Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

A warm, freshly baked Apple Crumble Pie is the perfect comfort dessert for any occasion. Combining the tartness of apples, the sweetness of sugar, and a buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumble topping, this pie is a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. The soft apple filling, crisp crumble topping, and flaky pie crust make this dessert irresistible. It’s perfect for fall but delicious year-round, especially when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ready to make your own apple crumble pie? Let’s dive into the recipe!

What is Apple Crumble Pie?

Apple Crumble Pie combines the best of both worlds: a traditional apple pie filling and a buttery, sweet crumble topping. Instead of a traditional top crust, this pie is topped with a streusel-like mixture of flour, butter, and sugar that crisps up beautifully in the oven. The contrast between the tender apples and the crunchy crumble makes for a truly delicious dessert.

Ingredients List for Apple Crumble Pie

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy apple crumble pie, broken down into the crust, filling, and crumble topping.

For the Pie Crust (Store-bought or Homemade):

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The base of the pie crust.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the crust.
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed): For a flaky crust.
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water: Helps bring the dough together.

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix): Peeled, cored, and thinly sliced.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the apples.
• ¼ cup light brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like flavor to the filling.
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Thickens the apple juices.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Balances the sweetness and prevents the apples from browning.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: For that warm, classic apple pie flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds depth to the spice blend.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the spices.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds extra flavor to the apple filling.

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of the crumble topping.
• ½ cup rolled oats: Adds texture to the crumble.
• ½ cup light brown sugar: Sweetens the crumble with a rich, caramel flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth to the topping.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed): For a buttery, crispy topping.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some substitutions and variations to customize the recipe based on your preferences or dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pie crust and gluten-free flour blend for both the filling and topping.
• Nutty Crumble: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for extra crunch.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
• Spiced Apple Crumble: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a spicier flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect apple crumble pie with a flaky crust, tender apple filling, and crunchy topping.

1. Prepare the Pie Crust (If Making Homemade):

• Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Add ice water: Drizzle in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough, leaving about ½ inch overhang, and crimp the edges if desired. Place the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling and topping.

2. Prepare the Apple Filling:

• Slice the apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples, then place them in a large mixing bowl.
• Add the rest of the filling ingredients: Toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract until the apples are evenly coated.
• Set aside: Let the apple mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the juices to release.

3. Prepare the Crumble Topping:

• Make the crumble: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Chill: Place the crumble topping in the refrigerator while you assemble the pie.

4. Assemble the Pie:

• Fill the crust: Take the prepared pie crust out of the refrigerator. Spoon the apple filling into the crust, making sure to spread it out evenly.
• Add the crumble topping: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple filling, covering the entire surface of the pie.

5. Bake the Pie:

• Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake: Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crumble topping is golden brown.
• Cover the edges: If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie crust shield halfway through baking.
• Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 1-2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set.

How to Cook Apple Crumble Pie: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of the steps for making this delightful apple crumble pie:

1. Make the pie crust: Prepare the dough, roll it out, and line a 9-inch pie dish.
2. Prepare the filling: Slice the apples and toss them with sugar, spices, and lemon juice.
3. Make the crumble topping: Mix flour, oats, sugar, and cinnamon, and cut in the butter until crumbly.
4. Assemble the pie: Fill the pie crust with the apple filling and top with the crumble mixture.
5. Bake and cool: Bake the pie until the apples are tender and the crumble is golden brown. Let it cool before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overworking the pie crust: Handle the pie dough gently to avoid overmixing, which can make the crust tough rather than flaky.
• Not letting the apples sit: Letting the apples sit for a few minutes after mixing with sugar helps draw out moisture and enhances the flavor.
• Overbaking the pie: Keep an eye on the crumble topping. If it’s browning too quickly, cover the pie loosely with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to prevent burning.
• Not cooling the pie enough: Allow the pie to cool for at least 1-2 hours before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to cut.

Serving and Presentation Tips

• Serve warm: Apple crumble pie is best served slightly warm. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave for a cozy treat.
• Add a scoop of ice cream: Serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious contrast in texture and temperature.
• Sprinkle with cinnamon: For an extra touch of warmth and color, lightly sprinkle cinnamon over the top of the whipped cream or ice cream before serving.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Pie

This pie is delicious on its own, but for a more indulgent experience, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. You can also drizzle caramel sauce over the top for an added layer of sweetness. Apple crumble pie is perfect for family gatherings, fall celebrations, or as a comforting dessert after a hearty meal.

Presentation Ideas for Apple Crumble Pie

• Caramel drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the pie or each slice for a beautiful, glossy finish.
• Cinnamon dusting: Dust a bit of cinnamon over the whipped cream or ice cream for added flavor and presentation.
• Rustic look: Serve the pie straight from the dish in rustic slices for a warm, homey feel.

Apple Crumble Pie Recipe Tips

• Use firm apples: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix of sweet and tart apples work best, as they hold their shape during baking and provide a balanced flavor.
• Chill the crumble: Keeping the crumble topping cold ensures that it crisps up beautifully in the oven.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the pie crust and filling a day in advance and assemble the pie just before baking. The pie can also be baked ahead of time and stored in the fridge, then reheated when ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze apple crumble pie?
A: Yes! You can freeze apple crumble pie either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the pie and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, add 15-20 minutes to the baking time. To freeze after baking, wrap it well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Q: How long does apple crumble pie last?
A: Apple crumble pie will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave before serving.

Q: Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
A: Absolutely! A store-bought pie crust works just fine and can save you time. Just follow the same instructions for pre-baking the crust before adding the filling.

Q: Can I make the crumble topping without oats?
A: Yes, if you prefer not to use oats, simply increase the amount of flour to 1 ¼ cups and proceed with the recipe as directed.

Conclusion

This Apple Crumble Pie is the perfect blend of sweet and tart apples with a buttery, crispy crumble topping. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoy it on its own, this pie is sure to become a family favorite. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dessert that brings all the comforting flavors of fall to your table. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious, homemade apple crumble pie that’s ready to be devoured!

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