Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

Apple Crumble Pie is a classic dessert that brings together the best of both worlds— a flaky pie crust filled with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a buttery, crumbly streusel. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions. Keep reading to discover the secrets of making the perfect Apple Crumble Pie, from the ingredients list to step-by-step instructions, serving suggestions, and expert tips!

this Recipe

What is Apple Crumble Pie?

Apple Crumble Pie is a hybrid of two beloved desserts: apple pie and apple crumble. The base consists of a buttery, flaky pie crust filled with a mixture of sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and other spices. Instead of a traditional top crust, it's finished with a crumbly streusel made of flour, sugar, and butter. This dessert is an excellent choice when you crave a blend of sweet, tart, and crunchy textures, all in one mouthwatering bite.

Ingredients List for Apple Crumble Pie

For the Pie Filling:

• 6 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to thicken the filling)

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 pre-made pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
  • Homemade Option:
    • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
    • ¼ cup ice water

For the Crumble Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats (optional for added texture)

Substitutions and Variations

If you want to make this Apple Crumble Pie recipe more suited to your dietary needs or flavor preferences, here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:

• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust, filling, and crumble topping with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan Version: Use a vegan butter substitute for the crust and crumble topping. For the filling, opt for coconut oil instead of butter.
• Sugar Substitutes: Swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar or use a sugar-free alternative like Stevia for a healthier version.
• Different Apples: While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are recommended for their firmness and tartness, you can use other apple varieties like Fuji or Pink Lady for a sweeter flavor.
• Add-ins: For added flavor, you can throw in some raisins or cranberries into the apple mixture. A handful of chopped pecans or walnuts can also be added to the crumble for a crunchy twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to bake a flawless Apple Crumble Pie:

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. If using store-bought pie crust, allow it to thaw according to package instructions and press it into a 9-inch pie pan.
2. If making homemade pie crust, start by whisking the flour and salt together in a large bowl. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter (or fork) to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together.
3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and form it into a disc. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before rolling out.
4. Roll the dough out into a 12-inch circle and place it into your pie dish, trimming any excess around the edges.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. The flour will help thicken the filling as the apples release their juices during baking.
3. Set the apple mixture aside for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Prepare the Crumble Topping

1. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and oats (if using).
2. Add the chilled, cubed butter to the mixture and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust.
2. Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples, making sure to cover the entire surface.
3. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and transfer it to the oven.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

1. Bake the Apple Crumble Pie for 45–50 minutes or until the crumble is golden brown, and the apple filling is bubbling up around the edges.
2. If the crumble begins to brown too quickly, you can tent the pie with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
3. Once done, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least an hour before slicing and serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling the pie: Overloading the pie with apples can cause the filling to bubble over during baking, creating a mess and affecting the texture.
• Underbaking the crumble topping: Make sure the crumble is golden brown and crisp. If it’s still pale, it won’t have that desirable crunch.
• Using the wrong apples: Not all apples are created equal for baking. Stick to firmer varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to avoid a mushy filling.
• Skipping the resting time: Allow the pie to cool before cutting into it. This resting time allows the filling to set and prevents it from spilling out when sliced.

Serving and Presentation Tips

A beautiful Apple Crumble Pie deserves to be served with style. Here’s how to impress your guests:

How to Serve Apple Crumble Pie

1. Warm with Ice Cream: Serve a warm slice of Apple Crumble Pie with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm pie and cold ice cream is unbeatable.
2. With Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream can also make for a delightful topping.
3. Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle some caramel sauce over each slice for a sweet finishing touch.
4. With Custard: Serve with a side of homemade custard for a classic British twist.

Presentation Ideas for Apple Crumble Pie

• Rustic Charm: Serve the pie straight from the baking dish for a casual, homey vibe.
• Individual Portions: Cut the pie into small, neat slices and serve each slice on a dessert plate with a side of ice cream or whipped cream.
• Garnish with Fresh Fruit: Add a few slices of fresh apples or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top of the pie before serving.

Apple Crumble Pie Recipe Tips

• Pre-cook your apples: If you prefer a softer filling, you can lightly sauté the apple slices before placing them in the pie crust. This also reduces excess moisture.
• Chill the crumble topping: For a crispier topping, chill the crumble mixture for 10 minutes before adding it to the pie.
• Add a little cornstarch: If your apples tend to release a lot of liquid during baking, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch to the filling to thicken it.
• Don’t skip the lemon juice: It helps to balance out the sweetness of the apples and enhances the overall flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Apple Crumble Pie ahead of time?
A: Yes, Apple Crumble Pie can be made a day in advance. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then cover and store it at room temperature or in the fridge.

Q: Can I freeze Apple Crumble Pie?
A: Absolutely! Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

Q: Can I use canned apple pie filling?
A: Yes, if you're short on time, you can use canned apple pie filling. However, homemade filling offers better flavor and texture.

Q: How do I prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy?
A: Pre-baking (blind baking) the pie crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling can help prevent a soggy bottom crust.

Conclusion

Making the perfect Apple Crumble Pie doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right ingredients, a few helpful tips, and this step-by-step guide, you can create a mouthwatering dessert that will impress everyone. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner or a casual family gathering, Apple Crumble Pie is sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to try out some of the variations and serving ideas to make this recipe truly your own. Happy baking!

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