Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

I absolutely love how this Apple Crumble Pie Recipe brings together the best of both worlds: the tender, juicy apples you crave in a pie and that irresistible crumbly topping that makes each bite feel like a cozy hug. It’s the kind of dessert that instantly feels like a warm, inviting fall afternoon in your kitchen – perfect for family gatherings or when you just want a little homemade comfort. I discovered this recipe when I was searching for a way to enjoy apple pie with a twist, and it has since become one of my go-tos every apple season.

When you make this Apple Crumble Pie Recipe, you’ll find it’s surprisingly straightforward, yet it delivers that wow factor every time. The clouds of cinnamon-spiced crumble add an amazing texture contrast that makes this pie far more exciting than a plain apple filling. Plus, freezing the crust first and carefully balancing the moisture with flour and lemon juice keeps the crust crisp and the filling just right. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be hard to go back to any other apple pie.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Crumble Pie Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that work so well together to create its signature flavor and texture. Choosing firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp really helps the filling hold up while baking, so I always recommend picking fresh, crisp apples.

• Pie crust: Using a good quality chilled pie crust makes the base flaky and sturdy enough to hold the filling and crumble.
• All-purpose flour: For both the crumble topping and to thicken the filling; it helps everything hold together while baking.
• Light brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel flavor to the crumble topping – makes it taste like little bites of buttery heaven.
• Cinnamon: Essential for warming spice that pairs beautifully with apples.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the sweetness and flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Melted and cooled butter is the secret to achieving perfect crumble texture.
• Lemon juice: Keeps apple slices bright and prevents browning while balancing the sweetness.
• Apples: I recommend Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for a hint of natural sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the tart apples.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds just a subtle depth alongside the cinnamon in the filling.

Variations

I love how flexible this Apple Crumble Pie Recipe is – you can easily tweak it to your liking or to what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the mix-ins or toppings to keep it fresh and exciting every time you make it.

• Spiced Up: I sometimes add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom to the filling for a slightly different warm spice blend that my family adores.
• Nutty Crumble: A handful of chopped walnuts or pecans stirred into the crumble topping adds delightful crunch and flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend; just keep an eye on your crumble texture and adjust butter accordingly.
• Extra Fruity: Add a handful of fresh or frozen berries (like raspberries) to the apple filling for a tart twist.

How to Make Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Chill Your Pie Crust

First, roll out your chilled pie dough into a 12- to 14-inch circle – I like to lightly flour my surface to prevent sticking. Transfer it carefully to a 9-inch pie dish and trim the edges so you have about a 1-inch overhang, then fold that excess under and crimp the edges for a beautiful finish. Pop this in the freezer while you get to work on the filling and crumble; freezing helps the crust hold its shape and stay flaky during baking.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

Mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Pour in your melted butter, but make sure it’s cooled to room temperature so it doesn’t melt the sugar causing a gooey mess. Stir until you see large crumbs forming – if it clumps together too much, chill it for a few minutes, then break it apart with your fingers. The goal is light, sandy bits that bake up crisp and golden.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel, core, and slice your apples evenly to about ⅛-inch thick; this ensures they bake uniformly without some pieces turning mushy and others staying crunchy. Toss the slices immediately with lemon juice to keep them from browning. Next, sprinkle in the granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and toss well until the apples are evenly coated. Be generous here — I always pack the apples slightly mound-shaped in the crust, which helps them settle nicely during baking and creates that classic pie look.

Step 4: Bake in Two Temps

Place your pie on a rimmed baking sheet (a game changer for catching any bubbling over juices!). Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes to help set the crust initially, then reduce the temperature to 350°F. Remove the pie briefly and sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples. Continue baking for about 1 hour, or until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles invitingly. If you notice the edges or crumble browning too quickly, shield them with aluminum foil – this little trick saves your pie from burning.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Patience is key here — let your pie cool completely at room temperature for about 4 hours before slicing. This helps the filling set beautifully so each slice holds together. If you prefer a warm slice, just reheat individual servings later and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Trust me, it’s pure magic!

How to Serve Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this apple crumble pie with a big scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream because the contrast between warm pie and cold ice cream is heavenly. A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce also adds a lovely finishing touch – it makes every slice look like a special occasion.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a warm spiced chai tea. For a heartier dessert spread, I like to add a light whipped cream and some toasted nuts on the side. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings or a casual weekend treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I like to serve the pie in individual mini ramekins topped with crumble, making it easier to customize portions and impress guests with a rustic, homemade look. Another idea is to serve it with cinnamon sticks as garnishes or a sprig of fresh rosemary for a festive aroma that complements the spices in the pie.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The next day, slices still taste fantastic and the crumble retains some crispness as it sits. Just plan for pie to keep well for up to 3-4 days refrigerated.

Freezing

If I want to make this Apple Crumble Pie Recipe in advance, I freeze it unbaked after assembling both filling and crumble on the crust. When ready to eat, I bake it straight from the freezer, adding extra time until bubbly and golden. Freezing fully baked pie works too but I prefer freezing before baking for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I warm individual slices in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, which refreshes the crumble topping nicely without making the crust soggy. Microwave works in a pinch but can sacrifice texture, so oven is my top choice for serving pie warm.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Crumble Pie Recipe really feels like a gift you give your family and friends – each bite is a perfect blend of sweet, tart, buttery, and spicy. I’ve found it’s one of the most rewarding pies to make because it always delights and makes people smile. If you’re a fan of fruit pies and love a crunchy twist on classic desserts, you’ve got to give this a try. I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of this pie and add it to your own baking rituals!

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