21 Must-Try Toppings for Apple Pie: Elevate Your Baking Game

As an avid baker and lover of all things apple, I am always on the lookout for new and creative ways to elevate my apple pie game.

While there are plenty of classic toppings that are always a hit – like a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a dollop of whipped cream – sometimes it’s fun to mix things up and try something a little different.

That’s why I’ve compiled this list of 21 must-try toppings for apple pie.

Read Also: Apple Pie Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Apple Pies

From chopped nuts and caramel sauce to coconut flakes and crushed cookies, these ideas are sure to take your apple pie to the next level and impress your friends and family.

So whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner baker, give these tasty toppings a try and let your creative culinary skills shine.

1. Creme Fraiche

Creme fraiche is slightly tangy and acidic, making it the perfect topping for an apple pie.

It adds a nice contrast to the sweetness of the apples and can be used in place of traditional whipped cream or ice cream.

To make this unique topping, just mix together heavy cream, buttermilk and a bit of sugar until thickened.

Once you’ve got your creme fraiche ready, top off your freshly baked apple pie with a generous dollop and enjoy!

2. Chopped Nuts, Such as Pecans or Walnuts

How about adding some chopped nuts to your apple pie?

Pecans and walnuts are especially great for adding a nutty crunch.

You can sprinkle them on top of the crust before baking, or even mix them into the filling itself.

3. Oatmeal Crumble

Oatmeal crumble is a type of topping made from a mixture of oats, flour, sugar, and butter.

It has a crunchy, crumbly texture and a sweet, nutty flavor.

The oats give it a distinct, hearty taste, while the sugar adds a touch of sweetness.

When baked on top of a pie, the oatmeal crumble becomes slightly crispy and golden brown.

It’s a delicious alternative to the traditional pie crust and adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to your apple pie.

Oatmeal crumble is also very easy to make – simply mix together the ingredients, crumble it over the top of your pie, and bake as directed.

4. Streusel Topping

And let’s talk about streusel topping – a crumbly, buttery mixture of flour, sugar, and butter that adds a sweet, crunchy layer to your baked goods.

Sprinkle it over the top of your apple pie and watch it transform into a golden, crispy masterpiece.

It’s simple to make, too – just mix the ingredients together until crumbly and sprinkle over the pie.

5. Caramel Sauce

Whether you make it from scratch or buy it in a jar, caramel sauce is an indulgent and delicious topping for apple pie.

Drizzle it over the top of your pie before baking for an extra layer of sweetness that will make everyone’s mouths water.

Or, if you really want to take your apple pie up a notch, heat the caramel sauce first so it melts into every nook and cranny of the crust.

Yum!

6. Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream

You can also go with the classic topping of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

The creamy, cold texture and sweet flavor will perfectly complement the tartness of the apples and flakiness of the crust.

7. Chopped Candy Bars

Just imagine a warm, flaky crust filled with sweet and tart apples, topped with crunchy chopped candy bars.

What could be better?

This topping is a great way to add some extra sweetness and texture to your pie.

Simply chop up some of your favorite candy bars into small pieces and sprinkle it over the top before baking.

The result is an indulgent treat that will make everyone’s mouth water!

8. Dried Fruit, Such as Raisins or Cranberries

With so many fruits to choose from, why not go for something a bit more unique?

Dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries give your pie an extra burst of flavor and add texture.

The best part is that you can mix and match different dried fruits to create your own custom topping.

Plus, the colors are so vibrant that it’ll make your apple pie look even more delicious!

9. Chocolate Chips or Chunks

Yup, chocolate chips or chunks make for a delicious addition to any pie.

Adding them to the mix gives it an extra bit of sweetness, and makes it even more irresistible.

Just sprinkle them over your favorite apple filling before baking, and you’ll be in for a treat.

The chocolate will melt into the pie during baking, creating pockets of gooey goodness that will have everyone begging for seconds!

10. Coconut Flakes

No surprise here – coconut flakes make the perfect topping for pies.

The sweet, nutty flavor of the flakes pairs perfectly with the tartness of apples and cinnamon.

Plus, it adds a nice crunchy texture to your pie.

Topping your pie with coconut flakes is an easy way to add a tropical twist to your dessert.

