There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of apple pie baking in the oven. This Apple Crumb Pie takes the classic dessert to the next level with a buttery homemade pie crust, sweet cinnamon-spiced apples, and a crumbly topping that’s impossible to resist. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled with a drizzle of caramel, this pie is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or just because, this recipe promises a dessert that’s both simple to prepare and utterly unforgettable.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for a flaky crust.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup frozen butter: Creates the signature flaky layers.
- 4-5 tablespoons chilled water: Binds the dough together.
- ½ teaspoon cider vinegar: Prevents overdevelopment of gluten for a tender crust.
Crumble Topping
- 7 tablespoons melted butter: Ensures a rich, crumbly topping.
- ⅔ cup brown sugar: Adds depth with a molasses-like sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Brings warmth to the topping.
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a subtle spicy undertone.
- 1 cup flour: Provides the base for the crumbly texture.
Apple Pie Filling
- ½ cup butter: Adds richness to the filling sauce.
- ¼ cup water: Thins out the sauce to coat the apples.
- 3 tablespoons flour: Thickens the sauce for a luscious consistency.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of the apples.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Enhances the caramelized flavor.
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon: Elevates the apple flavor.
- 2 ½ lbs. apples (Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp): A mix of tart and sweet apples provides the perfect balance.
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pie Crust
- Whisk together the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Shred the frozen butter: Grate directly into the bowl, stirring to coat the butter pieces with flour.
- Add the liquid: Mix the chilled water and cider vinegar. Add to the flour mixture, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just begins to clump.
- Form and chill: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
Step 2: Prebake the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a pie plate, trim the edges, and flute.
- Blind bake: Line the crust with foil, add pie weights, and bake for 15 minutes. Remove weights, prick the bottom with a fork, and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 3: Prepare the Crumble Topping
- Combine ingredients: Mix melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Stir in the flour until just combined.
- Chill: Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to make the topping easier to crumble.
Step 4: Cook the Apple Filling
- Make the sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter, then whisk in water, flour, sugars, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil over medium-low heat, then simmer for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Toss the apples: Pour the sauce over the sliced apples and gently toss to coat.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
- Fill the crust: Arrange the apples in the prebaked crust, layering them flat.
- Add the crumble topping: Use a fork to break up the chilled topping and sprinkle it evenly over the apples.
- Bake: Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 50-55 minutes. Cool on a rack for several hours before slicing.
Pro Tips for Success
- Plan ahead: Make the pie crust a day in advance to save time and ensure a flakier result.
- Use a mix of apples: Combining tart and sweet varieties adds complexity to the flavor.
- Prevent browning: Spritz sliced apples with lemon juice if you’re prepping them in advance.
- Mind the oven: If the topping browns too quickly, tent the pie with foil to prevent burning.
- Perfect the texture: Refrigerate the crumble topping for at least 15 minutes to achieve the ideal consistency.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for a classic touch.
- Drizzle with salted caramel sauce for an extra indulgence.
- Serve alongside a warm cup of spiced cider for a cozy dessert experience.
Storage and Reheating
- Short-term: Cover with plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Extend shelf life by storing in the fridge for an additional 2 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This Apple Crumb Pie strikes the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and buttery flavors. With its homemade crust, spiced apple filling, and crumb topping, it offers the ultimate combination of textures. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward, reliable, and endlessly rewarding. Impress your guests or indulge your cravings—this pie delivers every time.
Don’t just make dessert; make a memory with this irresistible Apple Crumb Pie!