Impossible French Apple Pie

8 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 1 h Total: 1 h 15 m Beginner
5.0/5 (1)
It only takes 6 apples to create this impossibly delicious dessert with a buttery streusel topping and creamy Bisquick filling. The ‘impossible’ magic happens when the batter settles beneath the apples to form its own crust while baking.

Ingredients

8 servings
  • Pie filling
  • 6 cups sliced pared tart apples
  • 1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp or more ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup Bisquick Mix
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tbsp softened margarine
  • Streusel topping
  • 3/4 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and grease a 9-inch pie plate.
  2. Mix apples, cinnamon and nutmeg and turn into the greased pie plate. In a separate bowl, beat the sugar, milk, Bisquick mix, eggs and margarine until smooth, about 1 minute. Pour the batter over the apples.
  3. In a small bowl, combine all ingredients for streusel topping (flour, brown sugar and butter) until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the pie.
  4. Bake at 325 degrees F for 55 to 60 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set. Cover the top loosely with foil for the last 20 minutes of baking time to prevent over-browning. Let cool slightly before serving.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my pie soupy in the middle?

A: Make sure to bake the full 55-60 minutes until the center is set and doesn't jiggle when you shake the pan gently. If the top is browning too fast, cover with foil but continue baking until the center firms up.

Q: Can I use store-bought apple pie filling?

A: Fresh sliced apples work best for this recipe since the Bisquick batter creates its own custard-like filling. Canned pie filling would make it too wet and sweet.

Q: Why did my streusel topping get too dark?

A: The foil covering in the last 20 minutes prevents this. If your oven runs hot, check at 45 minutes and cover sooner if the topping is already golden brown.

Tips and Techniques

Tart apples like Granny Smith work best because they hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the custard and streusel. For extra flavor, add a pinch of cardamom or a splash of vanilla extract to the Bisquick batter. Serve warm with homemade vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Bisquick Mix: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour + 3/4 tsp baking powder + pinch of salt + 1 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • margarine: butter
  • tart apples: mix of sweet and tart apples (half Granny Smith, half Honeycrisp or Gala)
  • brown sugar (in streusel): white sugar

Equipment Needed

  • 9-inch pie plate
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Aluminum foil

Historical Context

Impossible pies became popular in the 1970s when Bisquick was marketed as a miracle ingredient that could simplify home baking. The ‘impossible’ name comes from the seemingly magical way the batter forms its own bottom crust during baking, making pie-making accessible even for nervous bakers.