Deep Dish Pie (Has No Bottom Crust)
A comforting deep dish apple pie without a bottom crust, featuring tender tart apples topped with a sweet, spiced crumble. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a family dessert, it combines classic apple flavors with a crunchy topping for a satisfying treat that showcases seasonal fruit.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and grease a casserole dish.
- Peel and slice at least 8 tart apples, such as McIntosh.
- Place the sliced apples evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
- In a bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg.
- Cut in 1/4 pound (1 stick) of softened butter or margarine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the apples.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using a mix of tart and sweet apples to balance flavors. If you don't have brown sugar, white sugar can be used, but it will alter the flavor slightly. To enhance the nutmeg's flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon. Ensure the butter is softened to make it easier to cut into the flour mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This deep dish pie is delightful served warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. It also goes well with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect dessert for gatherings or a cozy evening at home.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover deep dish pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deep Dish Pie (Has No Bottom Crust) contains roughly 876 calories, with 9g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (77% of the Daily Value) and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 22g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture. This prevents the pie from becoming soggy and ensures the topping stays crisp.
What type of apples work best for this deep dish pie?
Tart apples like McIntosh, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp are ideal for this recipe. Their tartness complements the sweetness of the brown sugar and adds depth to the flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that your other ingredients, like the baking powder and butter, are also gluten-free to maintain the recipe's integrity.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).