Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

If you're a fan of the classic apple pie but love the extra crunch of a crumbly topping, then apple crumble pie is the perfect dessert for you. Combining the juicy sweetness of baked apples with a buttery, crisp crumble topping, this pie offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. It’s perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual family dinners. This step-by-step guide will walk you through making a delicious homemade apple crumble pie, complete with tips, substitutions, and presentation ideas that will wow your guests.

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What is Apple Crumble Pie?

Apple crumble pie is a combination of two favorite desserts: apple pie and apple crumble. It features a traditional pie crust as the base, filled with a spiced apple filling, and topped with a buttery, crunchy crumble. The result is a comforting, rustic dessert that's sweet, tart, and perfectly spiced, with a satisfying crunch from the topping. This pie is best served warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Ingredients List for Apple Crumble Pie

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 4-5 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crumble Topping:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• ¾ cup rolled oats (optional)
• ½ cup chopped nuts (optional—pecans or walnuts work great)

Substitutions and Variations

This apple crumble pie is incredibly versatile, and you can easily make a few adjustments depending on your dietary preferences or the ingredients you have on hand.

• Pie Crust Options: If you're short on time, you can use a store-bought pie crust to save a step. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free pie crust recipe or mix.
• Sugar Substitutes: You can replace the sugars with coconut sugar, honey, or a sugar substitute like Stevia or erythritol for a lower-sugar option.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter in both the pie crust and crumble topping with a dairy-free butter alternative. Coconut oil can also work for the crumble topping, though it will give the pie a slight coconut flavor.
• Apple Varieties: Granny Smith apples are often used for their tartness, but you can use any combination of apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Golden Delicious for more sweetness or flavor complexity.
• Additions to the Filling: Add some dried cranberries or raisins to the apple filling for extra sweetness and texture. You could also add a tablespoon of bourbon or rum for a richer flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to make the perfect apple crumble pie from scratch, with a golden, flaky crust, juicy apple filling, and a sweet, crunchy crumble topping.

1. Prepare the Pie Crust:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
• Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix with a fork until the dough just comes together. It should be moist but not sticky.
• Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.
• Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Gently press the dough into the dish, trimming any excess around the edges. Refrigerate the crust while you prepare the filling and topping.

2. Make the Apple Filling:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• 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 evenly coated with the mixture.
• Set the apple filling aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the crumble topping.

3. Make the Crumble Topping:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
• Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Stir in the rolled oats and chopped nuts, if using. Set the topping aside.

4. Assemble the Pie:

• Remove the pie crust from the refrigerator and pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading it out evenly.
• Generously sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples, covering the entire surface of the pie.

5. Bake the Pie:

• Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
• After 20 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
• If the crust or topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
• Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

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

The process of making apple crumble pie is fairly straightforward but requires attention to detail to ensure you get a flaky crust, tender apples, and a crunchy topping. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Chill the Dough: Be sure to refrigerate the pie dough for at least 30 minutes to allow the butter to firm up. This ensures a flaky, crisp crust.
• Apple Preparation: Slice your apples uniformly to ensure even cooking. The apples should be tender but not mushy after baking, so aim for slices about ¼ inch thick.
• Crumble Topping: The key to a perfect crumble is using cold butter and working it into the flour and sugar mixture until you get a texture resembling coarse crumbs. Don’t overwork the butter—it should remain in small pieces to create that crumbly texture when baked.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple pie like this can go wrong if you're not careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Soggy Bottom Crust: To prevent a soggy crust, make sure the pie crust is fully chilled before adding the filling. Also, baking the pie at a higher temperature initially (400°F) helps set the bottom crust.
• Undercooked Apples: Make sure the apples are sliced evenly and give the pie enough time to bake. If you find your apples aren’t softening enough, you can precook them slightly in a pan before adding them to the pie.
• Overbrowning: If the top or edges of the pie are browning too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil partway through the bake.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Apple crumble pie is best served warm, allowing the juices from the apples to blend with the crunchy topping and buttery crust. Here are some ideas to present and serve it beautifully:

How to Serve Apple Crumble Pie:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination.
• For a more decadent option, drizzle caramel sauce over each slice.
• If you prefer whipped cream, a lightly sweetened dollop is also a great option to contrast the richness of the pie.

Presentation Ideas for Apple Crumble Pie:

• Garnish: Sprinkle the top of the pie with a little extra cinnamon or powdered sugar just before serving.
• Rustic Look: Serve the pie in the pie dish for a rustic, homestyle presentation.
• Mini Pies: For a fun variation, make mini apple crumble pies using small tart pans or even muffin tins. These are great for individual servings at parties or events.

Apple Crumble Pie Recipe Tips

Here are a few final tips to ensure your apple crumble pie turns out perfectly:

• Choose the Right Apples: Granny Smith apples are the go-to choice for their tartness and ability to hold their shape when baked, but mixing varieties like Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious can add complexity to the flavor.
• Chill the Crust: Chilling the pie dough is essential to keeping the butter cold, which results in a flakier crust when baked.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the pie in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and it can be baked the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make apple crumble pie ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the pie in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Alternatively, bake the pie ahead and reheat it in the oven for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Q: Can I freeze apple crumble pie?
A: Yes, you can freeze apple crumble pie either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap the pie

tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time. If freezing after baking, let the pie cool completely before wrapping and freezing. Thaw in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Q: How do I store leftover apple crumble pie?
A: Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave before serving for the best texture.

Conclusion

Apple crumble pie is the perfect comfort dessert, combining the best of both worlds: the flaky, buttery crust of a traditional apple pie with the sweet, crunchy topping of an apple crumble. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this pie is sure to become a family favorite. With the detailed instructions, tips, and variations in this guide, you’ll have no trouble baking up a delicious, perfectly balanced apple crumble pie. So grab your apples and get ready to bake a dessert that will impress everyone at the table!

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