Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Apple Crumble Pie Recipe with you because it beautifully combines the classic comfort of a tender apple pie with the irresistible crunch of a buttery crumble topping. When I first tried making this, I was amazed at how the textures and flavors worked together so perfectly, making it a real crowd-pleaser that’s just right for family get-togethers or cozy weekend baking sessions.

You’ll find that this apple crumble pie recipe works wonderfully any time you want a rustic dessert that’s both satisfying and a little bit special. It’s your go-to when you want to impress without fussing over something complicated — and trust me, the blend of sweet-tart apples with spiced crumble topping will keep everyone coming back for seconds.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a little intro to the ingredients you’ll use – they all work in harmony to deliver that classic apple pie flavor with a twist of irresistible crumbly topping. Plus, I’ve got some tips so you pick the best apples and make your crumble extra special.

• Basic pie dough: I love making my own, but store-bought works great if you’re in a hurry – just keep it chilled for easy rolling.
• Sweet-tart apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): These apples hold their shape well and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.
• Fresh lemon juice: A splash of lemon brightens up the apples and keeps them from browning while prepping.
• Brown sugar: Adds delicious caramel notes that deepen as the pie bakes.
• All-purpose flour: It’s used in both filling and topping to thicken and give structure.
• Ground cinnamon: Essential for that warm, cozy fall flavor we all adore.
• Freshly grated nutmeg (optional): I like just a hint to add a subtle spice complexity.
• Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies flavors throughout.
• Finely chopped walnuts: For added crunch and nuttiness in the crumble topping.
• Ground allspice (optional): A little goes a long way to enhance the spice profile in the crumble.
• Butter: Melted butter in the crumble topping gives it that golden, rich finish everyone loves.

Variations

I like to mix things up with this Apple Crumble Pie Recipe sometimes, depending on what I have in the pantry or the season. You shouldn’t feel locked into the exact spices or nuts—feel free to put your own flair on it.

• Add fresh ginger: Once, I added a teaspoon of grated ginger to the apples, and my family loved the extra warmth it brought to the pie.
• Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds: Different nuts bring their own texture and flavor to the crumble topping, so try what you have on hand or what you enjoy most.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute gluten-free flour blend for the crumble topping to adapt the recipe without sacrificing taste.
• Use dried fruit or berries: Mixing in some dried cranberries or fresh blackberries with the apples can add a seasonal twist that’s delightful for holidays.

How to Make Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 425ºF and placing a baking sheet on the middle rack — this helps catch any drips and crisps the pie bottom nicely. Roll out your chilled pie dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle, then gently fit it into your 9-inch pie dish without stretching. Trim and tuck the edges to form a neat border. Pop this into the fridge for about 40 minutes or into the freezer for 20 minutes — chilling is key to avoid shrinking during baking.

Step 2: Mix the Apple Filling

While the crust chills, toss your sliced apples with lemon juice to keep them fresh and add a little zing. Stir in brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt until everything is well coated. This mixture not only flavors your apples but helps thicken the juices as the pie bakes, so you don’t end up with a soggy crust.

Step 3: Bake the Base and Prepare Crumble

Transfer those spiced apples into your chilled pie crust and place the whole pie on the preheated baking sheet. Bake it for 20 minutes — this jump-starts the cooking process so the filling softens without overcooking the crust. While it bakes, whisk together your crumble’s dry ingredients, then stir in melted butter until it looks like coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Add Crumble and Finish Baking

After the initial bake, take the pie out and sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples. Lower the oven temperature to 375ºF, return the pie on the baking sheet, and bake for another 45 to 55 minutes. Keep an eye on the crust; if it starts to brown too much, tent it gently with foil. The pie is ready when the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.

Step 5: Cool Before Serving

This one requires patience! Let it cool at room temperature for at least 3 hours—this rest time lets the filling set up, so when you slice it, you get those perfect, clean servings. It’s tough to wait, but trust me, it’s worth every minute.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance that warm sweetness with creamy coolness. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar or chopped nuts on top just for the extra crunch and eye appeal.

Side Dishes

Since this pie is a dessert, I love pairing it with a simple cup of cinnamon-spiced tea or hot coffee for a cozy finish. For a more festive meal, serve it alongside a cheese platter with sharp cheddar; the contrast is surprisingly delicious.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged mini apple crumble pies in individual ramekins, layering them with caramel drizzle on top. Another time, I served slices with a dusting of powdered sugar and edible flowers to elevate the rustic pie into something a bit more elegant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover apple crumble pie keeps wonderfully in the fridge, covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil, for up to 4 days. I like to bring it to room temp or warm slightly before serving to bring back that fresh-baked feel.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing whole or sliced pies wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge, then warm it in the oven for best texture. The crumble topping holds up surprisingly well!

Reheating

Reheat slices in a 350ºF oven for about 15 minutes to crisp the topping back up — avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crumble’s crunch. If the crust seems a bit soft after reheating, a quick broil for a minute or two helps.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Crumble Pie Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s one of those desserts that feel like a warm hug on a plate. It’s approachable, comforting, and endlessly adaptable — anytime I want to whip up something that tastes homemade and creates a bit of joy, this is my go-to. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and enjoy the same smiles and happy tummies it brings to my family and friends.

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