Apple Pie à la Mode: Classic Warm Apple Pie with Ice Cream

Combine two classic desserts into one effortless treat with this simple Apple Pie A La Mode recipe.

Use any slice of apple pie — homemade, store-bought, or leftover — and elevate it with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The best part of a warm slice of apple pie? A warm slice topped with cold, creamy vanilla ice cream.

Apple Pie a la Mode is an elegant yet simple dessert that you can assemble in minutes with store-bought or homemade components.

If you prefer, make both the pie and the vanilla ice cream from scratch — it takes more time but the result is outstanding. If you enjoy ice cream desserts, consider trying Brownie A La Mode next for another indulgent combination.

What Is Apple Pie A La Mode?

The phrase “à la mode” comes from French and literally means “in the current fashion.” In American usage, a dessert served à la mode simply means it’s topped with ice cream.

In short: à la mode = dessert plus ice cream.

Pie a la mode became popular in the United States in the late 1800s. Several towns claim to have started the trend; regardless of its exact origin, the idea spread quickly and remains beloved today.

You can enjoy almost any dessert à la mode — brownies, cookies, and even bananas foster work beautifully — but apple pie à la mode remains one of the most popular and comforting choices.

Ingredients Needed for Apple Pie A La Mode

Vanilla ice cream — The classic pairing for apple pie. Use a quality store-bought tub or homemade vanilla bean ice cream if you prefer.

Apple pie — A generous slice of apple pie, either store-bought or homemade, is the base of this dessert.

How to Make Apple Pie A La Mode

Making apple pie a la mode is extremely simple. The only real work is baking the pie if you don’t already have one.

1. Warm a slice of apple pie and place it on a plate.
2. Top with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
3. Serve immediately so you get that contrast of warm pie and cold ice cream.

This quick assembly is all you need for a delicious dessert in minutes.

How to Warm Up Pie for Apple Pie A La Mode

There’s a sweet spot for warming pie: warm enough to soften the filling and slightly melt the ice cream, but not so hot that it melts immediately or burns your mouth.

How to reheat a slice of pie in the oven:

The oven delivers the best texture, letting the crust crisp up. Reheat a single slice at 350°F for about 5–10 minutes, checking periodically until warmed through.

How to reheat a slice of pie in the microwave:

The microwave is fastest, though the crust won’t be crisp. Heat a slice at 50% power for 1–2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds until warm.

How Many Scoops of Ice Cream Go on Pie A La Mode?

There’s no strict rule. One scoop per slice is standard and creates a balanced bite, but add more if you like extra ice cream.

Apple Pie A La Mode Variations

Get creative by trying different ice cream flavors with your apple pie.

Alternative flavors: Mascarpone, cinnamon, and dulce de leche ice creams add richer, spicier notes that complement the pie. Pumpkin-flavored ice cream gives a seasonal twist perfect for Thanksgiving.

Unusual combinations: Consider bananas foster or avocado ice cream for a surprising pairing with the buttery crust and sweet apple filling.

For apple lovers: Top your pie with apple pie–flavored ice cream for an extra layer of apple flavor.

Presentation tip: Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon to finish the plate beautifully.

How to Make Dairy Free Apple Pie A La Mode

If your pie is dairy-free, choose a plant-based ice cream such as oat milk or coconut milk varieties for a dairy-free a la mode dessert that still tastes indulgent.

More Homemade Ice Cream Desserts

• Ice Cream Cake
• Ice Cream Pie
• Hot Fudge Sundae
• Fried Ice Cream

If you enjoy apple desserts, consider trying a cinnamon apple cake for another cozy option.

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Apple Pie a la Mode

Yield:
1 serving

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Total Time:
5 minutes

Combine two beloved desserts into one simple treat using homemade or store-bought pie and your favorite ice cream.

Ingredients

• 1 slice of apple pie, store-bought or homemade
• 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream, store-bought or homemade

Instructions

1. Purchase or make an apple pie.
2. Place a warm slice of apple pie onto a plate.
3. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
4. Serve immediately.

Notes

• If you need an apple pie recipe, a classic or a gluten-free version will both work well.
• Plan on one scoop of ice cream per slice, and keep ice cream frozen until just before serving.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 1
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 433Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 304mgCarbohydrates: 58gFiber: 2gSugar: 34gProtein: 5g