Apple Crisp Pizza with Cinnamon Oat Topping Recipe

If you’re anything like me and love warm, cozy desserts that feel like a hug on a chilly day, you’re going to flip for this Apple Crisp Pizza with Cinnamon Oat Topping Recipe. It combines the best of two worlds—a crispy, buttery crust you’d expect on a pizza and that luscious, cinnamony apple crisp filling topped with a crunchy oat topping. Honestly, it’s one of those recipes I turn to when I want to impress folks without spending hours in the kitchen. Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through every step so you can nail it too.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Apple Crisp Pizza with Cinnamon Oat Topping Recipe plays a vital role—from the tart Granny Smith apples to the buttery oat crumble, creating that signature texture and flavor. When shopping, I always pick apples that are firm to ensure they hold up nicely while cooking.

• Rolled oats: They add a hearty crunch and rustic texture to the topping; don’t substitute instant oats as they won’t crisp the same.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice here—feel free to add a little more if you love that warm cinnamon aroma as much as I do.
• Butter: Melted and cooled, it binds the oat topping perfectly and adds richness.
• All-purpose flour: Or use gluten-free 1-to-1 flour if you’re avoiding gluten; this helps everything hold together.
• Salt: A tiny pinch balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Chopped pecans (optional): These bring extra crunch and a lovely nutty note—I always toss them in when I have them on hand.
• Granny Smith apples: Their tartness contrasts beautifully with the sweet topping—peeling and slicing thin helps them cook evenly.
• Lemon juice: Keeps the apples from browning and adds a fresh zing.
• Sugar: Sweetens the apples for that perfect balance.
• Ground cloves and nutmeg: Just a smidge enhances complexity without overpowering.
• Water and cornstarch slurry: Creates the luscious sauce that thickens as it bakes.
• Sourdough pizza crust: Premade is my go-to for saving time, but you can use homemade dough if you prefer.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Apple Crisp Pizza with Cinnamon Oat Topping Recipe is how easily it adapts to what you have and what you love. I’ve played around with a few versions, and I encourage you to make it your own.

• Nut-Free Version: I skip the pecans and add extra oats instead—kids with allergies still love it!
• Spiced Up Variation: Adding a dash of ginger or allspice was a happy accident once, and it turned out delicious.
• Different Apples: If Granny Smith aren’t available, Fuji or Honeycrisp add a sweeter twist to the filling.
• Crust Switch-Up: Using puff pastry instead of sourdough gives a flaky texture, perfect if you want a lighter base.

How to Make Apple Crisp Pizza with Cinnamon Oat Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Oat Topping

Start by melting your butter and letting it cool just a bit—that way it won’t cook the oats when mixed. Then, in a bowl, stir together rolled oats, cinnamon, flour, and a pinch of salt. If you’re adding pecans, toss those in now. Pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients and use your fingers or a fork to combine until you get those big, chunky crumbs. I love how this topping bakes up golden and crisp—it’s what makes the whole pizza sing!

Step 2: Cook the Apples

While the topping chills, peel and thinly slice your Granny Smith apples. Toss them in a bowl with fresh lemon juice to keep them from browning while you work. Then, add sugar, cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, a pinch of salt, and ½ cup water. Cook this mixture on medium heat until the apples soften but don’t turn to mush—about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in your cornstarch slurry (2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water), which will thicken the sauce nicely. This step is key because you want those apples juicy but still holding their shape on your pizza crust.

Step 3: Assemble the Apple Crisp Pizza

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your sourdough pizza crust on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread the warm apple mixture evenly over the crust, careful not to overload it (this helps avoid sogginess). Then sprinkle your cinnamon oat topping generously all over the apples. If you want extra topping just for snacking, spread some on a separate baking sheet and bake it alongside. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place your assembled apple crisp pizza in the oven for 20 minutes or until the oat topping is golden brown and crisp, and the crust edges are nicely browned. Keep an eye on it the last 5 minutes; ovens can vary, and you want that perfect crunch without burning. Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly—it’s scrumptious warm but slicing it too hot can cause the topping to slide off.

How to Serve Apple Crisp Pizza with Cinnamon Oat Topping Recipe

Garnishes

I like to serve this pizza with a dollop of vanilla ice cream on top or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence. A sprinkle of chopped fresh mint or a little powdered sugar adds a pretty finishing touch—especially when you’re serving guests. Trust me, it looks as amazing as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This apple crisp pizza pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or hot cider. For a brunch spread, I like adding some whipped cream and fresh berries on the side, turning it into a full autumn-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings or parties, I cut the Apple Crisp Pizza with Cinnamon Oat Topping Recipe into small bite-sized squares and serve it on a rustic wooden board with little cocktail forks. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and makes it easy for everyone to grab a taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers covered tightly in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The topping loses a bit of its crunch but the flavors deepen beautifully. To bring back some crispness, I recommend reheating it in the oven for just a few minutes before serving.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pizza before by wrapping individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. When I want a warm treat, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and then reheat in a 350°F oven until heated through and slightly crisp again.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover apple crisp pizza is in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes. This helps revive that crispy oat topping much better than the microwave, which tends to make it soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Apple Crisp Pizza with Cinnamon Oat Topping Recipe brings together familiar fall flavors in such a fun, unexpected way. When I first tried it, I thought, “Why didn’t I think of combining these before?” It’s become a staple for weekend treats at home and a guaranteed hit when friends come over. I really hope you give it a go—you’ll enjoy every bite and maybe even sneak a second slice like I always do!

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