This Upside Down Apple Pie is a delicious way to celebrate Fall. The best part…no crust making skills are necessary to make this gorgeous pie. It turns out perfect every time.
The Easiest Apple Pie Recipe
If you consider yourself “pie crust challenged” this recipe is for you!
While I have zero issue making pie crust, I know so many who struggle making pie dough from scratch and have completely given up. It does take practice.
Good news, this recipe actually shines a happy light on refrigerated pie dough. Normally, I do not enjoy the texture of refrigerated pie crust as opposed to homemade, but homemade is completely unnecessary here! With all the sticky goodness loaded on the top of this pie, any homemade crust efforts are lost in the shuffle.
Save homemade crust making for another pie where the crust is showcased.
The Best Apple Pie
This pie is absolutely fantastic and after eating my share, I definitely prefer this upside down apple pie to regular double-crust apple pie any day. That preference surprised me, but this pie is that good. The flavor – out of control gooey, cinnamony and just overall out of this world.
Am I done with regular apple pie…of course not, but this method of making apple pie is a real game-changer.
This pie is a must for Thanksgiving dessert and saves you from a million hours of pie dough making. It frees up extra time for you to concentrate on other desserts you also want to serve. It’s a win-win!
Another plus…you don’t have to stress about making the crust look pretty since you’re going to flip over the finished pie.
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Using a Deep Dish Pie Plate vs. Regular Pie Plate
A deep-dish pie plate in general is a little “deep” for refrigerated pie dough, as there is not a lot of dough leftover for sealing the two crusts together, a very important aspect of this recipe, but it does work.
A regular sized pie plate will leave you with more of a crusty edge. And who doesn’t love crusty edges?
Ingredients for Upside Down Apple Pie
Believe it or not you use all the same ingredients you would use for making a traditional double-crust apple pie.
The only extra ingredient you might use for this pie is pecans, since most apple pie recipes don’t include nuts. The pecans add great texture to this gooey pie.
GET THE FULL (PRINTABLE) UPSIDE DOWN APPLE PIE RECIPE BELOW. ENJOY!
Other Must Make Apple Recipes
- Pear-Apple Pie with Crunchy Streusel Topping
- Classic Apple Pie with Maple Whipped Cream
- Mini Apple Crumble Pies
- Fresh Apple Spice Bars
- Baked Apples
- Caramel Apple Crumble
- Apple-Cranberry Cobbler
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Upside Down Apple Pie
Ingredients
- 6 tbsps butter, melted and divided
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp apple pie spice
- 5 large Granny Smith apples, peeled cored and cut into 1/2" slices
Instructions
- Coat a deep-dish or regular sized pie plate with nonstick cooking spray and line it with parchment paper. Coat the top of the paper with cooking spray as well. (Using a deep-dish pie plate there will not be a lot of hangover for sealing the two crusts together, but it still works. Using a regular pie plate gives a more crusty edge. Both work.)
- In a small bowl combine 4 tablespoons of melted butter, brown sugar and pecans. Mix well and spread evenly over the bottom of the pie plate, on top of the parchment. Place one of the crusts in the pie plate, pressing it firmly against the nut mixture and up the sides of the plate. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, apple pie spice and the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix well. Add the apples in and toss gently to coat. Spoon into the pie crust.
- Place the second crust over the apple mixture. Trim and fold the edges together to seal and cut some slits in the top of the crust for venting. If using a deep dish pie plate, seal the edges the best you can.
- Bake 1 to 1-1/4 hours or until crust is golden brown in a 375 degree oven. (Mine took 1-1/4 hours in the bottom third of my oven.) Make sure to place a cookie sheet on the bottom oven rack to catch any drips from the pie.
- Let the pie cool for 5 minutes and then place a plate that is larger than the pie on top of it and flip it over. Use oven gloves as it will still be hot. Remove the pie plate and gently lift the paper. Allow to cool. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
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Shelby says
This is the pie I made for my birthday! While I am not the biggest apple pie lover (GASP) everyone else is and so when my brother suggested I make it for my Birthday – I did so! Everyone loved it. It is a cool idea!
