Swedish Apple Pie: A No-Crust Recipe For Stressed-Out Cooks

Name: Swedish Apple Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 1 9-inch pie
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups cooking apples, (2 large Granny Smith and 1 large Golden Delicious) peeled and sliced; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon cinnamon + 1 tablespoon sugar; 10 tablespoons butter, melted; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 egg, slightly beaten; 3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon unbleached flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted

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This easy homemade apple pie makes its own crust. Cinnamon-spiced apples are covered with a sweet batter then baked to make Swedish Apple Pie. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.

Originally published in 2010. Updated in March 2020.

two servings of Swedish Apple Pie on a cooling rack

If you don’t have time for a crust or you don’t want to mess with it, this pie is for you.

This is the perfect recipe for stressed-out cooks or beginners. The batter is simple enough for the kids to stir together.

Why no crust?

The “crust” is on top. Sorta.

A lot of the sweetened batter you spread over the sliced apples will seep down between the apples in the oven. The part left on top turns golden brown and crunchy.

What kind of apples should I use?

I’ve tried several different types of apples but have settled on a combination of two large Granny Smith apples and one large Golden Delicious. They will give your pie the right amount of sweetness but also the best texture. The apples cook through easily and release some liquid but aren’t mushy.

Substitutions:

Replace pecans with walnuts. Either way, toasting them before you add them to your batter will bring out the flavor.
Bleached flour can be used in place of unbleached flour.
Ground cardamom can be used in place of or in addition to cinnamon.

What is the best way to core apples?

To keep the tips from breaking off your apple quarters, remove the core starting from the bottom of the apple instead of the top. This will help make your slices more uniform.

It’s not really a big deal in this recipe. I just wanted you to know.

How to serve:

If you serve the pie hot out of the oven, it will probably be a little messy as you try to cut it in slices. Of course, it will taste fabulous as the warm pie melts your ice cream on top.

If you want to make the pie ahead of time, bake it, then allow it to cool for several hours. Refrigerate.

When it’s time to eat it, slice the pie. Put individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up and bring out the cinnamon fragrance. Top with ice cream or whipped cream.

How to make Swedish Apple Pie:

Peel and slice apples 1/4-inch thick. Place in a greased 9-inch pie plate.

Stir to make sure all apples are coated.

before putting pie in the oven — Spread batter evenly over the sliced apples.

Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Besides being my daughter-in-law’s favorite dessert, this recipe is all the more special because I got it from Amanda’s mother, Sandy. I especially enjoy eating it at her house.

Swedish Apple Pie--slice in front of pie

Are you looking for more apple recipes?

If You Love Apples, Try These Recipes:

Apples in a Bag

Apples in a bag are a quick, single-serving of cinnamon-spiced apples cooked in a zip-lock bag or bowl. Pour over pita chips, oatmeal or ice cream.

Apple and Cranberry Yogurt Parfait With My Favorite Granola

Whole Wheat Apple Pie Yeast Bread

A sweet yeast bread to mix and knead in a bread machine, then baked in a conventional oven

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