Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm slice of Apple Crumble Pie during the fall season, or any time you’re in the mood for comfort food. Combining the best parts of a traditional apple pie and a crunchy crumble topping, this dessert offers a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery flavors. With tender, spiced apples and a crumbly streusel topping, this pie is a favorite for holidays, gatherings, or just a cozy night in. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, and you’ve got yourself an irresistible treat!

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to make the perfect Apple Crumble Pie from scratch, including the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to ensure your pie comes out perfectly every time.

What is Apple Crumble Pie?

Apple Crumble Pie is a combination of two classic desserts—apple pie and apple crumble. It starts with a flaky pie crust filled with a spiced apple filling, but instead of a traditional double crust, it’s topped with a buttery, crumbly streusel. The topping, made from flour, sugar, and butter, bakes up golden and crisp, creating a delicious contrast to the tender, juicy apples underneath.

Ingredients List for Apple Crumble Pie

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – For a flaky, tender crust.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• ½ teaspoon granulated sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed – Cold butter ensures a flaky texture.
• 2-4 tablespoons ice water – To bring the dough together.

For the Apple Filling:

• 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced – Use a combination of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn.
• ½ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the apple filling.
• ¼ cup brown sugar – Adds a rich, caramel-like flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – For that warm, spiced apple flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Adds a hint of warmth and complexity.
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the apple filling.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Brightens the flavors and prevents the apples from browning.

For the Crumble Topping:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the crumb topping.
• ½ cup brown sugar – Adds sweetness and richness to the crumble.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed – Helps create a crispy, crumbly texture.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds a warm, spiced note to the topping.
• ¼ cup old-fashioned rolled oats (optional) – For added texture and crunch.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some variations and substitutions to suit your taste or dietary preferences:

• Gluten-Free Crust and Crumble: Use a gluten-free flour blend in both the crust and the crumble topping.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative in both the pie crust and crumble topping.
• Add Nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping.
• Caramel Apple Pie: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before adding the crumble topping for a rich caramel flavor.
• Fruit Variations: Add other fruits like pears or berries to the apple filling for a twist on the traditional recipe.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through how to make your Apple Crumble Pie from scratch.

Step 1: Make the Pie Crust

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with pea-sized bits of butter remaining.
3. Add Ice Water: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of ice water over the mixture and gently mix with a fork or your hands until the dough begins to come together. Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together when pressed.
4. Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 days). Chilling the dough ensures a flaky crust.
5. Roll Out the Dough: After chilling, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Carefully transfer the dough to the pan, pressing it gently into the edges. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges as desired. Set aside while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Place the slices in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add Spices and Sugar: Toss the apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice until the apples are evenly coated.
3. Fill the Crust: Spoon the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.

Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping

1. Mix the Topping: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and oats (if using).
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the mixture and use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the dry ingredients until it forms a crumbly texture with pea-sized bits of butter. The mixture should hold together when pressed but still be crumbly.
3. Top the Pie: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple filling, covering the apples completely.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake the pie for 45-55 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown. You may need to cover the edges of the pie with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to prevent the crust from over-browning.
3. Cool the Pie: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will help the filling set.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice and Serve: Cut the pie into slices and serve warm or at room temperature.
2. Optional Toppings: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

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

Here’s a quick recap of the essential steps to ensure your Apple Crumble Pie turns out perfectly:

1. Make the Crust: Chill the pie dough and roll it out to fit your pie pan. Make sure to pre-bake the crust slightly for a firmer base.
2. Prepare the Filling: Toss the apple slices with sugar, spices, and lemon juice for a perfectly sweet and spiced filling.
3. Top with Crumble: Sprinkle the buttery crumble topping over the apples, making sure to cover them evenly.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake until the apples are tender and the topping is crisp and golden.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure a perfect Apple Crumble Pie every time, avoid these common mistakes:

• Not Chilling the Dough: Always chill your pie dough before rolling it out. This helps prevent shrinkage during baking and results in a flakier crust.
• Using the Wrong Apples: Avoid using apples that are too sweet or too soft. Stick to tart, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
• Overworking the Dough: When making the crust, handle the dough gently and avoid overmixing. Overworking the dough can lead to a tough crust.
• Not Baking Long Enough: Make sure to bake the pie until the apples are tender and the topping is golden and crisp. Undercooking can result in a soggy pie.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Apple Crumble Pie is already a crowd-pleaser, but here are some ideas to make it even more special:

How to Serve Apple Crumble Pie

1. Serve Warm: Apple crumble pie is best served warm, straight from the oven or reheated slightly. The warm, tender apples and crisp topping make for the ultimate comfort food.
2. Pair with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm pie, melting into the crumble and creating a deliciously creamy sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Apple Crumble Pie

• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over each slice for a decadent touch.
• Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for a lighter finishing touch.
• Cinnamon Dusting: Lightly dust the top of the pie with ground cinnamon for extra flavor and a rustic look.

Apple Crumble Pie Recipe Tips

• Chill the Dough: Always chill the pie dough before rolling it out. Cold dough ensures a flaky, tender crust.
• Use a Combination of Apples: Mixing sweet and tart apples gives the pie more depth of flavor.
• Don’t Overpack the Crumble: Keep the crumble topping light and crumbly by avoiding overmixing the butter into the flour. You want a chunky, crumbly texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Apple Crumble Pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the pie a day in advance. Store it at room temperature if you're serving it the next day, or refrigerate it for longer storage. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

2. How long does Apple Crumble Pie last?
Apple Crumble Pie will last for up to 3-4 days when stored in the refrigerator. Be sure to cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.

3. Can I freeze Apple Crumble Pie?
Yes! You can freeze the baked pie by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven before serving.

4. Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! If you're short on time, a store-bought pie crust will work just fine.

Conclusion

Apple Crumble Pie is the perfect fall dessert, combining tender, spiced apples with a buttery, crunchy crumble topping. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just to enjoy a cozy night in, this pie is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Follow the steps in this guide, and you’ll have a delicious, homemade pie that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate comfort dessert!

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