Apple Pie a la Mode

This apple pie a la mode isn’t just apple pie with ice cream on top—the ice cream is actually built into the pie! It’s a cool, creamy and refreshing ice cream pie recipe—the perfect way to enjoy the comforting flavors of classic apple pie and ice cream when it’s too hot to turn on the oven.

We keep things simple by layering time-saving ingredients, including canned pie filling, butter pecan ice cream and jarred caramel sauce, in a premade graham cracker crust. You can absolutely make one or more parts of the pie from scratch if that’s your jam. Either way, this frozen dessert is a snap to assemble. Pop it in the freezer to set, and dessert will be ready when you are.

What is apple pie a la mode?

Apple pie a la mode is a dessert featuring a slice of traditional apple pie topped with a scoop of ice cream. This recipe for apple pie a la mode is an ice cream apple pie—that is, the pie filling contains a layer of ice cream sandwiched between spiced apple filling. This pie is topped with extra scoops of ice cream to look like pie a la mode.

Fun fact: À la mode is a French phrase that has nothing to do with dessert or ice cream. In English, it really means “stylish” or “fashionable.” Only in America does à la mode translate to desserts topped with ice cream.

Apple Pie a la Mode Ingredients

• Apple pie filling: Canned apple pie filling keeps this recipe quick and easy. If you’ve got extra time, you can make a stovetop version with fresh apples and baking spices.
• Graham cracker crust: You can find premade graham cracker crusts in the baking aisle of most grocery stores, but for the freshest flavor, it never hurts to go the homemade route. You need just three ingredients—crushed graham crackers, melted butter and sugar—to bake your own graham cracker crust.
• Butter pecan ice cream: We love the nutty, caramelized flavor that butter pecan ice cream brings to this pie, but you could replace it with vanilla ice cream. If you’re feeling fancy, break out the ice cream maker to make a batch of fresh-churned ice cream.
• Caramel: The rich, toasty flavor pairs perfectly with the warm, spiced apple filling. Use a jar of store-bought hot caramel or salted caramel ice cream topping for convenience, or make homemade caramel sauce—all you need is butter, sugar and a bit of patience.
• Pecans: A sprinkle of chopped pecans on top adds a satisfying crunch. Toast the pecans before chopping them to enhance their sweet, nutty flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Layer the pie filling and ice cream in the crust

Ellie Crowley for Taste of Home

Spread half of the apple pie filling over the graham cracker crust. Spread half of the ice cream on top of the apple filling, then freeze the pie for about 30 minutes.

Editor’s Tip: For easier assembly, soften ice cream in the fridge for 20 minutes before scooping it.

Step 2: Add caramel and the remaining apple pie filling

Ellie Crowley for Taste of Home

Take the pie out of the freezer and drizzle it with half of the caramel sauce. Top with the remaining apple pie filling and return the pie to the freezer for 30 minutes or until the additional layers are firm.

Step 3: Scoop ice cream on top, then freeze

Ellie Crowley for Taste of Home

Remove the pie from the freezer one more time and scoop the remaining ice cream on top. Cover the pie tightly with storage wrap and freeze it until it’s firm.

Editor’s Tip: We love how the pie looks topped with mounds of ice cream for a proper a la mode presentation, but you can spread the second layer of ice cream into an even layer if you prefer.

Step 4: Garnish and serve

Ellie Crowley for Taste of Home

Before slicing, allow the pie to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. While the pie sits, warm the remaining caramel topping in the microwave and toast the pecans. Serve the pie with the warm caramel and sprinkle it with pecans.

Editor’s Tip: To toast the pecans, use the oven, stovetop, microwave or an air fryer. For a complete how-to, check out our guide to toasting nuts.

Ellie Crowley for Taste of Home

Apple Pie a la Mode Variations

• Make one or more elements from scratch: If you prefer to make desserts from scratch, you can prepare a homemade graham cracker crust, easy stovetop caramel sauce, freezer-friendly apple pie filling or a fresh batch of butter pecan ice cream (or all the above!) for a truly impressive dessert.
• Change the ice cream flavor: If you’re in the mood for something other than butter pecan, you can’t go wrong with old-fashioned vanilla ice cream. Warm and cozy ice cream flavors like salted caramel, cinnamon, and rum raisin are a match made in heaven with apple pie spices.
• Swap out the caramel: Another easy way to change the flavor of the pie is to use a different ice cream topping. Peanut butter or butterscotch sauce pair well with sweet apples and warming spices.
• Mix and match the layers: Make other fruity ice cream pies with different fruit pie fillings, ice creams and dessert toppings. Try cherry pie filling with chocolate ice cream and fudge topping, peach filling with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce, or mixed berry filling with strawberry ice cream and chocolate sauce.
• Try a different crust: Graham crackers aren’t the only pantry ingredient that can be turned into a crumb pie crust. Try crushed vanilla wafers or golden Oreos for a sweeter crust, gingersnaps for a spicier flavor, or pretzels for a sweet-and-salty dessert.
• Dairy-free apple pie a la mode: Make this a lactose-free and vegan-friendly dessert using plant-based ice cream and a graham cracker crust made with vegan butter.

How to Store Apple Pie a la Mode

Store apple pie a la mode in the freezer to keep the ice cream frozen. Cover the pie tightly with storage wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. If you have a partial pie left, slice the remainder and store the individual pieces in freezer-safe containers or storage bags. That way, you won’t have to soften the entire pie each time you want a slice.

How long does apple pie a la mode last?

When properly covered and frozen, apple pie a la mode lasts one to two months. Any longer than that, the pie filling will start to form ice crystals and its texture will deteriorate.

Can you make apple pie a la mode ahead of time?

Yes, you can make apple pie a la mode one or two months ahead of time. After assembling the pie, freeze it until firm. Then, tightly cover the entire pie with storage wrap and return it to the freezer. Before serving, let the pie sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes to make it easier to slice.

Apple Pie a la Mode Tips

Ellie Crowley for Taste of Home

What ice cream flavors go with apple pie?

This recipe calls for butter pecan ice cream, but classic vanilla is also delicious. We think any warm or nutty ice cream flavors, like salted caramel, cinnamon, praline or even rum raisin, would pair exceptionally well with the apple pie filling.

What’s the best way to soften the ice cream?

Our Test Kitchen recommends softening ice cream in the refrigerator. Simply pop the entire carton of ice cream in the fridge for about 20 minutes before assembling the pie. This will make spreading the first layer of ice cream easy-peasy. While the pie layers are firming in the freezer, pop the carton of ice cream back into the freezer to keep it firm. When it’s time to add the final scoops, just take it out again.

Can I use homemade apple pie filling?

You can definitely make apple pie filling from scratch for this pie recipe. Some canned pie fillings can be overly sweet, so making your own is a great way to adjust the sweetness and spice level to your liking. All you need are fresh apples (we recommend a tart variety, like Granny Smith), water and a few baking pantry staples.

What’s the best way to slice an ice cream pie?

The best way to slice through this ice cream pie is with a sharp, warm knife. Let the pie sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to soften, then run a chef’s knife under a hot faucet or dip the blade in a glass of hot water. Wipe it dry, then use firm pressure to cut through the pie and graham cracker crust. Use a pie server to lift each slice of pie from the pan. Rinse the knife under hot water again, dry it off, and repeat until the whole pie is sliced.