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Apple Pie Bake

Apple Pie Bake is a classic American dessert with spiced, bubbling apple filling and a crisp, buttery oat crumble topping. Bake it in a 9x13 dish for caramelized edges and a golden top, then rest so the filling sets sliceable.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
resting 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 360
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For apple filling
  • 5 apples large, peeled and sliced
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
For topping
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
  • 1 vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Prep and preheat
  1. Preheat oven to 375F, then grease a 9x13 baking dish. Leave the oven fully preheated so the crumble starts browning as soon as it goes in.
  2. Toss apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and lemon juice, then spread them in the prepared dish. Make sure the apples are evenly coated and distributed for consistent bubbling.
Make the crumb topping
  1. Combine all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Mix until evenly combined with no streaks of sugar or spices.
  2. Cut in cold unsalted butter until crumbly. Stop when the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with small butter pieces.
  3. Scatter the crumb topping evenly over the apple filling. Cover the surface in an even layer so the top turns golden in every bite.
Bake and serve
  1. Bake for 35-40 minutes at 375F until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling. Look for active bubbling around the edges and a crisp, browned crumble on top.
  2. Rest for 15 minutes before serving. The filling will thicken as it cools slightly.
  3. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Add right before eating for the best contrast between warm apples and cool topping.

Notes

Pro tip: Toss apples thoroughly and bake until you see bubbling throughout the dish, not just at the edges—this ensures the cornstarch activates and thickens the filling. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm. Freezing is yes: freeze portions up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge. For a lighter option, use unsalted butter alternatives or reduce butter slightly while keeping the topping texture by not overmixing.