Rustic Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

The Ultimate Apple Crumble Pie Recipe: Rustic Fall Dessert Magic

Sweet memories often dance around a classic apple crumble pie that whispers comfort and nostalgia.

Crisp autumn orchards inspire this delightful dessert with their ripe, juicy bounty.

Warm spices and buttery crumble create a magical harmony that melts hearts.

Homemade goodness fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas that beckon everyone closer.

Baking this pie feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of deliciousness.

Golden-brown layers promise a symphony of textures that crunch, melt, and surprise.

Each slice tells a story of tradition and love, inviting you to savor every blissful bite.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of apples for this pie?

Yes, you can mix varieties like Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness. Choose firm apples that hold their shape during baking.

  • How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding apple filling, and make sure to drain excess liquid from the apples to keep the crust crisp.

  • Is there a way to make the crumble topping extra crunchy?

Add some chopped nuts like pecans or rolled oats to the crumble mixture. This will create additional texture and a more complex flavor profile.

Apple Crumble Pie That’s Always a Favorite

  • Create Family Memories: This apple crumble pie brings everyone together with its warm, comforting flavors that spark conversation and create lasting memories around the dinner table.
  • Simplify Baking Process: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home cooks who want a delicious dessert without complicated techniques.
  • Versatile Dessert Option: Perfect for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a sweet weekend treat that satisfies everyone's craving for a classic homemade dessert with minimal preparation time.
  • Adaptable Flavor Profile: Easily customize the pie by experimenting with different apple varieties or adding a sprinkle of nutmeg to enhance the traditional cinnamon-sugar combination for a personalized touch.

Ingredients for Apple Crumble Pie

Pie Crust:
  • Pie Crust: A pre-prepared or homemade base that holds the apple filling and provides a crisp foundation for the dessert.
Fresh Fruit Filling:
  • Apples: Tart and sweet fruit slices that form the core of this classic dessert and provide natural sweetness.
  • Lemon Juice: Bright citrus liquid that prevents apple browning and adds a subtle tangy flavor.
Crumble Topping Ingredients:
  • Flour: Dry ingredient that helps create a crisp and textured topping for the pie.
  • Butter: Rich dairy product that adds moisture and helps bind the crumble together.
  • Brown Sugar: Sweet ingredient that caramelizes during baking and provides a deep, rich flavor to the topping.
Spice and Seasoning:
  • Sugar, Cinnamon: Warm spice and sweetener that enhance the natural apple flavor and add depth to the dessert.

How to Make Apple Crumble Pie

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) so it’s perfectly ready for baking.

Step 2: Prepare Apple Filling

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine:
  • Sliced apples
  • Granulated sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • All-purpose flour

Gently toss these ingredients until apples are evenly coated with a delightful sweet mixture.

Step 3: Create Pie Base

Transfer the apple mixture into a prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

Step 4: Whip Up Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, blend together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Softened butter
  • Rich brown sugar

Mix until the ingredients form a crumbly, delectable texture.

Step 5: Sprinkle And Cover

Generously distribute the crumble topping over the apple filling, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 6: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the pie into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes.

Watch for a golden-brown topping and tender, bubbling apples.

Step 7: Cool And Serve

Allow the pie to rest and slightly cool before slicing.

Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this classic dessert.

Tips for Apple Crumble Pie Success

  • Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture in your pie.
  • Slice apples uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent softness throughout the dessert.
  • Drain excess liquid from apple mixture to prevent a soggy bottom crust and maintain a crisp base.
  • Tent the pie with aluminum foil halfway through baking if the crumble topping browns too quickly, protecting it from burning.
  • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.

Variations on Apple Crumble Pie

  • Gluten-Free Apple Crumble Pie: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Apple Crumble Pie: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, use plant-based sugar to create a dairy-free dessert.
  • Low-Sugar Apple Crumble Pie: Substitute regular sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reduce overall sugar content for a healthier option.
  • Spiced Autumn Apple Crumble Pie: Add nutmeg, cardamom, and ginger to the apple mixture for a warming seasonal flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Apple Crumble Pie

  • Cozy Family Dessert Night: Serve warm slices with vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful contrast between hot pie and cold creamy scoop.
  • Rustic Autumn Gathering: Present the pie on a wooden board with cinnamon sticks and fresh apple slices for a charming seasonal display.
  • Breakfast Surprise Twist: Pair a slice with morning coffee or tea, transforming this dessert into a delectable breakfast treat that feels indulgent yet comforting.
  • Elegant Dinner Finale: Plate individual slices with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a small mint leaf, elevating the presentation for a sophisticated dessert course.

Storage Tips for Apple Crumble Pie

  • Store leftover apple crumble pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap the pie loosely with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to protect it from absorbing other food odors.
  • Freeze whole or individual slices in an airtight container for maximum 2 months, ensuring the crumble topping remains crisp.
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Rustic Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

Rustic Apple Crumble Pie Recipe


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4.7 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Homemade apple crumble pie celebrates classic American dessert traditions with layers of sweet cinnamon-spiced apples and buttery streusel topping. Warm slices pair perfectly with vanilla ice cream, inviting you to savor each comforting bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Filling:

  • 6 cups (1.4 kg) peeled, sliced apples
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Crumble Topping:

  • 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and position the rack in the center.
  2. Combine apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and flour in a mixing bowl, ensuring each slice is evenly coated.
  3. Gently pour the seasoned apple mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it uniformly across the base.
  4. Create the crumble topping by blending flour, softened butter, and brown sugar until the mixture resembles coarse, crumbly texture.
  5. Distribute the crumble topping generously and evenly over the apple filling, covering the entire surface.
  6. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crumble and bubbling apple filling.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow the pie to rest and cool for 15-20 minutes, which helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.
  8. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Notes

  • Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture that holds up during baking.
  • Toast the crumble topping ingredients briefly before assembling to enhance the nutty, caramelized flavor profile.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend in both the filling and crumble topping.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the apple mixture for a subtle, warming depth of flavor that complements the cinnamon.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 242
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 2 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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