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Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

This apple crumble pie combines a flaky crust, spiced apple filling, and a buttery crumble topping. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make dessert perfect for fall or any time you want something warm and homemade.
Prep Time 3 hours
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 5
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 487

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
  • 1/4 cup ice-cold water
  • 1 egg + 1 tbsp milk for egg wash
For the crumble topping
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 5 tbsp unsalted butter melted
For the filling
  • 10 cups apple slices
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp cloves
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Rolling Pin
  • 9-inch pie dish
  • Pastry cutter or forks
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Baking sheet

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt, then cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs before adding ice water and mixing just until the dough comes together.
  2. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it, and refrigerate for at least two hours so it firms up and becomes easier to roll.
  3. In another bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and walnuts, then stir in melted butter until a thick crumble forms and place it in the refrigerator to chill.
  4. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface into a large circle, transfer it to a pie dish, trim and shape the edges, brush with egg wash, and chill again.
  5. In a large bowl, mix the apple slices with sugar, flour, lemon juice, spices, and vanilla until evenly coated.
  6. Preheat the oven and place a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch any drips during baking.
  7. Fill the prepared crust with the apple mixture, packing it well so there are no large gaps between slices.
  8. Sprinkle the chilled crumble topping evenly over the apples, covering the entire surface.
  9. Bake at a higher temperature first, then reduce the heat and continue baking until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
  10. Let the pie cool completely at room temperature for several hours so the filling sets properly before slicing.

Notes

  1. Stop Soggy Crusts: Bake on the lowest rack and place the pie dish on a preheated baking sheet to crisp the bottom.
  2. Slicing Matters: Slice apples to a consistent 1/4-inch thickness so they cook evenly without turning to mush.
  3. Use a Thickener: Mix flour or cornstarch into the filling to bind the juices and prevent a "soupy" center.
  4. Cold Butter is Key: Use chilled butter for the topping and refrigerate the crumbs before baking to keep them chunky and crisp.
  5. Cool Fully: Wait 3–4 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set so your slices hold their shape.