This is not just any apple pie—it’s a pie with a crumble topping that adds a rich, buttery crunch to every bite. The apple filling is perfectly spiced and not overly sweet, allowing the natural tartness of the apples to shine. It’s easy to make and even easier to love, making it ideal for both casual family dinners and festive gatherings. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got dessert perfection.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
All-purpose flour
Lemon juice
Unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)
Rolled oats (optional, for added texture in the crumble)
Salt
Directions
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place a rack in the center.
Prepare the pie crust: Roll out the pie crust and press it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges as desired. Chill in the refrigerator while you make the filling and topping.
Make the apple filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly. Toss them in a bowl with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Set aside to let the flavors develop.
Make the crumble topping: In another bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and oats (if using). Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble the pie: Spoon the apple filling into the prepared crust, mounding it slightly in the center. Evenly distribute the crumble topping over the apples.
Bake the pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, tent the pie with foil.
Cool before serving: Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set before slicing.
Servings and timing
This Apple Crumble Pie serves 8 people. Prep time: 30 minutes Bake time: 55 minutes Cool time: 2 hours Total time: about 3 hours 25 minutes
Variations
Dutch apple pie style: Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract to the filling for extra flavor.
Add nuts: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping for a crunchy twist.
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free crust and substitute gluten-free flour in the topping.
Vegan version: Use a vegan pie crust and substitute plant-based butter in the crumble.
Spice it up: Add a bit of ground ginger or cardamom for a more complex spice profile.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover apple crumble pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or place the entire pie in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes. You can also freeze the pie, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
What are the best apples to use for apple crumble pie?
A mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, works best for a balanced flavor and texture.
Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes, a good-quality store-bought crust works perfectly and saves time. Just make sure to pre-chill it before filling.
Should I peel the apples?
Yes, peeling the apples creates a smoother texture and prevents tough skins in the finished pie.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can bake the pie a day in advance and reheat it before serving for a freshly baked feel.
How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Chilling the crust before baking and using flour in the filling to absorb excess moisture helps keep the crust crisp.
Can I make the crumble topping in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the crumble topping and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before assembling the pie.
What’s the difference between apple pie and apple crumble pie?
Apple pie typically has a double crust, while apple crumble pie replaces the top crust with a streusel-style crumb topping.
Can I freeze apple crumble pie?
Yes, the pie freezes well. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Do I need to pre-cook the apples?
No, the apples will cook perfectly in the oven. Slicing them thinly ensures they become tender as the pie bakes.
What can I serve with apple crumble pie?
Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce are all excellent accompaniments.
Conclusion
This Apple Crumble Pie is a delightful blend of classic flavors and textures, making it a must-have dessert for any occasion. The spiced apple filling and buttery crumble topping offer a comforting, homemade taste that’s both nostalgic and satisfying. Whether you serve it warm with ice cream or enjoy it on its own, this pie will quickly become a favorite in your dessert lineup.
This Apple Crumble Pie features tender, cinnamon-spiced apples in a flaky crust, topped with a buttery streusel crumble. A cozy, comforting dessert perfect for holidays or any time you’re craving a warm slice of homemade pie.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:30 minutes
Cook Time:55 minutes
Total Time:3 hours 25 minutes (includes cooling)
Yield:8 servings
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
6 cups sliced apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for filling)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
Crumble Topping:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup rolled oats (optional)
1/4 tsp salt
6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and place a rack in the center of the oven.
Roll out and press the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp edges as desired. Chill in the fridge while preparing the filling and topping.
Peel, core, and thinly slice apples. Toss with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
For the crumble topping, mix flour, brown sugar, oats (if using), and salt in a bowl. Add cold butter and use a pastry cutter or fingers to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Spoon the apple filling into the chilled pie crust, mounding slightly in the center.
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
Let cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow filling to set.
Notes
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch.Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for best flavor.Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for extra spice.For a gluten-free version, use GF crust and GF flour in the topping.Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
