Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

If you're looking for a dessert that combines the best of both worlds—sweet, tender apples and a crunchy, buttery crumble topping—this Apple Crumble Pie is exactly what you need. Perfect for the holidays or a cozy evening in, this pie features a flaky crust, juicy spiced apples, and a crumbly topping that’s hard to resist. Whether you're an experienced baker or a beginner, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process to create a pie that’s bursting with fall flavors. Keep reading for tips, variations, and answers to common questions that will ensure your Apple Crumble Pie turns out perfect every time.

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What is Apple Crumble Pie?

Apple Crumble Pie is a delicious hybrid dessert that brings together two classic desserts: apple pie and apple crumble. It features a bottom layer of flaky pie crust, a filling made with spiced apples, and a crunchy, buttery crumble topping instead of a traditional double crust. The combination of textures and flavors—sweet and tart apples, a buttery, flaky base, and a crispy topping—make it an irresistible dessert, perfect for fall or winter, or anytime you crave a taste of home.

Ingredients List for the Pie Crust

To begin, you'll need a simple pie crust to serve as the base for your Apple Crumble Pie. You can use a store-bought pie crust for convenience, but making your own crust from scratch is easier than you might think and offers superior flavor and texture.

For a homemade crust, you'll need:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – The base for a tender and flaky pie crust.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor of the crust.
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness.
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed – Cold butter ensures a flaky texture.
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water – Helps bring the dough together without making it too wet.

If you prefer a more traditional shortcut, a refrigerated pie dough works perfectly fine for this recipe as well.

Ingredients List for the Apple Filling

The star of this pie is the apple filling. You'll want to use a variety of apples for the best flavor—some sweet, some tart, and all firm enough to hold up during baking. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 6 medium apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works well) – Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly.
• ½ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the apples and balances the tartness.
• ¼ cup brown sugar – Adds depth of flavor and a hint of caramel.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the filling as it bakes.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – A warm spice that pairs beautifully with apples.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Adds a subtle warmth and complexity.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Helps prevent the apples from browning and enhances the flavor.

Ingredients List for the Crumble Topping

Now for the best part: the buttery, crunchy crumble topping. This mixture of flour, sugar, oats, and butter will bake up golden and crisp, providing the perfect contrast to the soft apple filling. Here’s what you’ll need:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour – The base of the crumble.
• ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats – Adds a chewy texture to the topping.
• ⅓ cup brown sugar – For sweetness and a rich caramel flavor.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – More warm spice to complement the apples.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed – Helps create a crumbly, crunchy topping.

Substitutions and Variations

If you’d like to customize your Apple Crumble Pie or need substitutions, here are a few options to consider:

1. Nutty Topping – Add ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for extra crunch and flavor.
2. Dairy-Free Option – Substitute the butter in the topping and crust with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a vegan butter.
3. Gluten-Free Version – Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in both the crust and the crumble topping, and opt for certified gluten-free oats.
4. Spice Variations – Add ½ teaspoon ground ginger or ¼ teaspoon allspice to the filling for a different spice profile.
5. Crumble Mix-Ins – Toss in ½ cup of shredded coconut or chocolate chips to the crumble for a fun twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for a pie that’s sure to impress your friends and family.

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough

If you’re making your own crust, start by preparing it ahead of time:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. It should hold together but not be sticky.
4. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.

If using a store-bought crust, skip this step and proceed to the next.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

• Roll out the chilled pie dough on a floured surface until it’s about 12 inches in diameter.
• Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edge, leaving about a 1-inch overhang.
• Crimp the edges if desired. Place the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling and topping.

Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling

• Peel, core, and slice your apples into ¼-inch thick slices.
• In a large mixing bowl, toss the apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Mix until the apples are evenly coated.
• Let the apples sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the juices to release.

Step 5: Prepare the Crumble Topping

• In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
• Add the cold, cubed butter, and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the mixture until it forms coarse crumbs.

Step 6: Assemble the Pie

• Remove the pie crust from the refrigerator and pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading it out evenly.
• Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples, making sure it covers the entire surface.

Step 7: Bake the Pie

• Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
• If the topping is browning too quickly, cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.

Step 8: Cool the Pie

• Once the pie is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This allows the filling to set and makes slicing easier.

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

1. Prepare the Pie Crust – Roll out the dough, press it into a pie dish, and refrigerate it while preparing the filling.
2. Mix the Apple Filling – Combine the apples with sugar, spices, and flour.
3. Make the Crumble Topping – Mix flour, oats, sugar, and cold butter until crumbly.
4. Assemble and Bake – Pour the apple filling into the crust, top with the crumble, and bake until golden and bubbly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the Crumble – Be careful not to overwork the butter into the crumble. You want a coarse, crumbly texture, not a doughy one.
2. Not Letting the Pie Cool – Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. Cutting into it too soon may result in a runny filling.
3. Using the Wrong Apples – Avoid using overly soft or mealy apples like Red Delicious. Firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp will hold their shape better during baking.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serve your Apple Crumble Pie warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a little extra flavor, drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle with powdered sugar just before serving.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Pie

Apple Crumble Pie is best served slightly warm, fresh out of the oven or reheated. Here are some ways to make the presentation extra special:

• With Ice Cream – A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over a warm slice is the ultimate comfort dessert.
• Whipped Cream – Lightly sweetened whipped cream provides a soft contrast to the crunchy crumble topping.
• Caramel Drizzle – Drizzle caramel sauce over the top for added sweetness and a bit of flair.

Presentation Ideas for Apple Crumble Pie

1. Rustic Look – Dust the top of the crumble with powdered sugar for a rustic, bakery-style presentation.
2. Caramel Swirls – Use a squeeze bottle to drizzle caramel sauce over the entire pie or individual slices.
3. Apple Garnish – Thinly slice an apple into rings or wedges and arrange them decoratively on top of the whipped cream or alongside the pie slice.

Apple Crumble Pie Recipe Tips

• Use a Variety of Apples – Combining sweet and tart apples adds more depth to the flavor of the filling.
• Freeze the Crumble Topping – For a crunchier topping, freeze the crumble for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the pie.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms – Sprinkle a thin layer of ground almonds or breadcrumbs over the crust before adding the filling. This helps absorb excess moisture from the apples.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make the pie ahead of time?
A: Yes! Apple Crumble Pie can be made a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator, and reheat it in a warm oven before serving.

Q: Can I freeze Apple Crumble Pie?
A: Absolutely. To freeze, assemble the pie, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Q: What are the best apples for Apple Crumble Pie?
A: A combination of tart and sweet apples works best. Try mixing Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples for a perfect balance of flavor.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Leftover Apple Crumble Pie can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Conclusion

There you have it—a delicious, foolproof Apple Crumble Pie recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With its buttery crust, juicy apple filling, and crispy crumble topping, this pie is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or just enjoy a slice on its own, this classic dessert is bound to satisfy. So, gather your ingredients and start baking your way to the perfect Apple Crumble Pie!

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