Impossible Apple Pie is a clever, crustless dessert that magically forms its own layers while baking. Thinly sliced apples are stacked into a baking dish, then covered in a simple batter that bakes up into a cake-like pie with a tender crumb and soft apple filling. Warm, lightly spiced, and wonderfully rustic, it’s the perfect dessert for when you want something comforting, delicious, and deceptively easy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe requires no pastry skills, no pie crust, and minimal prep—but yields a dessert with all the flavor of a classic apple pie. The apples soften to a perfect consistency, while the batter rises and browns into a golden, lightly spiced cake. Whether served warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s a cozy dessert ideal for fall, holidays, or any time you crave something sweet and homestyle.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
• 6 apples
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions
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Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 or 9×9-inch square baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. -
Prepare the Apples:
Core and thinly slice the apples. Turn the baking dish on its side and support it with a kitchen towel or oven mitt. Stack the apple slices upright in the dish until full, then lay the dish flat again. -
Make the Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. Whisk until fully combined and no lumps remain. -
Assemble and Bake:
Pour the batter evenly over the apples in the dish. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to help distribute the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. -
Cool and Serve:
Allow the pie to rest for 5 minutes. Carefully invert it onto a cutting board, then invert again onto a serving plate so that the apple slices face upward. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 6 to 8 servings.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
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Add Nuts: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch.
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Use Other Spices: Swap cinnamon with apple pie spice or add nutmeg for extra depth.
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Make it Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
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Lower Sugar Version: Reduce the sugar to ½ cup or use a sugar substitute.
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Mix Apple Varieties: Combine tart and sweet apple types (like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) for a more complex flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in the oven at 300°F until heated through.
Freezing: Wrap cooled slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
FAQs
Why is it called “impossible” apple pie?
Because it forms its own crust-like base and cake-like top while baking—without needing to roll out or prebake a crust.
What type of apples should I use?
Firm, baking apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady work best.
Can I use apple slices with the peel on?
You can, but peeling them gives a smoother texture and a more traditional result.
Can I prepare this pie ahead of time?
Yes, it can be baked ahead and served later. Just reheat slightly before serving if desired.
Does it need to be inverted?
Inverting is optional, but it helps showcase the apple slices beautifully on top for presentation.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use a plant-based milk and substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
Is this similar to a clafoutis?
Yes, it has a similar baked custard texture but is firmer and more cake-like due to the flour and baking powder.
Can I reduce the eggs?
The eggs are essential to the texture, but you can try using 3 eggs for a slightly lighter result.
Is it more like a cake or a pie?
It’s a hybrid—moist and slightly cakey, but with the feel and flavor of a soft-crusted apple pie.
Can I serve it cold?
Yes, it’s delicious both warm and chilled. Pair it with whipped cream or ice cream for extra indulgence.
Conclusion
Impossible Apple Pie is a fuss-free dessert that delivers all the charm of a homemade apple pie without the need for pastry or advanced baking techniques. With its simple batter, soft baked apples, and warming cinnamon aroma, it’s a perfect choice for cozy nights, gatherings, or just a sweet weekend treat. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoy it chilled the next day—it’s delicious either way.
Print
Impossible Apple Pie
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Impossible Apple Pie magically forms its own crust while baking! With tender apple slices, a warm cinnamon batter, and a golden top, it’s an easy one-bowl dessert perfect for fall or anytime you crave cozy comfort. No rolling, no fuss—just mix, pour, and bake!
Keywords: impossible apple pie, crustless apple pie, easy apple dessert, one bowl apple pie, fall baking, magic apple pie
Ingredients
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6 apples, thinly sliced
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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4 eggs
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1/4 cup melted butter
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1 cup milk
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 or 9×9-inch square baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
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Thinly slice apples and discard cores. Tip the dish on its side, stack apples vertically until full, then lay the dish flat again.
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In a bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, and vanilla.
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Add flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon to the wet ingredients and whisk until smooth.
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Pour batter evenly over the apples in the dish.
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Bake for about 45 minutes, until golden brown and set.
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Let rest 5 minutes. Invert onto a cutting board, then invert again onto a serving plate so apples are facing up.
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Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
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Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor.
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Add chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture.
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Tastes great with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
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