There’s something magical about a classic apple pie, but when you add a crumbly, buttery topping, it transforms into something truly special. The Best Apple Crumb Pie recipe brings together tender, spiced apples with a sweet, golden crumble that’s sure to steal the spotlight at any dessert table.
The warm, cozy aroma as it bakes is enough to make anyone’s mouth water, and the first bite? Pure comfort. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple family gathering, this pie will always be a crowd-pleaser.
For a complete treat, serve this delicious pie with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream or enjoy it alongside some homemade Cinnamon Rolls for an extra indulgent experience. You can even drizzle a little caramel sauce over the top for an added sweet touch. With its balanced sweetness and perfect blend of textures, this pie is a true celebration of fall flavors.
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)
- A comforting classic: The combination of tender apples and crunchy crumble makes it irresistible.
- Perfect for any occasion: From holiday dinners to cozy nights in, it fits any moment.
- Easy to make: No complicated steps—just simple ingredients that deliver big flavor.
- Tastes even better the next day: Leftovers (if there are any) are just as delicious, if not better!
The Best Apple Crumb Pie
A delicious twist on classic apple pie, with a crumble topping that adds a sweet, buttery crunch. This homemade apple pie is packed with tart Granny Smith apples and aromatic spices, perfect for any occasion!
Equipment
- Oven
- Pie dish (9-inch)
- Mixing bowls (for the topping and filling)
- Fork (for mixing the topping)
- Peeler, corer, and slicer (or knife)
- Cookie sheet (for catching any drips)
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 single pie crust prepared or homemade
For the Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter chilled and cubed
For the Filling:
- 8 Granny Smith apples
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest optional
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
Make The Topping:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
- Add the chilled, cubed butter and use a fork to cut it into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Prepare the Filling:
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin slices (about ⅛ inch thick).
- In another bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, lemon zest (optional), cinnamon, and nutmeg until well coated.
Assemble the Pie:
- Place the prepared pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Layer the apple mixture into the pie crust, filling it to the top.
- Pour any leftover juice from the apple mixture over the apples.
- Spread the crumble topping evenly over the apples, pressing it down lightly.
Bake the Pie:
- Place the pie pan on a cookie sheet (to catch any drips).
- Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 45–55 minutes, until the apples are soft and the topping is golden brown.
Check for Doneness:
- To ensure the apples are cooked, poke the center of the pie with a fork or knife and check if they are soft all the way through.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 495 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 84 g |
| Sodium | 195 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Sugar | 53 g |
Tips to Keep in Mind!
- Pie Crust: If you’re using a store-bought pie crust, make sure it’s thawed before placing it in the pie dish. For homemade crusts, make sure the dough is chilled before rolling it out to prevent shrinking during baking.
- Apple Selection: Granny Smith apples are great for pie because they hold their shape well during baking and provide a tart contrast to the sweet crumble topping. You can mix them with other varieties like Honeycrisp for added sweetness and flavor complexity.
- Crumble Topping: Make sure the butter is cold and cubed when making the crumble topping. This helps create a flaky, crumbly texture. Don’t overwork the mixture—use a fork or pastry cutter to just combine the ingredients until the butter forms small crumbs.
- Apple Preparation: When slicing the apples, aim for uniform thickness (about ⅛ inch) to ensure they cook evenly. If you prefer a thicker filling, add a bit more flour to the apple mixture.
- Baking Tips: Start baking at the higher temperature (450°F) for the first 15 minutes to get a nice crisp crust, then reduce the heat to 350°F for the remainder of the baking time. If the topping begins to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the pie with foil to prevent burning.
- Cooling: Allow the pie to cool for at least 15 minutes after baking. This gives the filling time to set, making it easier to slice without the juices running out too much.
- Serving Suggestion: For a delicious contrast, serve the pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
This Apple Crumble Pie is sure to be a hit with its sweet, spiced filling and buttery crumble topping—perfect for fall or any time you’re craving a comforting dessert! Enjoy!
