Rustic Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie recipe is loaded with thick cinnamon apples on top of a crust sitting in a layer of hot buttery caramel. This pie just begs for a scoop of ice cream and a crowd to help you eat it.
THIS POST HAS BEEN UPGRADED FROM 8/22/14 TO IMPROVE READER EXPERIENCE.
Skillet Apple Pie hides a layer of thick buttery caramel below the bottom crust that bakes into the pie. Cast Iron Apple Pie is a simple rustic but easy pie to bake that will soon be everyone’s favorite apple pie.
Have you seen my “Apple Baked Beans” post where I told you about our Back-to-School potluck that we participate in every year with our neighborhood kiddos?
In addition to the apple baked beans, I bring the dessert. They’ve requested the same dessert for the last several years in a row, Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie.
Even though the weather is still warm, baked apple desserts are my favorite and I can eat them any time of year. Years ago I found this recipe for Skillet Apple Pie in Southern Living SEPTEMBER 2011 and it’s still our most requested dessert. One bite will tell you why!
I served this pie like a cobbler by scooping servings out with a large spoon instead of slicing it. It goes a lot further that way and you can make sure each serving gets a healthy dose of that caramel bottom.
Either way, it’s scrumptious! If you can serve it hot, all the better. My guests are always intrigued when I show up with an Apple pie in a skillet.
How to transport this pie?
When I have to transport this pie, I’ll cover the top with foil and place it in the bottom of a cooler with a towel covering the bottom like a nest and then wrap another towel around the pie. The skillet really holds the heat and the cooler helps keep it warm until it’s time to serve it.
What are the best baking apples?
You want a firmer apple for baking. Softer apples will break down too much and will not let you slice or spoon a decent looking serving. Plus the texture isn’t as desirable as being able to bite into a loaded slice of skillet apple pie! Good baking apples according to Bon Appetit include:
- Granny Smith – also my go-to for baking!
- Jonagold
- Honey Crisp – also my favorite for everyday eating.
- Braeburn
- Mutsu
- Winesap
Doesn’t this Skillet Apple Pie just scream ooey gooey comfort food? You would never believe how easy it is to make.
How to Make a Cast Iron Apple Pie
- First, melt the brown sugar and butter together in the bottom of the skillet. Let it cool so can put the bottom crust down on it without melting the crust or your fingers!
- Slice the apples 1/2 inch thick. I don’t measure my cinnamon I just sprinkle away until I’m happy. I always use more cinnamon than the recipe calls for because we love cinnamon.
- Place the first crust down over that warm buttery brown sugar mixture. Rustic right? Trust me, it will be just fine. Press it down carefully on the sugar mixture and up the sides.
You need to be gentle but work quickly. Once the crust starts getting warm, you aren’t going to be able to move it around. I used a refrigerator crust. You can make your own. Please don’t judge.
- Spoon the apples on top of the pie crust. The pan looks really full but the apples will cook down.
- Put the remaining pie crust over the top and just slide the edges down into the pan a bit.
- Whisk an egg white with a small amount of water until foamy. Brush top of pie crust with the egg white.
- Sprinkle with white sugar, turbinado sugar, or a mix of both. I like the crunch that you get with turbinado sugar.
- Cut 4 or 5 slits in the top so steam can escape.
Don’t forget to add this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board!
Tips to help you make the perfect Cast Iron Apple Pie:
- Put a baking sheet or pan on the rack below your skillet to catch any drips. I had a mess the first time I made this in my oven.
- You can make this pie on the grill! We’ve done it several times so I don’t heat up my kitchen.
- You can make this pie in a dutch oven or other deep-sided pans. I personally recommend cast-iron, however.
- Cut apples at least 1/2-inch thick. They cook down and everyone wants a pie loaded with thick apples.
A few items that you will use to make this Skillet Apple Pie:
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- 10-inch cast iron skillet – I use cast iron skillets whenever I can. There isn’t anything like them when it comes to browning food. They last forever, and they’re our favorite pan for camping too.
