Easy Skillet Apple Pie Recipe

I absolutely love how this Easy Skillet Apple Pie Recipe comes together—it’s like getting all the goodness of a classic apple pie but without the fuss or mess of a traditional double-crust pie. When I first tried it, I was surprised by how perfectly caramelized the apples get right in the skillet, and that buttery, brown sugar base? Pure magic. If you’re looking for a warm, comforting dessert that’s both simple and impressive, stick around because this is one recipe you’ll want to have in your back pocket.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Easy Skillet Apple Pie Recipe plays a role in building that perfect balance between sweet, tart, and buttery. Using Granny Smith apples ensures the pie doesn’t get too mushy and holds a lovely tang that cuts through the sugar’s sweetness.

• Granny Smith Apples: Tart and firm, these apples hold their shape well and balance sweetness beautifully.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like flavor that pairs perfectly with apples and caramelizes nicely.
• Flour: Helps thicken the apple juices as the pie bakes, avoiding a soggy crust.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances out the sugar.
• Cinnamon: That warm spice that’s a must-have in any apple pie.
• Butter: Gives the pie a rich, velvety base and helps the brown sugar caramelize.
• Pie Crusts (store-bought or homemade): You can save time with store-bought, but homemade crust adds that extra love and flakiness.
• Egg White: A simple egg wash to give the top crust a beautiful glossy finish.
• Granulated Sugar: Sprinkled on top to add a pleasant little crunch and sparkle.

Variations

I’ve played around with this recipe a bit over the years, and you’re welcome to swap things up according to your taste or what’s on hand. The skillet method is forgiving, so don’t hesitate to personalize it!

• Apple Variety Swap: I’ve tried Fuji and Honeycrisp apples instead of Granny Smith, and the pie turns out a little sweeter and softer but just as delicious.
• Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice gives it a cozy autumn vibe—perfect for chilly evenings.
• Make it Vegan: Use coconut oil instead of butter and a plant-based pie crust to make a vegan-friendly version.
• Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled over the apple filling before topping with the crust add a great crunch.

How to Make Easy Skillet Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples and Flavor Base

Start by peeling and slicing your Granny Smith apples into half-inch slices—it’s the perfect thickness to hold shape but still soften nicely. Toss them in a big bowl with ¾ cup of light brown sugar, flour, half a teaspoon of kosher salt, and cinnamon. Stir everything together so the apples are fully coated. This mixture not only flavors the fruit but also helps thicken the filling once it bakes—trust me, it makes cleanup so much easier!

Step 2: Whip Up the Caramel Base in Your Skillet

Grab a 10-inch cast iron skillet and melt ½ cup of butter along with the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt and 1 cup of brown sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly—this is the time when you want your attention on the stove to prevent burning. After the mixture heats up and begins to bubble, let it boil for two full minutes. This step caramelizes the sugar and creates that luscious sauce your apples will sit on. Then, immediately remove it from the heat; patience here means silky smooth caramel, no bitterness.

Step 3: Layer It Up

Once your caramel is ready, carefully lay one of your pie crusts over the hot sugar mixture in the skillet, gently tucking the edges up along the sides. This creates the base containing all that juicy goodness. Next, pour in the coated apples, spreading them evenly. Finally, seal the pie by laying the second crust on top and pinching the edges firmly. If you want to be fancy, crimp or flute the edges for a nice rustic finish.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches and Bake

Brush the top crust with whisked egg white—that’s an easy way to get a beautiful golden gloss. Sprinkle two teaspoons of granulated sugar evenly for a bit of sparkle and crunch once baked. Place your skillet on a baking sheet to catch any drips and pop it into an oven preheated to 350°F. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes until the crust is golden brown, and you can see the filling bubbling happily beneath. If you notice the crust browning too fast near the end, tent it loosely with foil to prevent burning.

How to Serve Easy Skillet Apple Pie Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my skillet apple pie with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream—it melts right into the warm pie, making every bite dreamy. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans adds a lovely finishing crunch and extra sweetness too. Sometimes, a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar does the trick just fine.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving this as part of a cozy fall dessert spread, it pairs wonderfully with hot spiced cider or a warm cup of chai tea. For a heartier meal, I like to serve it after a simple roast chicken or pork tenderloin dinner to round things off sweetly without overwhelming.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to garnish the top crust with cut-out shapes—little leaves or hearts—from extra pie dough before baking. You can also place the skillet on a wooden board with a linen napkin for a rustic presentation that gets compliments every time. For an informal family gathering, everyone loves digging straight into the skillet with a big spoon—kind of fun and homey!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover skillet apple pie airtight at room temperature if I plan to eat it within two days. Beyond that, I pop it in the fridge where it keeps nicely for up to five days, though I recommend reheating before digging in to bring back that fresh-baked flavor and warm apples.

Freezing

Freezing this pie works surprisingly well! After it cools, I slice it into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. It’s best eaten within 2-3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftovers is in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to revive that flaky crust and warm filling. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crust crisp—though in a pinch, it’ll do!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Skillet Apple Pie Recipe has truly become one of my go-to desserts when I want something cozy, impressive, and fuss-free. I love sharing it with friends because it reminds me of those warm kitchen moments where everything smells just right, and the simple act of sharing pie makes the day better. Honestly, if you give it a try, I’m pretty sure it’ll become a favorite in your home too—so go ahead, pull out your skillet, and create a little apple pie magic!

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