Erin from long island says
This could not have come at a better time! I have a ton of NY apples to use up and my pie crusts tend to be epic failures. If you look in my facebook pics (erin neu) you will see one of the worst!
clumbsycookie says
OMG! I have no words! I think I would prefer that to regular apple pie too! What an awesome idea!
deeba says
Gorgeous pie Cathy, very very pretty! Just done with a praline pumkin pie, and now am dreaming of this one.
Lori says
This looks AMAZING! I love, love, love apple pie!!
BethieofVA says
Come on over, I have got the ice cream!
Lisa says
I’m so glad you made this and loved it too. I think it’s the perfect pie for Thanksgiving! Thanks for making it!
Jenni in KS says
Now that looks like a pie I would like to try! I just do not like traditional pie crust for sweet pies. I almost always prefer a cookie crumb crust. This looks like it would be good though.
donna says
OK now this and your recent broccoli dish will be gracing my table this thanksgiving. I cant wait that long to try this one however.
Amanda says
WOW I am sooo making this!
Lea Ann says
mmmmm and served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. wow
Jennifer says
Forget Thanksgiving! I want to make this now!
Niki says
Oh My Gosh. I think I’ve just lost it. No more apple pie for me. My Man’s family lost it over the crust I recently made for apple pie, but I think this would BLOW THEM AWAY!!!! Definitely making it this weekend!
Ciaochowlinda says
oh what a wickedly delicious looking pie. all that dribbling goodness and nuts on top takes it over the top.
Ramona says
OMG – that looks sinfully good.
Ramona
Jen says
OH……MY……GOD…..
dawn says
You have convinced me…I’m making it today!
Katrina says
Almost speechless. (But me, never quite.) đŸ˜‰
When I taste different pies, mostly at the holidays, I think, “Ooh, this is my favorite.” And I seem to say that about almost all of them. But I really think apple might be my favorite. I will be making this. It looks divine.
imom says
That is some kind of pie!
Lauren says
Oh my. I need some of that, right about now =D.
Debbie says
OMG–Cathy that looks fantastic! I need some apples recipes and this fits the bill perfectly!!!! It just looks amazing! Thanks for posting!
Mary says
This looks wonderful. You’ve intrigued me and I’ll have to give this a try.
The Duo Dishes says
You may have convinced a lot of folks to try this for the holidays. We love making homemade pie crusts and have gotten much better at it since our start last year, but you’re right…no need to go homemade for this one. Premade will do!
Rachel the SdOC says
I do like making homemade piecrusts, but they are always a mess. I’ve been baking pies since I was a teenager and my crusts are always a mess of patchwork. I just call them “homespun”. đŸ˜€
This photo makes me want to lick the screen. It’s apple season! Everyone needs to go a little apple crazy.
Fallon says
Now I can’t decide what apple dish to make after seeing this one for Thanksgiving. =P This is out of its world amazing looking!
Danielle says
I was going to tackle a pie crust this year since it’s been several since I’ve made one and I’m sure my grandfather is having fits from beyond since he taught me how to make it! But…this looks sooo good, and sooo easy, what a great excuse not to flour up my counters…heehee.
Amy-mom2bjm says
Ohhh! That looks soooo yummy! You are giving recipes faster than I can try them! ANd I want to try to manY!
grace says
floored. i am floored. i thought i’d already had the ultimate apple pie, but methinks this one might take first prize. easier, more ooey-gooey, and quicker to my belly–these are all good things. đŸ™‚
Pam says
Note to self… must wipe drool off of keyboard.
This looks AMAZING Cathy.
June says
There’s apple pie and then there’s APPLE PIE. This is definitely the latter rather than the former…oooo ya!
Marjie says
NOW you tell me! And I’m just barely pie crust literate!
Lisa Sipple says
Whoa. This is some kind of delicious. I’m sold.
Bob says
Stunning. I love apple pie but hate making crust. I have to try this!
theUngourmet says
Yum! This looks so gooey and delicious! I bet it’s hard to have just one slice! đŸ˜€
Mental P Mama says
Lord. Have. Mercy.
