Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

There’s nothing quite as comforting as the smell of warm apples, cinnamon, and a buttery crumble topping baking in the oven. This Apple Crumble Pie recipe combines the best of both worlds: the sweet, juicy apple filling of a traditional apple pie and the crunchy, buttery topping of a crumble. It’s the ultimate fall dessert, though it’s perfect for any time of the year when you’re craving a slice of home-baked goodness. Follow along, and you’ll have a pie that’s sure to be the star of any dinner party, holiday feast, or weekend indulgence!

What is Apple Crumble Pie?

Apple Crumble Pie is a delightful combination of two classic desserts: an apple pie and an apple crumble. The bottom layer consists of a flaky pie crust filled with tender, spiced apples, while the top layer is a buttery, crumbly mixture of flour, sugar, and butter (and sometimes oats or nuts). The result is a pie with a perfect balance of textures — soft, juicy apples underneath a crispy, sweet topping. It’s often served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Ingredients List for Apple Crumble Pie

For the Pie Crust (you can also use store-bought):

1. 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
3. ½ teaspoon salt
4. ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
5. ¼ cup ice water

For the Apple Filling:

1. 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
2. ¾ cup granulated sugar
3. 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
5. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6. ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
7. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crumble Topping:

1. ¾ cup all-purpose flour
2. ½ cup rolled oats (optional, for extra texture)
3. ⅓ cup granulated sugar
4. ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
5. ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
6. ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
7. ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

While this classic Apple Crumble Pie recipe is delicious as-is, you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:

• Gluten-Free Crust and Topping: Use a gluten-free flour blend in both the crust and topping. Be sure to choose gluten-free oats if you’re including them in the topping.
• Dairy-Free: Swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative, such as margarine or coconut oil, to make the recipe dairy-free.
• Healthier Version: You can reduce the sugar in the filling and topping by using a natural sweetener like maple syrup or coconut sugar.
• Apple Variety: For a sweeter pie, use apples like Fuji or Gala. For a tarter pie, stick with Granny Smith. Mixing apple varieties will give you a balanced flavor.
• Add Spices: Experiment with additional spices like allspice, ginger, or cloves to give the pie a deeper, spicier flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter.
3. Add Water: Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
4. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it’s about ⅛-inch thick. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, trim any excess dough, and crimp the edges as desired. Place the pie crust in the fridge while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into ¼-inch thick slices. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples work best for their tartness and firmness.
2. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Mix until the apples are evenly coated.
3. Fill the Crust: Remove the chilled pie crust from the fridge and pour the apple mixture into the pie shell, spreading it evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the Crumble Topping

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, oats (if using), granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Add the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms large crumbs.
3. Add Nuts (Optional): Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor if desired.
4. Top the Pie: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple filling, making sure to cover all the apples.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake the Pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
3. Check the Crust: If the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield about halfway through baking.
4. Cool the Pie: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes slicing easier.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Your apple crumble pie is now ready to serve! It’s best enjoyed slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of the warm, spiced apples and the cool ice cream is pure comfort in every bite.

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

1. Prepare the Crust: Make the buttery pie crust from scratch or use a store-bought crust for convenience. Chill it while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the Apple Filling: Toss your apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Spread them evenly into the pie crust.
3. Prepare the Crumble Topping: Combine flour, oats, sugars, and cold butter to form a crumbly topping. Sprinkle it generously over the apple filling.
4. Bake the Pie: Bake at 375°F for 50-60 minutes until the apples are tender and the topping is golden and crisp.
5. Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool before slicing and serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the Wrong Apples: Not all apples are created equal when it comes to baking. Stick to firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which hold their shape and balance the sweetness.
• Soggy Crust: To avoid a soggy crust, make sure your filling isn't too watery. The flour or cornstarch in the filling helps thicken the juices released by the apples during baking.
• Overcrowding the Filling: Resist the urge to overfill your pie with too many apples. Overcrowding can lead to an uneven bake.
• Overbaking the Topping: Keep an eye on the pie as it bakes. If the crumble topping is browning too quickly, cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Apple Crumble Pie

Apple crumble pie is best served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. For an extra treat, serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. A sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar on top adds a touch of elegance.

Presentation Ideas for Apple Crumble Pie

• Apple Garnish: Garnish the pie with thinly sliced apples fanned out on the side of each plate.
• Cinnamon Dusting: Lightly dust the top of the pie with ground cinnamon or powdered sugar for a simple, rustic look.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over each slice for added sweetness and visual appeal.

Apple Crumble Pie Recipe Tips

• Cold Butter is Key: For both the crust and the crumble topping, make sure your butter is cold when you mix it in. This ensures a flaky crust and a crunchy topping.
• Mix Apple Varieties: Combining different apple varieties gives the filling a more complex flavor. A mix of sweet and tart apples provides a great balance.
• Chill Time: Give your pie at least 2 hours to cool and set before slicing. This helps the filling firm up, making it easier to serve neat slices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make apple crumble pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can make apple crumble pie up to 2 days ahead of time. Store it covered in the refrigerator and reheat individual slices in the oven or microwave before serving.

How do I store apple crumble pie?

Apple crumble pie can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to cover it with plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh.

Can I freeze apple crumble pie?

Yes, apple crumble pie freezes well. To freeze, let the pie cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

What’s the best way to reheat apple crumble pie?

Reheat apple crumble pie in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This will help maintain the crispness of the crumble topping.

Conclusion

This Apple Crumble Pie recipe brings together the best of both worlds — a classic apple pie with the added crunch of a buttery crumble topping. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy weekend treat. With its spiced apple filling and crispy, sweet topping, this pie is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a slice of homemade comfort!

Happy baking! 🍏

Print