Nothing quite beats the comfort of a slice of warm apple crumb pie. With its buttery, flaky crust, juicy spiced apples, and irresistible crumbly topping, this classic dessert is a favorite for home bakers everywhere. Perfect for fall or any time you want a cozy treat, apple crumb pie offers a balance of textures and flavors that’s hard to resist.

Apple Crumb Pie

If you’ve always wanted to bake this delightful dessert or are looking to refine your apple crumb pie-making skills, you’re in the right place. Follow this step-by-step guide to achieve pie perfection, complete with tips, tricks, and a foolproof recipe.

Why You'll Love Apple Crumb Pie

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes apple crumb pie so special and a must-try dessert for any home baker:

  • Perfect Balance of Flavors: Sweet, tart apples meet a buttery crumb topping for a dessert that’s decadent but not overly sweet.
  • Simple Yet Impressive: With its beautiful crumbled top and aroma of warm spices, this pie will wow your guests without needing elaborate decoration.
  • Versatile Dessert: Serve it warm with ice cream, or enjoy a slice cold as the perfect complement to coffee.

Now, grab your apron and let's bring this delicious dessert to life!

Gather Your Ingredients

The secret to a mouthwatering apple crumb pie lies in fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for each part of the pie:

For the Crust:

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 3 to 4 tbsp ice water

For the Filling:

  • 6 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work well for contrast)
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Crumb Topping:

  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Apple Crumb Pie

1. Make the Crust (or Use Store-Bought)

While store-bought crust works in a pinch, a homemade crust adds a touch of rustic charm.

  1. Combine flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl.
  2. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
  4. Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prep the Filling

Apples are the heart of this recipe, so choose firm varieties that hold their shape during baking.

  1. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Consistent slices ensure even baking.
  2. Toss the apple slices with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Set aside to soak in the flavors while you handle the crust.

3. Preheat and Roll Out the Crust

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Roll out the chilled crust on a floured surface and transfer it to a 9-inch pie pan. Trim the edges, leaving about 1/2 inch overhang, then fold and crimp it for a decorative finish.

4. Assemble the Crumb Topping

  1. Mix flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
  2. Stir in the melted butter until large crumbs form. Set the mixture aside.

5. Assemble the Pie

  1. Layer the seasoned apple slices into your prepared pie crust, arranging them evenly.
  2. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the apples, ensuring full coverage.

6. Bake to Perfection

  1. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
  2. Cool the pie on a wire rack for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set properly before slicing.

Tips for Success

  • Choose the Right Apples: A mix of tart and sweet apples (like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) creates a balanced flavor. Avoid using varieties that get mushy when baked (like Red Delicious).
  • Keep Your Ingredients Cold: For a flaky crust, make sure your butter and water are ice cold. You can even chill your flour if needed!
  • Use an Egg Wash (Optional): Brushing the edges of the crust with an egg wash before baking will give it a beautifully golden finish.
  • Store Leftovers Properly: Apple crumb pie keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Warm slices in the oven or microwave before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.

Get Creative with Variations

  • Nutty Topping: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to your crumb topping for extra crunch.
  • Caramel Apple Crumb Pie: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before adding the topping for a gooey twist.
  • Gluten-Free Swap: Use a gluten-free flour blend for both the crust and topping to make this pie celiac-friendly.

Serve and Enjoy

Whether you’re serving your apple crumb pie at a family gathering, sharing it with friends, or enjoying it solo with a cup of coffee, one thing’s for certain—it’s bound to impress. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.

Happy baking! If this recipe gets your creativity flowing, share your apple crumb pie creations with us on social media. We’d love to see how yours turns out.

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