Apple Crumble Pie Recipe: A Classic Fall Dessert with a Twist
Few desserts capture the essence of fall better than an Apple Crumble Pie. Combining the best of two classic desserts—apple pie and apple crumble—this recipe is the perfect balance of flaky crust, spiced apple filling, and a buttery, crumbly topping. It’s comfort food at its finest, making it an ideal choice for holiday celebrations, family dinners, or even a cozy night at home.
With its sweet and spiced aroma and irresistible combination of textures, this pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s get started and bake a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Crumble Pie
Here’s why this recipe will be your go-to dessert for fall and beyond:
- Best of Both Worlds:
It combines the structure of an apple pie with the buttery crunch of a crumble topping. - Simple and Delicious:
With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, this pie is as simple to make as it is delicious. - Perfect for Fall and Holidays:
The warm spices and tender apple filling make it a wonderful dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall gathering. - Customizable:
Add nuts, caramel drizzle, or serve it à la mode with ice cream for extra indulgence. - Make-Ahead Friendly:
Bake it in advance, and it’ll taste just as good (if not better) the next day.
Ingredients for Apple Crumble Pie
This recipe is made with three delicious layers: crust, apple filling, and crumble topping.
For the Crust
- Pie Crust: Use a store-bought crust for convenience or make a homemade crust for extra flavor.
For the Apple Filling
- Apples: Use tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
- Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: Sweetens the filling and adds a hint of caramel flavor.
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the apples perfectly.
- All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the filling slightly to prevent it from becoming watery.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness.
For the Crumble Topping
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the crumble.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a caramel-like depth.
- Rolled Oats: Gives the crumble a hearty texture and golden finish.
- Butter: Binds the crumble and creates a rich, buttery flavor.
- Optional Add-ins: Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Optional Add-ins and Toppings
- Caramel Drizzle: Add a drizzle of caramel for a decadent touch.
- Chopped Nuts: Fold walnuts or pecans into the crumble topping for added crunch.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
How to Make Apple Crumble Pie
Follow these simple steps to make this delicious dessert:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges as desired, then set aside.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled, cored, and sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping
- In a medium bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, and melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the apple filling.
Step 4: Bake
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite toppings.
Serving Suggestions
This Apple Crumble Pie is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing for warm apple pie.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel over each slice for an extra decadent touch.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for a light, creamy contrast.
- Coffee or Tea: Enjoy a slice with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy treat.
Tips for Perfect Apple Crumble Pie
- Choose the Right Apples: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during baking.
- Don’t Overfill the Pie: Leave some space at the edges to prevent the filling from spilling over.
- Use Cold Butter: For the crumble topping, cold butter creates a better crumbly texture than melted butter.
- Protect the Crust: Cover the edges with foil if they brown too quickly while baking.
- Let It Cool: Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing to let the filling set properly.
Apple Crumble Pie Recipe
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 store-bought or homemade 9-inch pie crust
For the Apple Filling
- 6 cups tart apples peeled, cored, and sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crumble Topping
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter cold and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pie crust and press it into a 9-inch pie dish. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice. Toss to coat evenly, then pour the filling into the pie crust.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the crumble topping. Add the cubed butter and use your fingers or a fork to mix until crumbly. Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the apple filling.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Cover the edges of the crust with foil if they brown too quickly.
- Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual slices in the oven or microwave.
- Freezing: Freeze the baked pie for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
- Make It Ahead: Prepare the crust and filling in advance, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.