Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

If you’re a fan of comforting, home-baked treats, you’ll love this Apple Crumble Pie recipe. With a buttery crust, a spiced apple filling, and a sweet, crunchy crumble topping, this dessert is perfect for any occasion—from cozy fall gatherings to casual family dinners. Keep reading to learn exactly how to make this timeless dessert, along with helpful tips, variations, and answers to frequently asked questions!

What is an Apple Crumble Pie?

Apple Crumble Pie is a delicious dessert that combines elements of a classic apple pie and an apple crumble. Instead of just a traditional pie crust, it has a buttery crumble topping that provides an extra layer of texture and sweetness. This unique combination results in a pie that’s both flaky and crunchy, with a warm, gooey apple filling that’s packed with cinnamon and other spices. It’s the ultimate dessert for apple lovers!

Ingredients List for Apple Crumble Pie

For this recipe, you’ll need three sets of ingredients: one for the pie crust, one for the apple filling, and one for the crumble topping. Here’s everything you need:

Ingredients for the Pie Crust

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3–4 tablespoon ice-cold water

Ingredients for the Apple Filling

• 6 medium apples (preferably a mix of tart and sweet varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional for added warmth)
• A pinch of salt

Ingredients for the Crumble Topping

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Substitutions and Variations

If you’re looking to make this recipe your own, here are a few ways to customize your Apple Crumble Pie:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the crust, filling, and topping.
• Sugar Substitutes: Swap out granulated and brown sugars with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia for a lower-sugar version.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter.
• Add Nuts: For extra crunch, add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping.
• Spice it Up: Increase the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, or add a pinch of cloves for a warmer, spicier flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Before we get started, make sure you’ve gathered all your ingredients and preheated your oven to 375°F (190°C). Here’s a detailed guide to making this delicious Apple Crumble Pie from scratch.

Step 1: Make the Pie Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the chilled butter cubes to the bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just starts to come together.
4. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine the apple slices with lemon juice. This prevents the apples from browning.
2. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Mix well to evenly coat the apples with the spices and sugar.

Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping

1. In another bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Pour the melted butter over the mixture and stir until it forms a crumbly texture. Make sure the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Remove the pie crust dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a 12-inch circle to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
2. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish and press it into place, trimming any excess around the edges.
3. Pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading it out evenly.
4. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples, making sure to cover the filling completely.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

1. Place the pie on the center rack of the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the apples are tender, the filling is bubbling, and the crumble topping is golden brown.
3. If the crust or topping starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to set.
2. Slice and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the Wrong Apples: Avoid using apples that are too soft, like Red Delicious, as they can become mushy when baked. Opt for firmer varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn.
• Skipping the Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a slight tartness and prevents the apples from browning. Don’t skip this step!
• Overmixing the Crumble: Be careful not to overmix the crumble topping. It should have a chunky texture to create that perfect crumble.
• Underbaking: Make sure to bake the pie until the apples are tender and the filling is bubbling to avoid a soggy pie.

Serving and Presentation Tips

An Apple Crumble Pie is delicious on its own, but adding a few thoughtful touches can make it even more special. Here’s how to serve and present your pie for maximum appeal:

How to Serve Apple Crumble Pie

• Warm with Ice Cream: Serve the pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm pie and cold ice cream is heavenly!
• With Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a creamy, airy texture that pairs perfectly with the crunchy crumble topping.
• Drizzle Caramel Sauce: For extra indulgence, drizzle some caramel sauce over each slice before serving.

Presentation Ideas for Apple Crumble Pie

• Rustic Charm: Serve the pie on a rustic wooden board with a dusting of powdered sugar around the edges.
• Mini Pies: Make individual mini apple crumble pies in ramekins or small tart tins for a fun, personalized dessert.
• Decorate with Fresh Apple Slices: Garnish the plate with thin apple slices or a sprig of mint for added color.

Apple Crumble Pie Recipe Tips

• Chill the Dough: Keeping the pie crust dough chilled prevents the butter from melting, resulting in a flakier crust.
• Use a Mix of Apples: Combining tart and sweet apple varieties gives the pie a balanced flavor.
• Don’t Forget the Foil: Cover the edges of the crust with foil or a pie shield halfway through baking if it’s browning too quickly.
• Make Ahead: You can make the crumble topping and pie crust in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble when ready to bake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15–20 minutes before serving.

2. Can I freeze Apple Crumble Pie?

Yes! Wrap the pie in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it in the oven.

3. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness.

4. Do I have to use a homemade crust?

Not at all! If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought pie crust. The homemade crumble topping will still make the pie taste amazing.

5. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Certainly! Pears, peaches, or berries can work well as substitutes or additions to the apples.

Conclusion

There you have it—an easy, foolproof Apple Crumble Pie recipe that will delight your family and friends. With a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, a buttery crust, and a deliciously crunchy topping, this pie is sure to become a new favorite in your home. Whether you're a beginner baker or an experienced cook, this recipe is straightforward and satisfying. Try it out, serve it up, and watch as everyone reaches for seconds! 🍏🥧

Print