Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

If you're in the mood for a deliciously comforting dessert that's easy to make, you're in for a treat! This Apple Crumble Pie recipe blends the classic flavors of tart apples, warm spices, and a buttery, crumbly topping that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or as a sweet treat for your next gathering, this pie will leave everyone asking for seconds. Keep reading to get all the details on how to create the perfect Apple Crumble Pie, plus tips, variations, and answers to common questions!

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What is Apple Crumble Pie?

Apple Crumble Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the rich, flaky crust of a pie with the sweet, spiced filling of baked apples. On top, it features a crunchy and buttery crumble made from flour, sugar, and butter, adding a layer of texture and flavor that truly elevates this dish. Unlike a traditional double-crust apple pie, the crumble topping makes this dessert stand out, offering an enticing contrast to the soft apple filling. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to bake this delectable dessert!

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Ingredients List for Apple Crumble Pie

Before we get started with the detailed instructions, let's look at the ingredients you’ll need to create the pie crust, the apple filling, and the crumble topping. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-7 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ⅓ cup rolled oats (optional, for added texture)

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Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about Apple Crumble Pie is its versatility. You can easily swap out or add ingredients based on personal preferences or dietary needs.

• Apple Variety: Granny Smith apples are commonly used due to their tart flavor, which balances the sweetness of the pie. However, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or even a mix of different apple varieties can work wonderfully.
• Sweeteners: Instead of granulated sugar, you can try using coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey for a different depth of sweetness.
• Crust: Don’t have time to make your own crust? A store-bought pie crust will work in a pinch, but for the best flavor and texture, homemade is always recommended.
• Crumble Topping: Adding nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumble mix can add extra crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the apples beautifully.
• Spices: If you love spices, try adding a bit of ground ginger or allspice to the filling for extra warmth and complexity.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for both the crust and crumble topping to make this recipe gluten-free.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients gathered, it's time to get baking! Follow these easy steps to create the perfect Apple Crumble Pie.

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork it.
4. Form the dough into a ball, flatten into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

1. Peel, core, and slice your apples into thin wedges. Aim for slices about ¼-inch thick to ensure even baking.
2. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Set aside and allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Prepare the Crumble Topping

1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon.
2. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. If you like, mix in the oats for an extra crunchy texture.
3. Place the crumble topping in the refrigerator while you assemble the pie.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the chilled pie dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough into the dish and trim any excess. Crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
3. Pour the prepared apple filling into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
4. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples, ensuring it's fully covered.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

1. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
2. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the pie with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
3. Once done, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.

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How to Cook Apple Crumble Pie: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking an Apple Crumble Pie may seem daunting, but if you break it down into these easy steps, you’ll find it manageable and rewarding.

1. Prepare the Pie Crust: Cold butter and minimal handling are key to a flaky crust. Allow it to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up the dough.
2. Make the Apple Filling: Mix the apples with sugar, spices, and a bit of flour to create a thickened filling that won’t be too runny.
3. Prepare the Crumble Topping: Keep the butter cold and work it into the flour mixture until it's crumbly but holds its shape when pinched.
4. Assemble and Bake: Roll out the dough, fill with apples, and generously sprinkle with crumble topping. Bake until bubbly and golden brown!

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is quite simple, there are a few common mistakes that can affect your final product:

• Overworking the Dough: If you handle the pie crust too much, it can become tough rather than tender and flaky. Use a gentle touch.
• Soggy Crust: Prevent a soggy crust by ensuring your apples aren’t too juicy. Tossing them with flour helps absorb excess moisture.
• Uneven Crumble Topping: Make sure the butter in your crumble topping is cold, and don't overmix it, or you’ll lose that crumbly texture.
• Burning the Crumble: If the crumble is browning too fast, cover the pie with foil after 30 minutes to prevent burning.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

A warm slice of Apple Crumble Pie is divine on its own, but there are ways to elevate it even further.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Pie

• Warm: Apple Crumble Pie is best served slightly warm, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Cool: If you prefer, you can serve it at room temperature or even chilled for a firmer texture.

Presentation Ideas for Apple Crumble Pie

• Garnish: A light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a nice touch. You can also drizzle caramel sauce over the pie for an extra layer of decadence.
• Plating: Serve slices on rustic wooden or ceramic plates for a cozy, autumnal vibe. Add a sprig of mint or cinnamon sticks for visual appeal.

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Apple Crumble Pie Recipe Tips

• Cut Uniform Apple Slices: Thin, even slices of apples will ensure even cooking and avoid any crunchy bits.
• Chill Everything: Keep your pie dough, apples, and topping chilled before assembling to prevent the butter from melting prematurely.
• Baking Sheet: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and keep your oven clean.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Apple Crumble Pie ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the pie a day in advance and store it at room temperature or in the fridge. Reheat before serving.

Q: What’s the best apple variety for this pie?
A: Granny Smith apples are preferred due to their tartness and firm texture, but Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious also work well.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Cover and refrigerate the pie for up to 3-4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven.

Q: Can I freeze Apple Crumble Pie?
A: Yes! You can freeze the pie before or after baking. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

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Conclusion

There you have it—an easy-to-follow recipe for Apple Crumble Pie that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and crunchy crumble topping, this pie is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or on its own, every bite is guaranteed to be a hit. Happy baking!

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