There is something incredibly comforting and irresistibly delicious about a warm, fragrant apple dessert, and this Apple Crumble Pie Recipe truly captures that magic. With tender, cinnamon-spiced apples nestled in a buttery pie crust, and crowned with a crisp, golden crumble topping, every bite feels like a cozy hug. Whether it’s for a family gathering, a holiday treat, or simply a weekend indulgence, this pie brings together simple ingredients that transform into a melt-in-your-mouth sensation. Trust me, once you master this Apple Crumble Pie Recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Apple Crumble Pie Recipe relies on straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that perfectly balance each other to create the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each element plays a vital role, from the buttery crust that holds everything together to the sweet-tart apples and the cinnamon-spiced crumble topping that adds that extra burst of love.
- Pie crust (unbaked): The sturdy base that provides a flaky, buttery foundation for the filling.
- Flour (½ cup): Used both in the crumble topping and tossed with apples to help thicken the filling.
- Butter (½ cup, cold): Cold butter pulses into the flour and sugar to create that irresistible crumbly topping texture.
- White sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the topping beautifully without overpowering.
- Apples (8 cups peeled, cored, and thinly sliced): The star ingredient – ideally tart and crisp for the best flavor contrast in the pie.
- Sugar (¾ cup): Balances the tartness in the apples and caramelizes slightly while baking.
- Flour (3 tbsp): Helps thicken the juicy filling once the apples start releasing their natural juices.
- Ground cinnamon (1-1½ tbsp): Adds that warm, fragrant spice that makes the pie unmistakably cozy.
How to Make Apple Crumble Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with foil to catch any drips. Then, press your unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate, carefully crimping or fluting the edges so it fits snugly. This creates the perfect base that will hold all those juicy apples and that delicious topping without sweating or sogginess.
Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping
In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, and cold butter. Pulse the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs—that crumbly texture is what makes the topping so wonderfully crisp and buttery when baked. This simple step elevates the whole Apple Crumble Pie Recipe experience by adding a delightful contrast to the soft apple filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling
Take the peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples and toss them in a large mixing bowl with the flour, cinnamon, and sugar. This coating ensures each apple slice is perfectly spiced and sweetened while the flour helps thicken the juices released during baking, preventing the pie from becoming soggy.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Carefully pour your coated apple mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Then, generously sprinkle your freshly made crumble topping all over the apples, covering the entire surface. This layering creates that classic harmony of soft, tender apples and crunchy, buttery topping that makes this Apple Crumble Pie Recipe such a timeless treat.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Place your pie on the foil-lined baking sheet and pop it into the oven for about 60 minutes, or until the crumble is golden brown and the apples are tender when poked with a fork. After baking, let the pie sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to set up—it makes slicing easier and flavors meld even better.
How to Serve Apple Crumble Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A warm slice of this Apple Crumble Pie Recipe is divine on its own, but adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce instantly takes it to another level of indulgence. These simple touches enhance the pie’s warmth and fruity richness, making each bite even more comforting.
Side Dishes
For an extra-special dessert presentation, pair your apple crumble pie with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or a rich, full-bodied coffee. The spices and boldness of these drinks complement the cinnamon and sweetness in the pie perfectly, rounding out the experience wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the pie in individual ramekins or deep-dish mini pie dishes for a charming personal touch at gatherings. You can also sprinkle some toasted chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top of the crumble before baking for added texture and nuttiness that elevates the classic recipe with a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pie covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, keep the pie refrigerated, tightly covered, where it will last for up to four days without losing its delightful texture or flavor.
Freezing
This Apple Crumble Pie Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen pie can be kept for up to three months and baked straight from frozen, adding an extra 15 to 20 minutes to the baking time until heated through and bubbly.
Reheating
To reheat, warm slices in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as reheating in the oven helps preserve the crisp crumble topping and avoids sogginess. This way, every bite will taste as fresh as when it was first baked.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this Apple Crumble Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! Combining tart apples like Granny Smith with sweeter varieties such as Fuji or Honeycrisp can create a wonderful balance of flavor and texture. Just make sure to use firm apples that hold their shape when baked.
What if I don’t have a food processor for the crumble topping?
No problem! You can use two forks or a pastry cutter to cut the cold butter into the flour and sugar until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It might take a bit more elbow grease, but the result will be just as delicious.
Can I make this Apple Crumble Pie Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures cup for cup. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the texture right.
Is it better to peel the apples or leave the skins on?
Peeling the apples results in a smoother filling and a more classic texture for this pie, but if you love a bit of extra chew and added nutrients, feel free to leave the skins on. Just wash the apples thoroughly first.
How do I avoid a soggy bottom crust?
Using flour to coat the apples helps absorb excess juices. Additionally, pre-baking the crust slightly (blind baking) before adding the filling or placing the pie on a foil-lined baking sheet to catch drips can help keep the crust crisp and delicious.
Final Thoughts
Making this Apple Crumble Pie Recipe is one of those gratifying kitchen adventures that fills your home with irresistible aromas and delivers mouthwatering results every single time. It’s a timeless dessert that feels both familiar and special, perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply savoring on your own. So don’t wait—grab those apples and get baking. You’re about to experience a little slice of pie heaven!
Print
Apple Crumble Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes plus 30 minutes cooling
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Apple Crumble Pie features a flaky unbaked pie crust filled with a spiced apple mixture and topped with a buttery, crumbly topping. Baked to golden perfection, this dessert is perfect served warm or at room temperature, ideally paired with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 pie crust (unbaked)
Crumble Topping
- ½ cup flour
- ½ cup cold butter
- ½ cup white sugar
Apple Filling
- 8 cups peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples
- ¾ cup sugar
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1 to 1½ tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with foil, then set it aside. This will catch any drips from the pie and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate. Crimp or flute the edges to shape the crust neatly and keep the filling contained during baking.
- Make Crumble Topping: In a food processor, combine the flour, white sugar, and cold butter cut into pieces. Pulse the mixture until it reaches a crumbly texture, resembling coarse crumbs. This topping will add a rich, crunchy layer over the apples.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced apples with flour, ground cinnamon, and sugar. Make sure the apples are evenly coated to ensure balanced sweetness and spice throughout the pie.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the spiced apple mixture into the prepared pie crust and spread it evenly. Then sprinkle the prepared crumble topping generously over the apples to cover the filling completely.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie on the prepared foil-lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until the topping is lightly browned and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool and set for about 30 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the filling thicken for clean slices.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve the apple crumble pie warm or at room temperature, accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired for a delightful contrast of warm and cold.
Notes
- Using cold butter for the crumble topping helps achieve a better texture.
- You can adjust the cinnamon quantity to taste, adding more if you prefer a spicier flavor.
- If fresh apples are not available, frozen sliced apples that are thawed and drained can be used.
- To prevent a soggy bottom crust, ensure apples are well coated with flour before filling.
- Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
