Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

The Perfect Apple Crumble Pie Recipe for Sweet Comfort

Sweet aromas of cinnamon-spiced apple crumble pie drift through kitchens like memories of grandma’s warm embrace.

Crisp autumn afternoons call for something comforting and delicious.

Buttery pastry promises to wrap tender fruit in golden, flaky layers.

Each bite connects you with traditions passed down through generations.

Soft apples nestled beneath a crumbly, golden topping create pure magic on a plate.

Seasonal ingredients blend perfectly to craft a dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Come savor this irresistible treat that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Apple Crumble Pie Recipe Everyone Enjoys

  • Quick Comfort Creation: Whip up this delectable apple crumble pie with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for beginner bakers wanting to impress.
  • Family-Friendly Dessert: Delivers sweet nostalgia that appeals to all ages, from kids to grandparents, making it an ideal weekend treat everyone will adore.
  • Seasonal Sensation: Celebrates autumn's bounty by transforming fresh apples into a warm, aromatic dessert that captures the essence of cozy fall afternoons.
  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Requires just basic ingredients and simple steps, allowing you to create a restaurant-quality dessert without complex techniques or expensive tools.

Core Contents Of Apple Crumble Pie

Pie Base:
  • Pre-Made Pie Crust: A convenient foundation that saves time and ensures a consistent, flaky base for the apple crumble pie.
Fruit Filling:
  • Granny Smith Apples, Golden Delicious Apples: Tart and sweet varieties that provide a perfect balance of flavor and hold their shape during baking, ideal for a substantial pie filling.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized texture in the apple mixture.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that enhances the natural apple flavor and adds depth to the filling.
  • Nutmeg: Subtle, aromatic spice that complements the cinnamon and adds complexity to the pie.
  • Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds a bright, fresh acidity to balance the sweetness.
Crumble Topping:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates the base for a crisp, streusel-like topping.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides a rich, molasses-like sweetness and helps create a golden-brown crumble.
  • Cold Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a crumbly, tender texture in the topping.
  • Rolled Oats: Introduces a hearty, rustic element to the crumble with a pleasant nutty texture.

Apple Crumble Pie Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Turn on the oven and set the temperature to 375°F.

This will ensure your pie bakes perfectly and creates a golden, crispy topping.

Step 2: Prepare The Pie Crust

Roll out the pie crust and gently place it into a 9-inch pie dish.

Smooth the crust to fit the edges and create a nice base for your delicious filling.

Step 3: Create Apple Filling

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the ingredients for the filling:
  • Sliced apples
  • Granulated sugar
  • All-purpose flour
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Fresh lemon juice

Toss all ingredients together until the apples are evenly coated with the sweet and spicy mixture.

Step 4: Fill The Pie Crust

Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

Step 5: Mix Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, blend the topping ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Brown sugar
  • Rolled oats
  • Ground cinnamon

Add cold butter and mix with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse, crumbly texture.

Step 6: Add Crumble Topping

Sprinkle the crumbly topping generously over the apple filling, covering the entire surface.

Step 7: Bake The Pie

Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes.

Look for a golden-brown topping and bubbling filling as signs of doneness.

Step 8: Cool And Serve

Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

Slice and serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How Pros Crumble The Perfect Apple Pie

  • Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture in your pie.
  • Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or crushed graham crackers on the bottom crust to absorb excess apple liquid.
  • Chill the butter before mixing into the topping to create a more crisp and delicate crumble.
  • Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour and use alternative sweeteners like coconut sugar for dietary restrictions.
  • Adjust cinnamon and nutmeg quantities to suit personal taste preferences without overwhelming the apple flavor.

Apple Crumble Pie: Saving the Rest

  • Store leftover apple crumble pie in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
  • Wrap individual slices or the entire pie securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm slices at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore the crispy crumble topping and bring back the delicious flavors. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning.
  • Heat individual slices for 20-30 seconds on medium power. Note that microwaving might soften the crumble topping, so the oven method is preferred for maintaining texture.

Apple Crumble Pie Complements

  • Enhance Dessert Harmony: Perfectly Pair Apple Crumble Pie
  • Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Scoop: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over warm pie, creating a delightful temperature contrast that elevates every bite with smooth, rich sweetness.
  • Caramel Bourbon Companion: Drizzle smooth caramel sauce with a hint of bourbon alongside the pie, adding depth and warmth that complements the apple's natural spiciness and enhances the crumble's buttery notes.
  • Spiced Chai Latte Match: Brew a robust, spicy chai latte that mirrors the pie's cinnamon and nutmeg undertones, offering a comforting and aromatic beverage that beautifully balances the dessert's sweetness.
  • Cinnamon Whipped Cream Topping: Whip fresh cream with a touch of cinnamon and powdered sugar, creating a light, fluffy accompaniment that adds an extra layer of warmth and elegance to the classic apple crumble pie.

Apple Crumble Pie Recipe Variations to Explore

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend in both crust and crumble topping. Use certified gluten-free oats to ensure dietary safety.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use plant-based pie crust and swap regular sugar for coconut sugar for a more natural sweetness.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use fewer sweeteners and enhance apple flavor with extra cinnamon and a touch of vanilla extract.
  • Nutty Crunch Variation: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the crumble topping for extra texture and nutritional boost. Sprinkle sliced nuts on top before baking for added crunch.

FAQs

  • What are the best types of apples for this recipe?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn apples work best because they hold their shape and provide a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness during baking.

  • Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore its crispy texture.

  • How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Pre-bake the pie crust for 10 minutes before adding the apple filling, and make sure to drain excess liquid from the apple mixture to maintain a crisp crust.

  • Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend in both the filling and crumble topping, and use certified gluten-free oats to create a gluten-free version of the apple crumble pie.

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Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

Apple Crumble Pie Recipe


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4.5 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Homemade apple crumble pie delivers classic comfort with golden-brown buttery layers and caramelized cinnamon notes. Warm spices and tender fruit create irresistible dessert magic you’ll savor with each delightful forkful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients (Fruit):

  • 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice

Dry Ingredients (Crumble and Seasoning):

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Supporting Ingredients:

  • 1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 large egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Carefully prepare the pie crust by gently rolling it into a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring an even distribution across the bottom and sides.
  2. Create a flavorful apple filling by thoroughly mixing sliced apples with a blend of sugar, flour, warm spices, and a splash of citrus juice, coating each apple piece completely.
  3. Transfer the spiced apple mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer that will bake into a delectable filling.
  4. Craft a rustic crumble topping by combining flour, brown sugar, hearty oats, and fragrant cinnamon in a mixing bowl.
  5. Incorporate cold butter into the dry crumble ingredients, using fingertips or a pastry cutter to create a textured, sandy mixture with small, irregular clusters.
  6. Generously scatter the crumbly topping across the apple filling, ensuring complete coverage and an appealing, uneven surface.
  7. Position the pie in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C), allowing it to bake until the topping transforms into a golden-brown crust and the apple filling becomes gloriously bubbling and tender.
  8. Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to rest for several minutes, which helps the filling set and makes serving easier, creating a perfect balance of warm, crisp topping and juicy fruit interior.

Notes

  • Select tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a perfect balance of sweetness and texture in your pie filling.
  • Keep apple slices uniform in size to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dessert.
  • Prevent soggy bottom crust by sprinkling a thin layer of breadcrumbs or ground nuts before adding apple filling, which absorbs excess moisture.
  • Customize the crumble topping by adding chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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