Imagine the classic flavors of apple pie combined with the fun and convenience of a pizza. Apple Dessert Pizza is a delightful creation that transforms traditional dessert elements into a visually appealing and mouthwatering dish. This recipe brings together a warm, fluffy crust, sweet cinnamon butter, tangy apple filling, and a crunchy crumble topping, all drizzled with a luscious glaze. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert is sure to impress and satisfy both kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into the details of making this delectable treat from scratch.
Ingredients and Their Roles
For the Crust:
- 1 cup (237 g) water, warmed (about 105°-110°F): The warm water activates the yeast, starting the dough’s rise.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Provides food for the yeast, helping it to activate and develop the dough’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast: Leavens the dough, creating a light and airy crust.
- ⅓ cup (75 g) vegetable oil: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided: Enhances the flavor of the crust and balances the sweetness of the toppings.
- 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
For the Cinnamon Butter Topping:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a rich, buttery flavor.
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens the topping.
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon: Provides a warm, spicy note that complements the apples.
For the Apple Topping:
- 1 can (21 ounces) apple pie filling, about 1 ½ cups homemade: The star of the pizza, adding sweet, tangy apple goodness.
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour: Adds structure to the crumble.
- ⅔ cup (133 g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the crumble.
- 6 tablespoons light brown sugar: Adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted, cooled slightly: Binds the crumble together and adds richness.
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup (125 g) confectioners’ sugar: The base of the glaze, adding sweetness and a smooth texture.
- 1-2 tablespoons whole milk: Thins the glaze to the desired consistency.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Crust:
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes, or until the yeast begins to bloom and become frothy.
- Prepare the Oil Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt.
- Combine the Ingredients: Pour half of the oil mixture into the yeast mixture, setting the remaining oil mixture aside for later. Add the flour and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt to the yeast mixture and stir to combine, forming a dough.
- Let the Dough Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a 12-inch pizza pan with parchment paper and pour the remaining oil mixture onto the lined pizza pan.
- Shape the Dough: Transfer the risen dough to the prepared pizza pan. Work the dough to the edges, creating a slight lip around the perimeter, and use your fingers to create dimples in the dough.
- Pre-Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes. This initial bake ensures that the crust holds up to the toppings without becoming soggy.
Preparing the Cinnamon Butter Topping:
- Make the Cinnamon Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Heat for about 30 seconds, then stir to combine.
Preparing the Crumble Topping:
- Make the Crumble: In a small bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, kosher salt, and melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assembling the Apple Dessert Pizza:
- Brush with Cinnamon Butter: After the dough has been removed from the oven, brush the cinnamon butter evenly over the crust.
- Add the Apple Topping: Spread the apple pie filling over the cinnamon butter layer, distributing it evenly across the crust.
- Top with Crumble: Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apple pie filling, ensuring it covers the entire surface of the pizza.
- Final Bake: Place the pizza back into the oven and bake for an additional 13-15 minutes, or until the crumble is golden brown and the crust is fully cooked.
Making the Glaze:
- Prepare the Glaze: In a separate bowl, mix the confectioners’ sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth and creamy. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Finishing Touches:
- Drizzle the Glaze: Once the pizza has cooled for 5-10 minutes, drizzle the glaze over the top. The warm pizza will slightly melt the glaze, creating a beautiful and delicious finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the Apple Dessert Pizza and serve warm. Enjoy the combination of the soft, sweet apple filling, the crunchy crumble topping, and the buttery crust.
The Nutritional Information
A serving of this Apple Dessert Pizza is approximately 464 calories. While it is certainly a treat best enjoyed in moderation, its delightful flavors and textures make it worth every bite. This dessert is perfect for sharing, making it a great addition to gatherings and celebrations.
Conclusion: A Treat to Savor
Apple Dessert Pizza is a unique and delightful dessert that combines the best elements of apple pie and pizza. The process of making this dessert is enjoyable and rewarding, from watching the dough rise to assembling the various toppings and finally seeing the golden brown crumble emerge from the oven. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures, making this dessert a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
This recipe allows you to bring together the comforting flavors of cinnamon and apple with the fun and convenience of a pizza. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a special celebration, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this Apple Dessert Pizza is sure to impress and delight.
So, the next time you’re looking for a dessert that’s both fun and delicious, try this Apple Dessert Pizza recipe. Its unique combination of flavors and textures will leave you and your guests wanting more. Enjoy the process of creating this delightful treat, and savor each bite of the sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple topping, the buttery crumble, and the soft, chewy crust. This dessert is a true testament to the joy of baking and the pleasure of sharing a delicious treat with loved ones.