Flaky Apple Crumble Pie Recipe: A Sweet Fall Classic

Baking a heavenly apple crumble pie always feels like wrapping yourself in a warm, comforting blanket of nostalgia.

Crisp autumn afternoons inspire memories of grandma’s kitchen and sweet aromas wafting through the house.

Buttery pastry and tender apples combine in a dessert that speaks directly to your soul.

Cinnamon and nutmeg dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that whisper of home and happiness.

Perfectly balanced between rustic charm and elegant simplicity, this recipe promises to become your new favorite autumn treat.

Craving something that feels like a delicious hug?

Dive into this delightful creation and let every bite tell a story of comfort and joy.

Apple Crumble Pie Recipe You’ll Adore

• Boost Comfort with Homemade Goodness: Dive into a classic dessert that wraps you in warm, nostalgic flavors straight from grandma's kitchen.
• Craft a Show-Stopping Dessert: Impress family and friends with a stunning pie that looks professionally baked but requires minimal culinary skills.
• Quick and Adaptable Baking: Mix and match apple varieties, adjust spice levels, and prepare most components ahead of time for a stress-free baking experience.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Delight: Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, and weekend family meals that bring everyone together with its irresistible aroma and taste.

Ingredients for Apple Crumble Pie

• Flour: A key base ingredient that provides structure for the pie crust.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.
• Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the pie crust.
• Butter: Creates a rich, flaky texture in the crust.
• Ice Water: Helps bind the crust ingredients together.

• Apples: The star ingredient that provides the main flavor and texture of the pie.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the apple filling.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
• Flour: Helps thicken the apple filling.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the apple flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and prevents apple browning.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the filling.

• Flour, Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Salt: Creates a sweet and spiced crumbly texture.
• Butter: Helps bind the crumble and adds richness to the topping.

How to Bake Apple Crumble Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Mix flour, salt, and sugar in a big bowl.

Gently cut in cold butter until the mixture looks like rough pebbles.

Slowly add icy water, one spoonful at a time, until the dough comes together smoothly.

Shape into a round disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.

Step 2: Shape the Crust

Roll out the chilled dough on a flour-dusted surface.

Carefully transfer to a 9-inch pie dish.

Trim the extra dough and create a decorative edge by pinching or pressing with a fork.

Step 3: Create the Apple Filling

Peel and slice fresh apples into thin pieces.

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Flour
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract

Pour the fragrant apple mixture into the prepared pie crust.

Step 4: Mix the Crumble Topping

• Flour
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Cut in cold butter until the mixture becomes crumbly and looks like coarse sand.

Sprinkle this delicious topping evenly over the apple filling.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake the pie for 45-55 minutes until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the apple filling starts bubbling.

If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the pie rest and cool slightly.

Serve warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert that will make everyone’s mouth water.

Tips for Perfect Apple Crumble Pie

• Brush the bottom crust with beaten egg white before adding apple filling to create a protective barrier that keeps the pastry crisp.
• Choose firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape and provide balanced flavor during baking.
• Keep all ingredients and tools ice-cold when making the crust to ensure maximum butter preservation and ultimate tenderness.
• Chill the crumble mixture before sprinkling to help maintain distinct, crunchy clusters and prevent over-browning during baking.
• Add a pinch of ground cardamom or grated fresh ginger to the apple mixture for a subtle, unexpected warmth that complements the traditional spices.

Variations for Apple Crumble Pie

• Gluten-Free Apple Crumble Pie: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend in both crust and crumble topping. Use certified gluten-free ingredients for safe preparation.
• Vegan Apple Crumble Pie: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use plant-based milk to bind crust and replace eggs with ground flaxseed mixture.
• Low-Sugar Apple Crumble Pie: Swap granulated sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use tart apples like Granny Smith to reduce overall sugar content. Add extra cinnamon for natural sweetness.
• Nutty Apple Crumble Pie: Incorporate chopped pecans or almonds into crumble topping. Sprinkle crushed nuts over filling for added texture and rich, warm flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Apple Crumble Pie

• Cozy Comfort Companion: Serve this warm apple crumble pie with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful contrast between the hot, spiced filling and the cool, creamy dessert.
• Rustic Breakfast Twist: Transform leftover pie slices into a morning treat by briefly warming them in the oven and pairing with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea for a luxurious start to your day.
• Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: Garnish each slice with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans to add texture and elevate the visual appeal of this classic dessert.
• Seasonal Serving Style: During autumn, complement the pie with a drizzle of caramel sauce and serve alongside a mug of spiced apple cider for a truly festive and warming experience.

How to Store Apple Crumble Pie

• Store leftover apple crumble pie in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the pie away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Wrap the cooled pie completely in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Place a label with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Remove pie from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cover edges with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• Why do I need to refrigerate the pie dough?

Chilling helps the butter solidify, creating a flaky, tender crust by preventing the fat from melting before baking.

• How do I know my apples are ripe for the pie?

Choose firm apples that are slightly tart like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They should be crisp and not soft or mushy when gently squeezed.

• Can I make the pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it, then reheat in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore the crisp texture.

Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Grandma’s classic apple crumble pie combines sweet-tart Granny Smith apples with a buttery, crumbly topping that melts in your mouth. Cinnamon-spiced layers promise comfort and nostalgia for home cooks seeking a delightful dessert.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients (Filling and Topping):

• 4 large apples
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes

Additional Ingredients:

• 3 – 4 tablespoons ice water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375F (190C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center.
2. Create the pastry dough by mixing flour, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Incorporate chilled butter using a pastry cutter until the texture resembles coarse, uneven crumbs. Introduce ice water gradually, blending until the dough coheres. Form into a compact disk, encase in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
3. Retrieve the chilled dough and roll out on a generously floured surface. Carefully transfer to a 9-inch pie dish, trimming excess edges and creating a decorative crimped border.
4. Prepare the apple mixture by peeling and slicing apples into uniform pieces. Combine with granulated and brown sugars, flour, warming spices, tangy lemon juice, and fragrant vanilla extract. Thoroughly coat apple slices and transfer to the prepared pie crust.
5. Craft the crumble topping by whisking together flour, both sugars, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. Cut in cold butter until the mixture develops a loose, sandy consistency. Distribute the crumble evenly across the apple filling, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Bake for 45-55 minutes, monitoring until the topping turns a rich golden brown and the apple filling becomes effervescent and bubbling. If the crust edges darken too quickly, shield with aluminum foil.
7. Allow the pie to rest and cool for at least 30 minutes, enabling the filling to set. Serve slightly warm, optionally accompanied by a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.

Notes

• Enhance butter crust flakiness by freezing butter for 15 minutes before cutting into flour mixture.
• Prevent apple browning by tossing sliced apples immediately in lemon juice to maintain fresh color and prevent oxidation.
• Select firm, tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for optimal texture and balanced sweetness in the filling.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with almond or coconut flour in both crust and crumble topping.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 106 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 74 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 0.4 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg