Apple Pie

 

 Homemade Apple Crumble Pie

Introduction:

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked apple pie wafting through your kitchen. The buttery crust, tender spiced apples, and crunchy crumble topping come together in perfect harmony. This Apple Crumble Pie is not just a dessert—it’s pure comfort in every bite. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy it cold the next morning, it never fails to impress.

In this long, detailed recipe, you’ll learn all the secrets to creating the perfect apple pie with a golden, flaky crust and a buttery crumble topping that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 3–4 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6–7 medium apples (a mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith works best)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Crumble Topping:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
3. Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until dough just comes together.
4. Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
5. Roll out on a lightly floured surface and place into a 9-inch pie dish.
6. Trim excess dough and crimp the edges decoratively. Keep chilled while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

1. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples.
2. In a large bowl, toss them with both sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
3. Let the mixture rest for 10–15 minutes to release juices—this step helps create that glossy, thick filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Crumble Topping

1. In a separate bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture forms small clumps (you can use your fingers or a pastry cutter).
3. Keep chilled until ready to use.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spoon the apple filling into the prepared crust and spread evenly.
3. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apples, covering the surface completely.
4. Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch drips) and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

• Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a bakery-style finish.

Tips for a Perfect Apple Crumble Pie

• Use two types of apples: sweet and tart—this adds depth of flavor.
• Don’t skip chilling your dough and topping; it ensures flakiness and crunch.
• Cover the edges with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning.
• For extra flavor, mix a pinch of ground ginger or cloves into the filling.

Storage

• Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze slices for up to 3 months.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to restore the crisp texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This apple crumble pie combines the best parts of two beloved desserts: the juicy filling of a classic apple pie and the buttery topping of a crumble. It’s rustic, beautiful, and irresistibly good for holidays, family gatherings, or cozy weekends.