If you’re a fan of home-baked goodness that fills your kitchen with the scent of spiced apples and buttery crumble, then you’re in the right place! Apple crumble pie is a heartwarming dessert perfect for family gatherings, cozy dinners, or just indulging your sweet tooth on a lazy afternoon. This recipe will walk you through every step, from selecting the best ingredients to perfecting your presentation. Keep reading for all the tips and tricks to create the ultimate apple crumble pie that will have everyone asking for seconds!
What Is Apple Crumble Pie?
Apple crumble pie is a delightful combination of two beloved desserts: apple pie and apple crumble. It features a traditional pie crust base filled with a delicious apple filling, topped with a buttery, crumbly streusel instead of a second pie crust. The contrast of tender apples, a flaky crust, and a crisp topping makes this dessert irresistible. Whether you prefer your crumble with a hint of cinnamon or loaded with extra buttery goodness, apple crumble pie is an adaptable recipe that pleases everyone.
Ingredients List for Apple Crumble Pie
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather everything you’ll need for the apple crumble pie. We’ve broken it down into three sections: the pie crust, the apple filling, and the crumble topping.
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2-3 tablespoons ice water
You can use a store-bought pie crust for convenience, but if you want to make it from scratch, this simple recipe will yield a buttery, flaky crust that holds up well to the apple filling.
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
The apple filling is the star of the show, and using a combination of Granny Smith apples ensures the perfect balance of tart and sweet, while the spices enhance the flavor.
For the Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)
The crumble topping is what sets this pie apart. The oats add texture, while the butter ensures a crisp, golden finish. Feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste preferences.
Substitutions and Variations
There’s room for creativity when making apple crumble pie. Whether you’re working with dietary restrictions or just looking to mix things up, here are a few substitutions and variations to try:
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour in both the crust and the topping with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the oats you use are certified gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter or coconut oil. You’ll still achieve a flaky crust and crispy topping without sacrificing flavor.
- Different Apples: While Granny Smith apples are the go-to for this recipe, you can mix them with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor.
- Nuts in the Topping: Add ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- Caramel Drizzle: For a decadent twist, drizzle caramel sauce over the pie after it’s baked, just before serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s move on to the fun part—actually making the apple crumble pie! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a perfect pie every time.
- Prepare the Pie Crust:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll Out the Dough:
- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, trimming any excess dough. Crimp the edges if desired.
- Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss until the apples are well coated.
- Make the Crumble Topping:
- In another bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Cut the cold butter into the mixture until it forms small, pea-sized crumbs. The topping should be crumbly but hold together when pressed.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, making sure to arrange the apples evenly.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apples.
- Bake the Pie:
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any spills. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
- If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it with foil halfway through baking.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will help the filling set and make slicing easier.
How to Cook Apple Crumble Pie: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Prepare your ingredients, ensuring everything is chilled and ready to go.
- Step 2: Make your pie crust and let it rest in the fridge. The cold butter is key to a flaky crust.
- Step 3: Slice your apples uniformly so they cook evenly.
- Step 4: Create the perfect crumble by keeping the butter cold and cutting it into the dry ingredients until the texture is just right.
- Step 5: Bake the pie until golden brown and bubbling for that ideal combination of crispy topping and tender apples.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned bakers can run into challenges with apple crumble pie. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Overworking the Pie Dough: This can lead to a tough crust. Handle the dough as little as possible to ensure a flaky texture.
- Soggy Bottom Crust: Prevent a soggy crust by blind baking the pie crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling, or use a thickener like flour or cornstarch in the filling to absorb excess moisture.
- Burning the Topping: Keep an eye on the pie during baking. If the crumble starts to brown too quickly, cover the top with foil to prevent burning.
- Uneven Apple Slices: Slicing apples unevenly can lead to some pieces being undercooked while others become mushy. Take the time to slice them evenly.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Once your apple crumble pie is baked to perfection, it’s time to serve it in style! Presentation matters, especially when you want to impress your guests.
How to Serve Apple Crumble Pie:
- Serve the pie warm for the ultimate comfort food experience. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is the perfect accompaniment.
- For added indulgence, drizzle caramel or maple syrup over each slice.
Presentation Ideas for Apple Crumble Pie:
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Serve individual slices on dessert plates with a drizzle of caramel sauce for a restaurant-quality presentation.
- For a rustic touch, serve the pie directly from the baking dish at the table.
Apple Crumble Pie Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the pie crust and apple filling in advance. Store the unbaked pie in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Reheating Leftovers: To reheat leftover pie, place it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to crisp up the topping and warm the filling.
- Storage: Store apple crumble pie at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a quick treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I freeze apple crumble pie?
Yes! You can freeze an unbaked apple crumble pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, do so from frozen, adding an additional 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
2. Can I use pre-made pie crust?
Absolutely! A store-bought crust works just as well if you're short on time. Simply follow the instructions for filling and topping.
3. How do I prevent the filling from being too watery?
To avoid a runny filling, toss the apples with flour before adding them to the crust. This will help absorb any excess liquid during baking.
Conclusion
Apple crumble pie is the perfect dessert for any occasion. With its buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and crisp crumble topping, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a holiday dinner or just because, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Don’t forget to try out some of the variations and tips we’ve shared to make it your own. Happy baking!
PrintApple Crumble Pie Recipe
This classic Apple Crumble Pie recipe is a perfect dessert for any occasion, featuring sweet apples spiced with cinnamon and a buttery crumble topping. With simple ingredients like fresh apples, flour, butter, and sugar, it's an easy pie that will impress. Follow the instructions below to create a delicious homemade pie everyone will love!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 6 cups peeled, sliced apples
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for filling)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for crumble)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and ¼ cup of flour.
- Transfer the apple mixture into a prepared pie crust.
- In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of flour, butter, and brown sugar to make the crumble topping. Sprinkle it over the apples.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Let the pie cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
- The crumble topping can be made ahead and refrigerated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 150mg
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