Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

If you’re searching for the perfect dessert that combines the comforting flavors of apples, cinnamon, and a buttery, crunchy topping, look no further than this Apple Crumble Pie Recipe. This easy-to-follow recipe offers a delightful balance of tart, sweet apples and a buttery crumble, baked to perfection in a flaky pie crust. Whether you're an experienced baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this guide will walk you through the entire process to ensure your pie is a showstopper. Ready to wow your family and friends? Keep reading for all the essential details, tips, and tricks you need to make the best apple crumble pie ever!

What is Apple Crumble Pie?

Apple Crumble Pie is a delicious hybrid between two iconic desserts: apple pie and apple crumble. It has a classic apple pie filling, loaded with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, but instead of a traditional double crust, it’s topped with a crunchy, sweet crumble made from flour, butter, and sugar. The result? A mouthwatering combination of tender, juicy apples with a golden-brown, buttery topping that adds texture and flavor to every bite.

Ingredients List for Apple Crumble Pie

To make the perfect apple crumble pie, gather the following ingredients. Be sure to use fresh, high-quality items for the best results:

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 4-5 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-7 medium Granny Smith apples (or any tart, firm apples), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Crumble Topping:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup old-fashioned oats
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about baking is that you can adjust recipes to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are some substitutions and variations to try in this Apple Crumble Pie:

• Apples: While Granny Smith apples are the classic choice because of their tartness, you can experiment with other varieties such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or a combination for added depth of flavor.
• Sweeteners: If you're looking for a healthier option, substitute the granulated and brown sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener.
• Gluten-Free: Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Vegan Option: Replace the butter in both the pie crust and crumble with a plant-based butter or coconut oil for a vegan-friendly version of the pie.
• Spices: Don’t limit yourself to just cinnamon and nutmeg! Try adding a pinch of cloves, cardamom, or ginger to enhance the flavor profile of the pie filling.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Apple Crumble Pie may seem daunting, but by breaking it down into manageable steps, you’ll find that it’s much simpler than you think. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you make a pie that not only tastes delicious but looks amazing as well.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter: Using a pastry cutter or your hands, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork it.
4. Chill: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Slice the Apples: While the dough chills, peel, core, and slice your apples into ¼-inch slices.
2. Toss with Sugar and Spices: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugars, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Toss until the apples are well coated.

Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Cut in Butter: Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the topping forms small clumps.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Roll Out the Dough: Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle, about ⅛ inch thick. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish.
2. Add the Filling: Spoon the prepared apple filling into the pie crust, mounding it slightly in the center.
3. Add the Crumble: Generously sprinkle the crumble topping over the apple filling, covering the entire surface.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake the Pie: Place the pie on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
3. Cool: Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before serving to let the filling set.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not chilling the dough: If the pie crust dough isn’t chilled, it can become too soft, making it difficult to handle and leading to a less flaky crust.
• Over-mixing the crumble: Avoid over-mixing the crumble topping. You want it to stay clumpy for the perfect texture.
• Not allowing the pie to cool: As tempting as it is to dive right in, letting the pie cool will allow the filling to thicken and make slicing easier.
• Using the wrong apples: Soft apples can become mushy in the pie. Stick to firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your Apple Crumble Pie has cooled, it’s time to serve it up. The presentation of a pie can make all the difference, especially if you're serving it for a special occasion.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Pie

1. Slicing the Pie: Use a sharp knife to slice through the crispy crumble and tender filling. Make sure to cut cleanly through the crust for perfect slices.
2. With Ice Cream: Serve warm slices of pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing. The combination of warm pie and cold ice cream is irresistible.
3. With Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of each slice adds a light and airy contrast to the dense filling and crunchy topping.

Presentation Ideas for Apple Crumble Pie

1. Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a simple, elegant touch, dust the top of the pie with powdered sugar just before serving.
2. Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: Add a rich, indulgent element by drizzling warm caramel sauce over each slice.
3. Garnish with Fresh Apple Slices: Thinly slice a few apple pieces and fan them out on the side of each plate for a beautiful presentation.

Apple Crumble Pie Recipe Tips

• Prep in Advance: Make the pie crust and topping ahead of time, and store them in the fridge. This saves time when you're ready to assemble the pie.
• Use a Pie Shield: If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with a pie shield or foil to prevent burning.
• Reheat for Leftovers: If you have leftovers, reheat slices in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) for that freshly baked flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make Apple Crumble Pie Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can make the pie a day in advance. Simply cover it and store it at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the oven before serving for the best taste and texture.

Can I Freeze Apple Crumble Pie?

Absolutely! You can freeze the pie before baking or after it’s been baked. If freezing unbaked, assemble the pie and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Bake it directly from the freezer, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time. For baked pies, freeze after cooling and reheat in the oven.

What Are the Best Apples to Use in Apple Crumble Pie?

Tart apples like Granny Smith are the best for baking because they hold their shape and don’t become too mushy. For a sweeter twist, you can mix in Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious apples.

How Long Does Apple Crumble Pie Last?

Apple Crumble Pie can last for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If refrigerated, it can last up to 5 days. Be sure to reheat before serving for the best flavor.

Conclusion

Apple Crumble Pie is a delightful dessert that brings together the best of both worlds: a flaky pie crust and a sweet, crunchy crumble. With this recipe, you can enjoy a delicious homemade pie filled with spiced apples and topped with a buttery oat crumble that will impress your friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this easy recipe ensures great results every time. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and start baking today! Your taste buds will thank you.

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