Cinnamon Chip Apple Pie with Melted Drizzle
A commercial-scale triple-batch cinnamon apple pie that transforms classic apple filling with cinnamon chocolate chips folded throughout and drizzled on top. The warm spiced apples meet creamy cinnamon chocolate for unexpected depth, while a buttery crust provides textural contrast. This recipe yields three 9-inch pies, ideal for bakeries, cafeterias, or large gatherings. The cinnamon chips integrate into the filling rather than sitting as toppings alone, creating a cohesive flavor profile in every bite. Bake these in autumn or winter when apples are at their peak and demand for warm, comforting desserts peaks. The convection-oven method ensures even browning across multiple pies simultaneously. This version emphasizes commercial reproducibility with exact measurements and time-tested ratios, distinguished by the dual application of cinnamon chips—inside the filling and as a finishing drizzle.
Ingredients
- 6 refrigerated pie crusts or pastry for double-crust 9-inch pie, unbaked
- 8 lbs baking apples, cored, peeled, slicedGranny Smith or Honeycrisp1:1varies by regional availability
maintain tart-sweet balance for filling structure
- 1 lb 2 oz sugar
- 3 ¾ oz all-purpose flour
- 1 lb 2 oz HERSHEY'S Cinnamon Chipsother cinnamon chocolate chips1:1chocolate:cinnamon
similar melting point and flavor profile
- 12 oz HERSHEY'S Cinnamon Chipsother cinnamon chocolate chips1:1chocolate:cinnamon
similar melting point and flavor profile
- 4 tsp shortening
Instructions
- 1
Heat convection oven to 375F, or standard oven to 425F.
- 2
Place one unbaked crust in the bottom of each of three 9-inch pie pans.
- 3
Gently stir together sliced apples, sugar, and flour in a large bowl. Fold in the cinnamon chips.
- 4
Evenly divide the mixture among the three prepared pans.
- 5
Place a second crust on top of each pie, crimp edges as directed on package, and cut several slits in the top crust.
- 6
Cover pie edges with foil.
- 7
Bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil.
- 8
Continue baking until crust is golden brown and juices bubble from the slits, 15 to 20 minutes more.
- 9
Cool completely.
- 10
For the drizzle, place cinnamon chips and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at medium power for 1 minute and stir.
- 11
If needed, microwave at medium power in additional 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until chips melt when stirred.
- 12
Just before serving, drizzle each piece with the cinnamon drizzle.
Tips
Use a convection oven if available for even browning across all three pies at once. Convection circulates hot air uniformly, preventing browning unevenness and reducing baking time variance.
Fold cinnamon chips gently into the apple mixture to avoid crushing them; they add pockets of chocolate-cinnamon flavor throughout the filling rather than melting into a sauce.
Drizzle only just before serving. If applied too early, it hardens fully and becomes difficult to bite; last-minute application keeps it glossy and slightly viscous.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftover pies covered. Stays fresh up to 3 days. Do not freeze after drizzle is applied; drizzle separates.
Assemble and bake pies up to 1 day ahead without drizzle. Cool, wrap, and refrigerate. Prepare drizzle only just before serving.
Serve at room temperature or slightly warm. Accompaniments: vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or cinnamon whipped cream.
Common Mistakes
Do not use butter, margarine, spread, or oil for the drizzle to avoid cloudy or broken texture; use shortening or coconut oil only.
Do not apply drizzle more than 5 minutes before serving to avoid hardening and losing visual appeal.
Substitutions
Vegan Options
General Alternatives
similar melting point and flavor profile
maintain tart-sweet balance for filling structure
FAQ
Can I make this in a standard oven instead of convection?
Yes. Preheat to 425F instead of 375F. Monitor the three pies for even browning and rotate pan positions halfway through baking if browning is uneven. Baking time may vary slightly.
What if I don't have HERSHEY'S Cinnamon Chips?
Use other cinnamon-flavored chocolate chips at a 1:1 ratio. Alternatively, mix semi-sweet chocolate chips with a half-teaspoon of ground cinnamon per pound of chips, stirred together cold.
How long do leftover pies keep, and can I freeze them?
Refrigerated pies without drizzle stay fresh 3-4 days. Do not freeze after drizzle is applied; the topping separates. Freeze baked, undrizzled pies up to 2 months; thaw before serving.