Barbara says
OMG..forget about the apples, lead me to that caramel-encrusted pie crust!
RobinSue says
I have seen this pie and bookmarked it but have never made it. I think I have to change that. Looks wonderful, great photos!
Natasha - 5 Star Foodie says
I’m definitely pie crust challenged đŸ™‚ so this is a recipe for me! Gorgeous!
Steph says
That’s probably one of the best apple pies I’ve ever seen. I am definitely one of those people who suffer with making crusts.
Barbie with a T says
I am one who is pie crust challenged. This recipe sounds like something I can handle, and I will certainly try it. I will pick up some Granny Smith apples at the store next time I go and surprise my husband with this apple dessert. I know he will love it. (His first wife used to make fruit pies all the time and he misses them a lot, and I do not have good luck with pie crusts, nor do I even want to learn how to do it). I prefer the prepared crusts because of the convenience. Thanks a million for this one. I know I can please my husband with this one.
Paula says
I volunteer for the job as your taste tester. It’s an important job. I would be focused in my duties. I would make the sacrifice that would require me to eat this entire pie to make certain I critique it properly. I’m able to start anytime. đŸ™‚
elra says
The best apple pie I’ve ever seen.
Jenny says
Oh that looks really good. đŸ˜€
Lydia says
Hah — I never would have thought to flip my apple pie over! There are definitely times when the top doesn’t look beautiful. This is a great way to hide the flaws.
Trisha says
I have been looking for a “different” dessert for Thanksgiving dinner and I think this just might be it! It looks yummy!
lisaiscooking says
That does look incredible! The gooey, sticky, caramely layer that ends up on top is calling my name.
Steve says
Whoa does that look good. For a real “Oregon Twist” I think I might use Hazel Nuts instead of the Pecans. But what the heck either one would be great.
Jennifer Fun House says
This looks so good and I happen to have about a million apples around, so–perfect!!
the epicurean's market says
this is the most FABULOUS pie I have EVER seen! I’m making this next week for the Halloween party. đŸ™‚
pigpigscorner says
This looks AWESOME! I can’t stop starring at those pictures!
Asthmagirl says
Oh My Gosh…
*speechless*
Jaime says
Cathy, you have a real talent for making deadly, diet killing things. I might just lose sleep over that one.
LilSis says
Beautiful!! Promise mine will look just like that?
Lisa says
What a great idea! This looks so pretty I have to try it though I was beginning to get really fond of homemade pie crusts.
Fencepost says
Wow, that looks delicious! And I love apple pie. I WILL be trying this.
Kenney says
I have been making this pie for years, it won the Pillsbury bake-off in the fifties. It is the best apple pie I have ever had…better even than McDonald’s apple pie.
Tami Lyn says
One of the guys I work with has an apple orchard and is bringing me apples tomorrow. I will be making this to bring in to work for them-it looks delish!
Jim Ware says
Apple Pie Spice
Ă¢â‚¬Â¢ 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Ă¢â‚¬Â¢ 1/4 teaspoons ground nutmeg
Ă¢â‚¬Â¢ 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
Ă¢â‚¬Â¢ 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom OR ginger
sumitra says
this looks absolutely out of this world….but since I live in India, I will have to make the make the pie crusts….I dont think they are easily availanle in the market.
Travis says
WOW…. that first pic alone had me sold… looks incredibly delicious!
Aggie says
My oh my … this looks heavenly!!
Pat says
Wow! This looks yummy. Going to give it a try next weekend.
Pam Moses says
Made this pie today. Delighted that it looked just like the one pictured here.I had one problem i hope someone can help with – the gooey outer coating ended up being a bit too hard, esp. around the edges. What did I muck up? Thanks!
Tim says
I tried this recipe yesterday and it turned out picture perfect. My family was very impressed as it was the show piece of Sunday’s dinner. Cathy, thanks for a show stopping and simple recipe. This pie will definitely be on our Thanksgiving table.
