Cheater Apple Pie Recipe

Introduction

This Cheater Apple Pie is a quick and easy way to enjoy classic autumn flavors without the fuss of making a full pie. Using refrigerated pie crust and canned apple filling, it’s a delightful dessert ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy cooks craving a warm, comforting treat.

Ingredients

• 1 refrigerated pie crust
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon water
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (or 2 tablespoons granulated sugar plus 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon)
• 1 (21-ounce) can apple pie filling
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, optional
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving, optional

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Unroll the pie crust onto the parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and water, then brush the mixture evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the top with cinnamon sugar. Let it air dry for 5 minutes before cutting the crust into squares or your preferred shapes. Arrange the pieces on the baking sheet with space between them.
3. Step 3: Bake the crust pieces for 5 to 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
4. Step 4: While the crust bakes, pour the apple pie filling into a small saucepan and warm it over low heat. Cover with a lid and stir occasionally for about 5 to 10 minutes until heated through. If desired, stir in fresh lemon juice for a bright touch.
5. Step 5: To serve, spoon the warm apples into individual bowls. Add the cinnamon-sugar pie crust pieces on top and finish with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you like.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans over the pie pieces before baking.
• Replace canned apple pie filling with homemade sautéed apples for a fresher taste.
• Use vegan pie crust and whipped toppings to make this dessert dairy-free.
• Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar mix gives a warm spice boost.

Storage

Store any leftover cinnamon-sugar pie crust pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them crisp. The warmed apple filling can be refrigerated in a sealed container for 2 to 3 days. Reheat the filling gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving; the crust pieces are best served fresh for the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pie crust instead of refrigerated?

Yes, homemade pie crust works well if you prefer, just roll it out and follow the same steps for brushing, cutting, and baking.

Is it necessary to add lemon juice to the apple filling?

No, lemon juice is optional but recommended. It brightens the flavor of the filling and balances the sweetness.

Cheater Apple Pie Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 128 reviews

• Author: Thomas
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A quick and easy Cheater Apple Pie recipe featuring crispy cinnamon sugar pie crust cut-outs paired with warm, spiced apple pie filling. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a fast dessert served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pie Crust and Topping

• 1 refrigerated pie crust
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon water
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (or 2 tablespoons granulated sugar plus 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon)

Apple Filling

• 1 (21-ounce) can apple pie filling
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, optional

Serving

• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving, optional

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a large rimmed baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare pie crust cut-outs: Unroll the refrigerated pie crust onto the parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 1 teaspoon water, then brush this egg wash evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the top. Let the crust sit for 5 minutes so the egg wash dries slightly, then cut into squares or shapes of your choice. Arrange the pieces spaced out on the baking sheet.
3. Bake the crust pieces: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake until the crust squares are golden brown and crisp, about 5 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye to prevent burning.
4. Warm the apple pie filling: While the crust is baking, pour the apple pie filling into a small saucepan and place it over low heat. Cover with a lid and gently heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 10 minutes until warmed through. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice if using, to add brightness and balance sweetness.
5. Serve: Divide the warm apple filling into serving bowls. Top with the cinnamon sugar pie crust cut-outs and finish by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired, for a deliciously comforting dessert.

Notes

• You can substitute cinnamon sugar with plain sugar and cinnamon mixed fresh if preferred.
• Letting the egg wash dry a bit before cutting helps prevent the crust from becoming soggy and allows it to crisp nicely when baked.
• Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean edges when cutting the pie crust.
• If you don’t have fresh lemon juice, a small splash of bottled lemon juice or a dash of apple cider vinegar can add acidity to the warm filling.
• Serve immediately for the best texture contrast between crispy crust and warm filling.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cheater apple pie, quick apple dessert, cinnamon sugar crust, easy apple pie, no-mess apple pie