Apple Crumble Pie is a classic dessert that brings together the comforting flavors of sweet, spiced apples and a buttery, crumbly topping. This pie is a favorite for holidays, family gatherings, or any time you crave a warm, homemade treat. The combination of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a crisp, golden crumble topping creates a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
This recipe offers a traditional approach to making apple crumble pie, with tips for achieving the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying out pie-making for the first time, this guide will walk you through the process step by step, ensuring a delicious result every time.
Ingredients for Apple Crumble Pie
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup ice water (more if needed)
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium-sized apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works best)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
How to Make Apple Crumble Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough starts to come together. You may need more or less water, so add it slowly.
- Form the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gather it into a ball and flatten it into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel and Slice Apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix Filling Ingredients: Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and flour to the apples. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
Step 3: Roll Out the Pie Crust
- Roll Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and sides.
- Trim Edges: Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges as desired. Place the pie dish in the refrigerator while you prepare the crumble topping.
Step 4: Prepare the Crumble Topping
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Pie
- Add Filling: Remove the pie crust from the refrigerator and fill it with the prepared apple mixture.
- Top with Crumble: Sprinkle the crumble topping
evenly over the apples, covering the entire surface.
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.
- Cool: Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This cooling period helps the filling to set and makes it easier to slice.
About the Main Ingredients
Apples
Apples are the star ingredient in this pie, providing both sweetness and texture. Using a combination of tart and sweet varieties, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, ensures a balanced flavor. Granny Smith apples hold their shape well during baking, while Honeycrisp apples add natural sweetness and a juicy texture.
Butter
Butter is essential for creating a rich, flaky crust and a crumbly topping. It should be cold when incorporated into the dough or crumble mixture to prevent it from becoming greasy and to ensure a light, airy texture.
Flour
All-purpose flour is used to create the structure of the pie crust and crumble topping. It absorbs moisture and provides the necessary consistency to the dough and topping.
Sugar
Granulated and brown sugars are combined in the filling and topping to add sweetness and a caramelized flavor. Brown sugar, with its molasses content, also helps to deepen the flavor of the filling and topping.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg
These spices add warmth and depth to the pie. Cinnamon enhances the apple flavor, while nutmeg contributes a hint of complexity. Together, they create the comforting aroma of a homemade apple pie.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice brightens the flavors and helps to balance the sweetness of the apple filling. It also prevents the apples from browning and adds a subtle tanginess.
This Apple Crumble Pie recipe is a classic choice for any occasion and is sure to impress with its perfect blend of sweet, tart, and spiced flavors. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