Pam Moses says
What was the textuer of the glazing? Mine looked grat but was very hard and chewy. Ideas? Thanks
Juan Turcios Photography says
My wife is SO going to love this! She loves apples.
emichael says
I saw this on Saturday,made it on Sunday and Tuesday it was gone.It is the best apple pie I have ever tasted and it is now the only one I will ever make.The whole neighborhood now thinks I am the best pie cook in town.(small town)Even the Amish girls asked how to make it.Thanks for this incredible recipe.
jstema says
i love you.
Cajun Chef Ryan says
This seems like one popular pie on the foodie blog scene. Great images too!
Chad says
This is definitely making it to the dessert table for Thanksgiving this year. Can’t wait to try it out. In fact, I might have to make one a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving… just to try it out, you understand.
natalie says
do you think i could make this ahead of time (like a day ahead of time) and just bake before serving??
Heather H says
I made this a couple of weeks ago, right after your post, and it was hands down the best pie I’ve ever made. It will for sure be the recipe of choice going forward. Thanks!!!
Stefanie says
This is hands down the best pie I have ever made/eaten. Made it tonight and still can’t believe how easy and delicious it was. Can’t wait till Thanksgiving when I’ll have to make 2 or 3 to satisfy the crowd.
Brandon says
This was the first pie I ever made…and it was amazing! I didn’t feel like going to buy a crust so I made the one in the link below. It was the first pie crust I ever made as well, and my family is making me make two more for thanksgiving dinner. So if you have never made a pie crust before, or if your pie crusts don’t turn out right, try this recipe and you will never buy crusts again!
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Best-Ever-Pie-Crust/Detail.aspx
Robin says
Made this to try it out for Thanksgiving…wonderful! This is the BEST pie and everyone is looking forward to it because I told them about it. Thank you for a great recipe!
JenZen says
I made this yesterday for Thanksgiving. OMG This was soooooo good. So fun to make. Thank you so much for posting this recipe up, it has been decided that this will be a tradition at my moms. Happy Thanksgiving!
Christine says
THIS. WAS. FANTASTIC.
Thanks so much for sharing, I made this for Thanksgiving and it was a huge hit…I’ll never make regular apple pie again! Definately re-making for Christmas!
Barbara Cash says
I made this pie for Thanksgiving and it was fabulous. Everyone raved over it and it was so easy. I wonder if you could make cherry pie the same way, just use cherry pie filling and change the pecans to almonds..YUM, I am going to try it…
valerian says
i cant wait to try this… i sent this recipe also to my friend… looks sooo good.
Hannah says
I found this and sent it to my mother to make for Thanksgiving. It was such a huge hit she made it for 3 different Christmas parties, as well. One of the Christmas parties was a “Bake-Off” and of course this wonderful pie won! Thanks for sharing it. I’m sure it will be on the table for years to come.
Joey says
This is just too fantastic! All apple pie recipes are so similar, but yours is absolutely wonderful!!! I wanted to share so I added a link on my site so that I can share with friends! Great recipe! I will continue to follow and check out your other recipes.
AcevedoLorna says
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CarolinaLawrence says
Make your own life more simple get the loan and everything you want.
judy says
Thanks for posting this recipe. I just made the pie for my brother-in-law for Father’s Day tomorrow. It was super-easy, and the neuropathy in my hands is happy that I didn’t have to knead or roll out pie dough. My caramel glaze didn’t cook completely in some spots, but I suspect that had something to do with the extra pecans I used and the unreliable temperature of my oven (the damn thing fluctuates between 325F and 450F when I try to set it for 375F.
Jerome says
Oh! Brilliant đŸ˜€ That pie you’ve made is killing me. So glorious!
Heather Bebout says
I made this for my family last night. My husband isn’t a big sweet eater…he had 2 pieces and really wanted another! The kids loved it as well. I will use this recipe often! Thank you so much!
urbanalbino says
Wow! This looks great! Will make a couple of these for a thing we do at work every fall for tomorrow and then of course a couple for thanksgiving!!!
urbanalbino says
Yep! I made these and they are just TO DIE FOR!! Can’t wait for Thanksgiving and Christmas to have more!
