Apple crumble pie is the perfect marriage of two beloved desserts: traditional apple pie and buttery apple crumble. With a flaky pie crust, a warmly spiced apple filling, and a golden, crunchy crumble topping, this dessert delivers comfort in every bite. It’s ideal for holidays, family gatherings, or any time you want a homemade treat that feels both nostalgic and impressive. This apple crumble pie recipe is straightforward, uses simple ingredients, and fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of baked apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
What sets apple crumble pie apart from classic apple pie is the topping. Instead of a second crust, the pie is finished with a crumbly mixture of flour, butter, sugar, and oats. As it bakes, the topping turns crisp and golden, providing a delicious contrast to the soft, juicy apples beneath. Served warm with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, apple crumble pie is pure comfort food.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust
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1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
For the Apple Filling
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6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup brown sugar
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
For the Crumble Topping
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¾ cup all-purpose flour
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½ cup brown sugar
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Baking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Crust
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides. Crimp the edges if desired and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, oats, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The crumble should hold together when pressed but still look crumbly.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple filling, covering the entire surface. Do not press it down too firmly; leaving it loose helps create a crisp texture.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling. If the topping begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover the pie with aluminum foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Apple Crumble Pie
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Choose the right apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith balance the sweetness of the crumble topping beautifully. Mixing apple varieties adds depth of flavor.
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Don’t skip the lemon juice: It brightens the apple flavor and prevents browning.
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Keep the butter cold: Cold butter is key to a crisp, crumbly topping.
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Serve it warm: Apple crumble pie is especially delicious with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or whipped cream.
Apple crumble pie is a timeless dessert that never fails to please. With its flaky crust, tender apples, and crunchy topping, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this pie delivers warmth, flavor, and homemade goodness in every slice.
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