- Oven Mitts – When I work with heavy pots and pans I want an oven mitt versus a hot pad. These mitts are heat rated to 550° so are good for the oven or bbq and come in several colors. They also come in a longer length for longer arms!
- Pastry Brush – I like the silicone pastry/basting brushes for this job. They stand up to a high heat that makes them perfect for the bbq too!
If you like this recipe, please comment below and leave me a 5-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review! Here are a few more recipes I think you’ll love!
- Quick and Easy Apple Crisp
- Dutch Apple Kolaches Recipe
- Apple Sauce Coffee Cake
- Homemade Apple-Cinnamon Waffles
Rustic Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs granny smith apples peeled, cored & sliced
- 2 lbs braeburn apples or similar cooking apple
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon *or more
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar I use dark but either work
- 2 pie crust homemade or store-bought
- 1 egg white
- 2 tbsp sugar White sugar or turbinado
Instructions
- Preheat oven an oven to 350°F, and place a baking sheet on the rack below it to catch any drips from the apple pie.
- Melt butter in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat; add brown sugar, and cook, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat, and let the mixture cool while you prepare the apples.
- Peel apples, and cut them into 1/2-inch-thick wedges. Toss apples with cinnamon and 3/4 cup granulated sugar.
- Place 1 pie crust in the skillet over the brown sugar mixture. Spoon the apple mixture over the bottom pie crust, and top with remaining piecrust. Slide the edges down along the edges a bit.
- Whisk one egg white with a little water until foamy. Brush the top of the pie crust with egg white using a pastry brush; sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Cut 4 or 5 slits in top for steam to escape.
- Bake at 350° F for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly, shielding with aluminum foil during last 10 minutes to prevent excessive browning, if necessary.
- Cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
What is your favorite way to use cast-iron? What is your favorite pie? Please share! You are my inspiration!
You’re going to love this recipe! Here are a few more cast iron skillet recipes!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for spending some time with me today!
Made this for the new neighbors and they are totally in love with us!
My neighbors love this one too Jennifer!
You had me at buttery caramel sauce! This pie is amazing!
You and me both! Thank you!
Not only does this skillet apple pie taste delicious, but it makes the whole house smell amazing! I love baking in my iron cast skillet. It cooks up the apples perfectly and that golden crust….to die for!
You’re so right! Thank you!
Oh my gosh I made this last night and I think Dan polished off half of it! Absolutely delicious, I can’t recommend this recipe enough!
Thank you, Deb!
Still one of my favorite pie recipes ever… the buttery cAramel sauce at the bottom is TO DIE FOR! Love this so much….
Thank you! It’s a favorite of ours too!
I make apple pie all of the time, but this was the first time I had tried it in a cast iron, thanks to seeing this on facebook! We LOVED it!! Thanks for another great recipe!
Thanks, Michaela! It’s a favorite of ours too!
The most amazing apple pie ever!!!
Thank you!
This looks incredible, Julie! I love that you made it with your cast iron skillet. I have some mini cast iron skillets that I would like to adjust this recipe for. The melted brown sugar must give the crust such great flavor. Wonderful recipe!
Thank you Shari! It would make great mini pies in your little skillets. The brown sugar and butter under the crust is like building a pie on top of a layer of caramel!
That skillet apple pie of yours looks amazing, Julie! Yumm! Happy Fiesta Friday 🙂
Thank you Sarah! It’s a neighborhood favorite!
Oooo how did I miss this post? Looking through some of the comments, I couldn’t find mine, so am commenting now 🙂 What a wonderful apple pie, the thought of the cool, crisp Fall weather is making me hope that it arrives soon. I’m done with this 90+ temperatures and high humidity. Love the fact that you made it in a skillet too. Oddly enough, I think I’d like just a slice of it as is, no creams, custards or other distractions, I like to savor every bite and those ingredients sound like I would. Well done!
Thank you Loretta! I redid some photos on this pie. In my earlier post it didn’t even look appetizing LOL! It’s going to be in the 90’s here all week, and I agree with you, I’m done with it already. Bring on the apples and pumpkin!