Just sprinkle them on top before baking, and you’ll have a delicious treat that’s sure to impress!

11. Caramelized Apples

I know what you’re thinking – caramelized apples on top of an apple pie?

That’s overkill!

But trust me, it’s not.

Caramelizing the apples intensifies their flavor and adds a delicious sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tartness of the apple pie.

Plus, you get to enjoy those yummy caramelized bits when you take a bite.

It takes your pie game to a whole new level!

12. Crushed Cookies, Such as Gingersnaps or Graham Crackers

Of course, I had to include a topping that’s sweet and crunchy.

Crushed cookies, such as gingersnaps or graham crackers, add an extra layer of flavor to your pie.

Just crush the cookies by hand or in a food processor, sprinkle them over the top of your apple pie filling, and bake!

It adds a unique twist to traditional apple pies – one you won’t soon forget.

13. Chopped Fresh Fruit, Such as Strawberries or Raspberries

How about something fresh (and healthy) to top off your apple pie?

Adding chopped fresh fruit, such as strawberries or raspberries, can bring a delicious sweetness and juicy texture to the mix.

You can sprinkle it over the top of your pie, or fold it into the filling for an extra layer of flavor.

It’s also a great way to add some color and visual appeal.

Plus, you get all those lovely vitamins and antioxidants too!

14. Chopped Maraschino Cherries

Beautiful and ruby-red, chopped maraschino cherries make a great topping for apple pie.

The sweet and tangy flavor of the cherries balances out the tartness of the apples, giving your pie an extra depth of flavor.

Plus, they look so pretty when added to the top!

Simply sprinkle some over your favorite apple pie recipe for an easy upgrade that will definitely impress.

15. Chopped Chocolate-Covered Pretzels

If you don’t mind a little extra work, you can turn your apple pie into a deliciously salty-sweet treat with some chopped chocolate-covered pretzels.

Simply melt your favorite type of chocolate, dip the pretzels in and let them cool, then chop them up and sprinkle over your prepared apple pie before baking.

The combination of tart apples and sweet, crunchy chocolate-covered pretzel pieces will give you an unforgettable flavor experience!

16. Chopped Toffee Bits

I’m sure you’ve bought those little bags of toffee bits before, right?

Well, why not use them on your apple pie?

Just sprinkle a generous amount over the top of your pie before baking.

The heat from the oven will melt the toffee and give you a delicious chewy topping with a hint of sweetness.

It’s an unexpected twist that will make everyone go crazy for your pies!

17. Crushed Crackers, Such as Ritz or Graham Crackers

Why not let the kids get creative with their apple pies and top them off with some crushed crackers?

It’s a great way to add a little extra crunch and flavor.

Just grab some Ritz or Graham crackers, crush them up in a bag, and sprinkle over the top of your pie.

The salty-sweet combination is sure to be a hit!

18. Chopped Nuts Mixed with Brown Sugar and Butter

When you mix chopped nuts with brown sugar and butter, you get a crunchy, sweet topping that adds texture and flavor to your apple pie.

It’s easy to make too – just mix the ingredients together in a bowl until they’re well combined, then sprinkle over your pie before baking.

The result is a delicious nutty-sweet crust that will make your pie even more irresistible.

19. Caramelized Onions and Crumbled Bacon

I know this sounds super weird, but trust me – it’s delicious.

The sweetness of the caramelized onions pairs perfectly with the smokiness of the bacon, creating a unique flavor that you won’t find in any other apple pie topping.

Just cook some onions until they turn golden brown and then crumble some bacon over them.

Then sprinkle them over your pie and bake!

20. Chopped Peaches or Nectarines

Sweet, sweet, and more sweet – that’s what you get when you top your apple pie with chopped peaches or nectarines.

It’s like a combination of two delicious desserts in one.

Just peel and chop the fruit, sprinkle them on top of the pie before baking, and enjoy the extra layer of sweetness it adds to your classic treat.

21. Mascarpone or Cream Cheese Mixed with Sugar and Vanilla Extract

This topping is a must for apple pie lovers.

Mix together mascarpone or cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract, then spread it over the top of your pie.

It adds a delicious creamy texture and flavor to your pie that’s hard to resist.

Plus, it looks beautiful when you slice into the pie!

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