Robert Mangan says
Please subscribe
Jennifer says
BEST PIE EVER! Hands down!
sarahworldcook says
Great idea- can’t wait to try this! It looks SO yummy.
homestyleworldcook.blogspot.com
Daniel White says
At first glance (when I just stumbled this page), I thought it was something nasty. But a further inspection, it actually looks quite delicious.
Sippin Syrup says
I’m marking this recipe to make at Thanksgiving!
Dan Simon says
I made this yesterday for my wife and her mother and got absolutely rave reviews. My wife posted it on her Facebook page and I got several requests for the pie and two for something else. Thanks.
Vedette says
No words can explain how delicious this looks
SuperMom says
I made this pie at least 10 times over the holidays by request…and lucky for me i got another request this weekend! Ive doctored the recipe and added raisins and put a few pecans on the inside! Phenomenal!!
Nancy L says
This is my favorite apple pie!! I’m dying for one now after reading your current post about apples!!
The Newlywed Chefs says
This looks unbelievable!! Can’t wait to make it this fall!
Xuan says
This turned out great and was easy! Thanks for sharing with beautiful pictures. Perfect amount of sugar. My substitutions (I wanted to use what I already had in the house.): Apple Pie Spice = All Spice + pinch of Nutmeg, Pecans = Toasted Slivered Almonds, Refrigerated Pie Crust = Betty Crocker boxed pie crust mix. Thank goodness it doesn’t matter what the crust looks like since I rolled my own. LOL I will not buy another apple pie.
Dawn Marie says
I made this with some macs I had and the results were outstanding! Thanks for sharing đŸ™‚ my husband and I both agree, the regular boring pie we were used to has been replaced!
Merna Schneider says
For the apple pie filling I use tapioca instead of flour, 2 T tapioca, 1/2 t cinnamon, 1/4 t nutmeg, 2 T lemon juice, 1T orange juice, 1 T vanilla, 1/3 c sugar, 3 T butter, pinch of salt. I also use at least 8 peeled, cored & sliced Granny Smith apples. I prefer deep dish frozen pie crusts for the dough. You don’t slit the top crust coz this will be the bottom of the pie after baking. I cover the pie with tin foil & bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees then remove the foil & let the pie brown for 10 minutes. After removing from oven & cooled a bit
I put the tin pie pan that the frozen crust came in on top of the baked pie and flip it over, take away the baking dish & carefully remove the parchment paper from the sticky bun topping.
Kate | Food Babbles says
This pie is amazing!!! Talk about creativity! I’m so intrigued and I absolutely need to make this. Wonderful!
Myra says
do you need to peel apples first?
Cathy says
Yes.
Freda says
You forgot to include when to add the pie spice. Obviously, it’s when you add the cinnamon but thought I’d mention although it may have already been said. Thanks for the recipe!
Gaye thornton says
Pie was wonderful but do you have any suggestions on how to keep the crust from being to hard after it’s cooled? I know the brown sugar hardens but wasn’t sure if there was a trick. Thanks
Cathy says
Hmmm, I’ve never had mine harden up?
Regina Clayton says
I was going to buy fresh sliced apples how many cups would I need?
T Cal says
I have been making this apple pie for the past three years, it is now my favorite, go-to apple pie. I usually use six apples, have made my own pie crust a few times. Always turns out yummy!
Pamela says
This is my 3Rd time making this pie and I tell you It Is The Best Apple Pie I Have Made !!! And I will never make another recipe. It is so DELICIOUS !!!!
Cathy says
Enjoy, Happy Thanksgiving!
Leslie says
I just made this and a baker I am not! It was fantastic!! Thank-you!!
Jen R says
Brilliant! So much better than typical apple pie! I’ve made it twice now!
Trish says
This is undeniably good!! A great way to enjoy apples! Always a hit at my house!
wilhelmina says
I can’t even tell you how yummy this pie was! So delicious. It’s going to be perfect for the 4th of July party we have planned!