Apple Crumble Pie: A quick and easy version of the classic apple pie. A homemade filling made from fresh apples, brown sugar and cinnamon gets taken to the next level with a buttery crumble topping.
This recipe was originally published in September 2019. It has been updated for photos and content.
It's no secret, I make a lot of pies in my career as a food photographer. But, you guys...this apple crumble pie one IS AMAZING!
It's quick, easy and the crumble topping is not only forgiving of varying oven temps but DELICIOUS.
It's my new favorite pie for fall and you need to try it! So, get to your local apple orchard or farmer's market and get picking because making the perfect Dutch Apple Pie for dessert is now easier than ever!
Ingredients You Need
Apples: I always get asked, what are the best apples use making pie? With so many apples out there it's hard to know which variety is the best apples for making apple pie!
My personal favorite are Granny Smith apples. There are some bakers out there that like to mix two varieties together, but I love to just use Granny Smith to make a tart and delicious easy apple pie with crumble topping.
What's great about Granny Smith is that they are available wherever you shop, where other varieties are only available at Farmer’s Markets or when they are in season in your area.
Some other favorites for pie making are Golden Delicious, Jazz, Jonagold, and Pink Lady.
Unbaked Pie Crust: Use your favorite homemade pie crust recipe or pick one up frozen or refrigerated at the grocery store.
How to Make Apple Pie With Crumble Topping
First, gather your ingredients and get your oven preheated to 400 degrees.
While the oven is preheating, prepare your pie crust by placing in an UNGREASED pie pan and fluting the edges using your index finger and thumb.
Next, its time to prepare the filling! Peel and slice the apples.
Next, you want to peel and slice the apples to about ¼ thick. Then mix them with the remaining pie ingredients in a large bowl.
Give it a nice stir until they are evenly combined, then place them in the prepared pie dish.
Next, its time for the best part! The crumble topping! You can use a fork or your hands for this part, its really up to you!
Once the crumble topping is ready, add evenly over the top of the apples in the pie crust.
Bake the pie for about 15 minutes at 400 degrees, then lower the temperature to 375 and bake for an additional 35 minutes. To prevent the top of the pie from getting too brown, you may need to cover with aluminum foil for the last several minutes of baking.
Now the hard part ... waiting for it to set so you can take a slice and chow down! There you have it, a super easy Apple Crumb Recipe that will taste like it took all day!
How to Store Apple Crumb Pie
I get a lot of questions on how to store your pie once it is cooked, especially fruit pies. The best practice for storing fruit pies, including apple crumble pies is at room temperature for two days, cut or uncut.
I recommend covering your pie loosely with plastic wrap or foil while it's stored.
If you are hoping to keep your apple pie with crumble topping around longer than two days you can cover it loosely and keep in the fridge for an extra 2-3 days.
How to Serve Apple Pie
Apple pie and vanilla ice cream are a match made in heaven that's made even better with a drizzle of Instant Pot Dulce de Leche.
After eating turkey and Cranberry Orange Sauce for your favorite holiday meal this apple pie with crumble topping makes the perfect dessert.
Holiday leftovers, Turkey Cranberry Sliders are better with a slice of this apple pie.
This apple pie makes a delightful ending to meals such as Simple Grilled Salmon or Pork Wellington.
Serve apple crumble pie in addition to Pumpkin Cream Cheese Pound Cake, Apple Cider Doughnuts and Eggnog Cookies for a dessert buffet or large group gathering.
Serve up your favorite hot beverage such as Dalgona Coffee or a coffee or hot chocolate with a little bit of Homemade Bailey's Irish Cream.
Expert Tips and FAQS
Evenly slice the apples when making apple crumble pie so the apples in the cooked pie have the best texture. You want them tender, but not mushy or too crunchy.
Use room temperature butter to make the apple crumble topping. This makes mixing up the ingredients for the topping easier and ensures that they mix up evenly.
Be sure to lower the oven temperature to 375 degrees after the pie cooks for 15 minutes. This prevents the top of the pie from getting too brown, you may need to cover with aluminum foil for the last several minutes of baking.
Apple crumb pie tastes best when eaten on the same day it's cooked, especially if it's still a little warm from the oven.
Before you cut the apples be sure you peel them first. Once peeled then you will use a sharp knife to cut the apple into fourths and cut the core out of the middle.
Once it is in quarters and cored then cut slices that are about ¼ inch thick. This will ensure you make the perfect baked apple pie.
When cutting the apples it is especially important that you cut your apples evenly, so none of the apples become mushy or undercooked when its baking.
Not all apples work great for baking. You will have the best results with a flavorful apple that doesn't get too soft when it's cooked. Granny Smith apples are the best, but Some other favorites for pie making are Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Jazz, Jonagold, and Pink Lady.
Lots of people want to prep apple pie with crumb topping ahead of time, especially around the holidays, but it I don't recommend assembling your pie ahead of time.
When you assemble the pie and let it sit, the crust becomes yet and soggy, and won’t crisp up during baking.
It is best to make your apple the day before so it has time to completely cool and set. You can place it in the fridge overnight (after it has cooled) and then pull out to eat the next day.
If you do want to make it ahead of time, you can assemble your pie and then freeze it before you bake it. This allows it to keep the same texture and consistency as if you just made it. If you do decide to freeze your apple crumble pie be sure you wrap it in a double layer of foil before putting it in the freezer.
More Fall Desserts
Did you try this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the recipe card right below! You can also write a review in the comment section further down the page I always appreciate your feedback. And don’t forget to tag me @freshcoasteats in your photos on social media, I'd love to see your results!
Apple Crumble Pie
Equipment
- 9 inch pie pan
Ingredients
- 1 unbaked pie crust (refrigerated, frozen or homemade)
- 6 granny smith apples- peeled, cored, sliced ¼ inch thick
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crumble Topping
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup flour
- ½ cup room temperature butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Follow the pie crust instructions for thawing, and place crust over a 9 inch ungreased pie pan.
- Flute the edges of the pie by pressing your index finger on one hand, in between your index finger and thumb on the other hand. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, prepare the filling by mixing the apples, lemon juice, flour, cinnamon, sugar and vanilla. Then, pour into prepared pie pan.
- To make the crumble topping, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, flour and room temperature butter in a medium bowl. Use a fork and press the butter into the other ingredients, until the mixture is nice and crumbly.
- Pour the crumble topping on top of the pie.
- Bake the pie for 15 minutes at 400 degrees, then lower the temperature to 375 and bake for an additional 35 minutes.
- Allow the pie to cool completely before serving. Top with ice cream and caramel drizzle for the ultimate treat.
Notes
Nutrition
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Deanna says
This looks like the best of both worlds; pie and crumble! Can’t wait to make it.
admin says
Yes Deanna! Let me know what you think!
LYN says
Karen!! I just picked up some apples at the store this week and planning to make this for my Peruvian boyfriend who LOVES American apple pie!!