Gorgeous apple pie Julie!!
Thank you Linda!
Julie this recipe sounds fantastic and your version looks absolutely yummy! I will have to try this one during the fall and I guess I better get myself a cast-iron skillet.
Thank you Sheryl! It is so yummy, and I know you would love a cast iron skillet! They are wonderful!
I’ll have mine warm with ice cream please! MY FAVORITE!
Thank you Johanne! We definitely have to have ice cream too!
Wow this skillet pie makes me happy for several reasons, reminds me that Fall and apple season is right around the corner and I LOVE apple pie. It looks just beautiful and delicious.
Thank you Suzanne! I was kicking and screaming earlier about summer slipping away, but I’m getting used to the idea a bit more now. I have a skinnier apple crisp I’m redoing soon that’s yummy too.
I am so making this Julie!
Aanya loves apple pies and have been asking me lately to make this… Yayyy… A good recipe from you will be the best I know ❤️
Thank you so much Sonal! Please let me know what you guys thing. Hugs!
Ooh this looks soooooo yummy. Pass the ice cream!
I really enjoy this pie! Thank you.
What a pretty pie. I could go for some of that right now.
With a little ice cream? Yum!
Definitely with ice cream. 🙂
Dangerously delicious:-)
I can almost feel the smell of apples and cinnamon. Oh, and the pictures tell the story so well…! 🙂
It is a yummy combination!
It looks scrumptious and yes comforting! 🙂
It is a favorite of ours. Thank you for visiting!
That rustic apple pie just screams fall!! Lovely!
I think I am realizing that summer will soon be on it’s way out. It’s sad, but I do love the fall too!
Rustic and beautiful. I love cooking with my skillet!
Thank you so much. It is all of that. Our skillets are making a come back!
Cinnamon and apple? Yummy! I’m right here taking notes 😉
Happy FF
This cake is yummy, there’s no doubt… love the idea of having a cake in a skillet pan! Thanks a lot for bringing it to FF!
Wow- that looks yummy! I need to put that on my list to try. 🙂
This is a favourite in our house,served with hot custard!
Pastry at the bottom also? cool!
The caramel underneath makes the crust ooey gooey!
Its a first on me! we know it as a ‘no bottom pastry’ pie! a tart tartin!
Julie – it does scream ooey gooey comfort food as the sauce oozes out the side – yum! Are these favorite apples to bake with?
I always use granny smith for the most part but mixing them up with the braeburn adds additional sweet, as it it needs it, and they hold up well for a red. What do you use?
My apple crisp recipe I used Pink Lady; in the winter I use Granny Smith but in Oct. I only use Northern Spy and Cortland for my applesauce. Those last 2 apples go back to my dear Grandmother…:)
I’ll have to get out of my Granny Smith box and try some of the other varieties. I stay with what I know and have been hesitant to try other varieties because I’m never sure if they will hold up to the baking. Thanks Judi!
Julie, There’s always plenty of desserts at the Fiesta to choose from but your apple pie was at the top of my list. Thanks for the virtual sugar fix. 🙂 I have a bowl of peaches that would love to be in a skillet pie.
Peaches would work well too! Yum. I am not tired of them yet. Thank you for such a sweet comment!
Sitting under your pergola and eating a slice of your Apple Pie, it looks perfect for me 🙂 Happy FF!
With ice cream! The perfect time.
Oooh, this has me craving apple pie!
Yummy and easy too!
Yum! This pie sounds so good!
The skillet apple pie looks delicious. Thanks for sharing!
I make many apple pies, but never in the iron skillet. Pretty tempting.
Very easy! Give it a try and let me know if you have any questions.
I am starting to crave apples too! This pie looks wonderful- I love the presentation in the skillet- & I’m a fan of Southern Living comfort food recipes too 🙂
Thank you! I am making the move from peaches to apples too!
Yummy!!!!
Wow – This is very delicious pie. WOW – Thank you for sharing it!
Thank you for commenting! It is easy to make and easier to eat 🙂
My mouth was watering a bit reading this 🙂
Thanks Sarah!