps your slices intact.
How to Serve Apple Crisp Pizza with Caramel Recipe

Garnishes
I’m a sucker for simplicity here. Besides the essential caramel drizzle and a scoop of vanilla ice cream, sometimes I sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top right before serving to deepen that sweet-salty combo. Fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar can add a nice pop if you’re entertaining.
Side Dishes
This apple crisp pizza pairs surprisingly well with a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee to balance all that sweetness. For a more decadent gathering, serve alongside a glass of apple cider or even a mild dessert wine. Because it’s basically dessert pizza, light savory snacks beforehand work best so you don’t get too full.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I’ve made mini versions in tart pans or even on small flatbreads so everyone gets their own personal apple crisp pizza. You can also arrange slices on a wooden board with extra caramel, nuts, and apple slices artfully scattered around—makes for a festive dessert display that guests love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually cover the leftover apple crisp pizza tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The crumb topping can soften a bit from the caramel, but reheating helps bring back the texture nicely.
Freezing
Good news—you can freeze this dessert! I wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw overnight in the fridge and warm them up gently in the oven for the best results.
Reheating
I like reheating slices in a 325°F oven for about 10-12 minutes until warm through and the topping gets crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the crust soggy and the caramel too runny.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought caramel sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! I usually keep a good quality store-bought caramel sauce on hand because it’s convenient and tastes delicious. Just be sure to pick one that’s not too runny to avoid soggy crust issues. You can also make your own if you prefer—either way, caramel is the star topping here!
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What type of apples work best for this Apple Crisp Pizza with Caramel Recipe?
I recommend using firm apples that bake up tender but don’t turn to mush. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Braeburn are favorites of mine. They provide the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness and hold their shape well.
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You sure can! Assemble the pizza up to the baking step—cover it well and refrigerate for up to a day. When ready, bake as directed, then add caramel sauce and serve warm. This saves you time if you’re prepping for a crowd.
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Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes! Using a gluten-free pie crust and gluten-free oats will make this Apple Crisp Pizza with Caramel Recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters. Just double-check all ingredients and adjust baking time slightly if needed.
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How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Great question! Tossing the apples with flour helps absorb excess moisture. Also, using a pizza pan allows for better airflow and crisping. Don’t pour caramel on before baking, only after—it helps keep that crust nice and crisp.
Final Thoughts
Whenever I bring this Apple Crisp Pizza with Caramel Recipe to a gathering, it disappears fast—and I totally get why. It’s cozy yet playful, sweet but balanced, and super easy to make for just about any occasion. If you’re craving something that hits all those comforting notes without fuss, give this one a try. I promise you’ll fall in love with it just like my family did!
Print
Apple Crisp Pizza with Caramel Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Apple Crisp Pizza is a delightful twist on classic apple crisp, featuring a buttery pie crust topped with cinnamon-spiced apples and a crunchy oat crumb topping. Baked to golden perfection and drizzled with caramel sauce, this dessert pizza is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making it a perfect shareable treat for fall gatherings or cozy nights.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 9-inch pie crust, rolled to fit 12-inch pizza pan
Apple Filling
- 4 cups apples, peeled and diced (about 4 medium apples)
- 2/3 cup white sugar
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Crumb Topping
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
Finishing
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Crust: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the 9-inch pie crust to fit a 12-inch pizza pan. Place it on the pan and fold the edges up slightly to create a small border around the crust.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a bowl, mix the white sugar, 3 tablespoons of flour, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Add the peeled and diced apples and toss until all pieces are evenly coated. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the prepared pie crust.
- Make Crumb Topping: In another bowl, combine 1/2 cup flour, brown sugar, oats, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and softened butter. Use your hands to mix and crush everything together until it resembles wet sand with some larger chunks. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The dessert is done when the apples are tender and the crumb topping is golden brown.
- Add Finishing Touches and Serve: Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the top. Cut into pizza-style wedges and serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- This dessert pizza combines the cozy flavors of apple crisp with a fun, shareable pizza format.
- Perfect for fall gatherings or any time you want a comforting dessert.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for the best experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of pizza)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg

