Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of a classic apple pie, with a buttery, crispy crumble topping that will leave your taste buds in pure delight! This Apple Crumble Pie combines the best of both worlds – a traditional flaky pie crust with a sweet and crunchy crumble topping. Whether it's fall or you’re just in the mood for a cozy dessert, this pie will impress your family and friends. Follow this detailed recipe to create a perfect apple crumble pie at home.

this Recipe

What is Apple Crumble Pie?

Apple crumble pie is a delicious hybrid of two popular desserts: traditional apple pie and apple crumble. It has a buttery pie crust on the bottom, a filling made of sweet, spiced apples, and instead of a top crust, it’s finished with a crunchy, streusel-like crumble topping made from flour, sugar, and butter. This texture contrast between the tender apples and crisp topping makes this pie irresistible. It’s a simple and comforting dessert that you can make for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special holiday gatherings.

Ingredients List for Apple Crumble Pie

Before you begin, gather all the necessary ingredients. Here's what you’ll need for the crust, filling, and crumble topping:

For the Pie Crust (Store-bought or Homemade):

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water

Alternatively, you can use a store-bought pie crust to save time.

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning)

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup rolled oats (optional, for added texture)

Ingredients List for Apple Crumble Pie (Double Check)

Let’s go over the ingredients one more time to make sure everything is ready:

For the Pie Crust:

• If you're short on time, using a store-bought pie crust is a great option. Otherwise, making a homemade crust from scratch adds an extra touch of flavor.
• The butter should be cold and cut into cubes for the best flaky crust. Ice water helps keep the dough cool as you mix it together.

For the Apple Filling:

• Granny Smith apples are a favorite for baking because of their tartness and firm texture, but Honeycrisp apples will add a sweeter flavor.
• Lemon juice is optional but helps prevent the apples from browning while adding a slight tang to balance the sweetness.

For the Crumble Topping:

• Brown sugar gives the topping a deep, caramelized flavor. You can also add oats for extra texture, but this is optional. Cold butter is essential for creating a crumbly topping.

Substitutions and Variations

Apple crumble pie is a versatile recipe, so feel free to make substitutions or add variations to suit your taste or dietary needs:

1. Crust Variations:

• Gluten-Free Crust: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the pie crust, or opt for a pre-made gluten-free pie crust.
• Shortbread Crust: Use a shortbread cookie crust instead of the traditional pie crust for a sweeter, richer base.

1. Apple Varieties:

• Mixed Apples: Combine tart apples (like Granny Smith) with sweet apples (like Honeycrisp or Fuji) for a balanced flavor.
• Pear or Berry Additions: Substitute some of the apples with pears or mix in a handful of fresh or frozen berries for added flavor and texture.

1. Crumble Topping Variations:

• Add Nuts: Stir in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping for added crunch and flavor.
• Oat-Free: Omit the oats if you prefer a more classic crumble topping.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves, ginger, or cardamom to the topping for extra warmth and complexity.

1. Vegan or Dairy-Free Options:

• Vegan Butter: Substitute the butter in both the crust and the topping with a plant-based butter or coconut oil.
• Vegan Crust: Make the pie crust with vegan butter or a store-bought vegan pie crust for a completely plant-based version.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make the perfect apple crumble pie from start to finish. Follow these detailed steps for a foolproof result every time.

1. Prepare the Pie Crust

• Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
• Cut in the butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
• Add ice water: Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough starts to come together. You may not need all the water.
• Form and chill the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, form it into a ball, and flatten it into a disc. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Roll Out the Dough and Pre-Bake the Crust

• Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Roll the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, trimming any excess and crimping the edges.
• Blind bake the crust: Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.

3. Prepare the Apple Filling

• Slice the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even slices.
• Toss the apples with sugar and spices: In a large bowl, combine the apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice (if using). Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
• Transfer to the pie crust: Pour the apple mixture into the pre-baked pie crust, spreading it out evenly.

4. Make the Crumble Topping

• Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, oats (if using), and cinnamon.
• Cut in the butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the cold butter into the mixture until it forms pea-sized crumbs.
• Top the pie: Evenly spread the crumble mixture over the apple filling, covering the apples completely.

5. Bake the Pie

• Bake the pie: Bake the pie at 375°F (190°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling. If the crust or crumble starts to brown too quickly, cover the pie loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
• Cool: Let the pie cool for at least 1-2 hours before slicing. This will help the filling set, making it easier to slice.

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

Cooking apple crumble pie involves a few easy steps, from preparing the crust to layering the filling and topping. Here's a summary of the process:

1. Crust: Prepare the dough, roll it out, and pre-bake it to ensure a sturdy bottom.
2. Filling: Peel and slice apples, mix them with sugar and spices, and pour them into the crust.
3. Crumble Topping: Mix the crumble ingredients, then spread it over the apples.
4. Bake: Bake the pie until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
5. Cool: Let the pie cool before serving to help the filling set properly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Blind Baking the Crust: Skipping the blind baking step can result in a soggy crust. Pre-baking the crust ensures it stays crisp under the apple filling.
• Overmixing the Crumble: When making the crumble topping, don’t overmix the butter. You want pea-sized crumbs for the best texture.
• Underbaking the Pie: Make sure the pie bakes long enough for the apples to become tender and the crumble topping to turn golden brown.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Here are some tips to make your apple crumble pie look as good as it tastes:

How to Serve Apple Crumble Pie

• Serve Warm: Apple crumble pie is best served warm, though it's delicious at room temperature as well.
• Add Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: For a decadent touch, serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Presentation Ideas for Apple Crumble Pie

• Cinnamon Dusting: Lightly dust the top of the crumble with ground cinnamon just before serving for an extra pop of flavor and color.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each slice for added indulgence.
• Garnish with Fresh Apple Slices: Garnish each plate with thin slices of fresh apple or a sprig of mint for a refined presentation.

Apple Crumble Pie Recipe Tips

• Use Firm Apples: Firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up better when baked and won’t turn mushy.
• Chill the Dough: Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out to make it easier to handle and for a flakier crust.
• Adjust Sugar to Taste: Depending on how tart or sweet your apples are, you can adjust the sugar in the filling to your taste preference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make apple crumble pie in advance?
Yes! You can make the pie a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature, or refrigerate if storing longer than a day.

2. How do I store apple crumble pie?
Apple crumble pie can be stored at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or foil.

3. Can I freeze apple crumble pie?
Yes! You can freeze apple crumble pie before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the pie and freeze it unbaked. When ready to bake, you can bake it straight from the freezer; just add about 10-15 minutes to the bake time.

4. Can I use other fruit besides apples?
Absolutely! You can substitute apples with pears, peaches, or a combination of berries for a different take on this pie.

5. How do I keep my crumble topping crunchy?
For a crunchy topping, make sure the butter is cold when mixing the crumble, and don't overmix. If the topping starts to brown too quickly while baking, cover the pie loosely with foil to prevent it from burning.

Conclusion

Apple crumble pie combines the best of two beloved desserts—apple pie and apple crumble—into one delicious treat. With a tender, flaky crust, spiced apple filling, and crunchy crumble topping, this pie is a perfect dessert for any occasion. By following this step-by-step recipe and tips, you can bake a perfect apple crumble pie that will impress everyone at your table. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

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