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Apple crumble pie is our favorite pie recipe ever! There is nothing like the buttery bottom crust, with the cinnamon apple filling that is then topped with a delicious streusel that everyone loves! This recipe is simple, easy, and finger-licking good!
The Best Apple Crumble Pie Recipe
The kids have officially started school again, and the littles are headed into preschool. I feel like the time is flying by way too fast, and I am reminiscing about memories and fall!
Fall screams pumpkins and, of course apples, so naturally, I find myself craving apple pie, apple cider donuts, apple tortilla wraps, and pumpkin bread!
But here’s the thing, I don’t want the traditional apple pie. I want something different, so I thought why not try to make an Apple Crumble Pie? So I decided to head into the kitchen and create a simple apple crumble pie that even beginning bakers or kids can make! Meet our favorite Apple Crumble Pie recipe! Doesn’t it look delicious?!
Pair this delicious apple crumble pie with a delicious Pot Pie or Turkey Cranberry Slider for a full meal.
More Apple Recipes
- Homemade Caramel apples
- Candy Apples
- Apple Dessert Pizza
What is the difference between Apple Crumble Pie and traditional apple Pie?
The difference between apple crumble pie and traditional apple pie is the top. Traditional apple pie has a traditional pie crust top where apple crumble pie is a streusel topping that adds a little bit of crunch to the top. I love the streusel topping for the flavor and sweetness it adds!
What is the crumble on the apple pie made of?
The crumble topping consists of brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and room temperature butter that is mixed together and added to the top of the apple pie.
Here’sHow to make an Apple Crumble Pie
- Makes 1 Pie – 6-8 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Apple Crumble Pie Ingredients:
Pie Ingredients
- 1 Refrigerated or Frozen pie crust you can also make your own, but honestly, this is so easy and easy to work with. Totally recommend it. If you want to follow in Betty Crocker’s footsteps her pie crust is my go-to recipe.
- 8 Granny Smith Apples – peeled, cored and sliced into ¼ inch slices
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crumble Topping Ingredients
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 ¼ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ cup flour
- ½ cup room temperature butter
Directions for Apple Crumble Pie:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
If you are using a refrigerated/frozen pie crust follow the instructions for thawing and place the crust over a 9-inch ungreased pie plate.
If you are making your own pie crust follow the directions and roll it big enough to cover a 9-inch pie pan.
If you want your crust to look all fancy it is super easy to do and does not take a lot of work. With this apple crumble pie we are going to flute the edges.
To flute the edges of the pie, press your index finger on one hand in between your index finger and thumb on the other. It is that easy.
Once the crust has a fluted edge set it aside.
After you have set the crust aside it is time to prep your apples. I love to use granny smith because they are tart and in my opinion the best apples for pies, but if you have another variety you like better use it!
You will want to cut all your apples the same size. This helps them all cook evenly. If you don’t you might have some mushy overcooked apples as well as some underdone apples.
After the apples are cut, in a large bowl begin to make the filling.
Add the apples. Lemon juice, flour, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla. Mix these together.
Once mixed pour into the prepared pie crust.
In a smaller bowl, you will want to combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and room temperature butter in a medium bowl to make the apple pie crumble topping. Use a fork and press the butter into the other ingredients, until the mixture is nice and crumbly.
When some people are mixing the crumble they actually prefer to use their hands, but this is up to you!
Pour the crumble topping on top of the apple mixture.
Bake the pie for 15 minutes at 400 degrees, then lower the temperature to 375 and bake for an additional 35 minutes.
If the top begins to brown too much, you can cover it with aluminum foil for the last several minutes of baking.
Once cooked you will want to cool the apple pie crumble completely! I know this is the hardest pie because the smell of apple pie will get everyone hustling to the kitchen, but it is important to let it cool because it helps the filling settle and it prevents your pie from falling apart when the first piece is cut.
Once cooled it is time to enjoy! So top with ice cream or a caramel drizzle for the ultimate treat!
How do you like to eat your apple crumble pie? Plain, with ice cream or another way? Share in the comments!
Tips Tricks and FAQs
- Be sure to cut your apples all the same size. 1/4 inch thickness is the perfect thickness. Thinner apples become too mushy and thicker apples will not cook all the way through.
- If you are short on time you can use a store bought crust that is what I do, but you can also use your favorite homemade pie crust as well.
- Be sure to peel the apples as the peels cook they become tough and you want your pie to be nice and soft.
- The pie will bubble over! Be sure to line a baking sheet with parchment paper or you might have a pretty big mess on the bottom of your oven.
- I know it is tempting, but wait for your pie to be completely cool. The juices of the pie need this time to thicken.
Storage
You will want to store your leftover pie covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Can you make Apple Crumble Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make apple crumble pie ahead of time. Prepare and bake it as directed and let it completely cool. Once cooled you can place it in the fridge covered for up to 5 days.
You can also freeze it. Wrap it several times in plastic wrap and then in foil. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy place it in the fridge overnight and let thaw. Be sure to remove the foil to help the thawing process.
What is the best apple for apple pie?
We love granny smith because they are tart and firm and make for a perfect apple pie. Some other great choices are
- Granny Smith (My go-to apple for desserts!)
- Honey Crisp
- Gala
- Pink Lady
- Golden Delicious
How many apples are needed for an apple pie with a crumb topping?
The amount of apples depends on several factors: how thick you cut your apples, the size of your apples, and how high you pile your apples in the dish. Usually, you will need anywhere from 6 to 8 medium-sized apples for this recipe. Don’t be afraid to stack them high because as they cook they will shrink down.
Check out these other great dessert recipes!
- Tropical Magic Bars
- Homemade Oreo Ice Cream
- Instant Pot Funfetti Cheesecake
- Copycat Swig Cookie Recipe
Share this simple Apple Crumble pie recipe on Pinterest!
Yield: 8
Apple crumble pie is quickly becoming one of my favorite apple pie recipes. It is so simple and easy to make and is a crowd favorite!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Ingredients
- 1 Pie Crust
- 6 Granny Smith Apples
- 2 Tbs Lemon Juice
- 1/4 Cup Flour
- 1 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/2 Cup Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla
- Crumble Topping
- 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1 1/4 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/2 Cup Flour
- 1/2 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.
Michele Tripple
Michele Tripple is a renowned author and expert in the fields of parenting, relationships, and personal development. With her degree in marriage and family studies, her experience as a Family Life Educator, and over a decade of experience as a professional writer, Michele has authored books that provide practical advice and insights into improving family dynamics and personal growth. Her work is celebrated for its blend of research-driven information and relatable, real-world applications. Michele has been a keynote speaker at conferences and has contributed to numerous publications and media outlets, solidifying her reputation as an authoritative voice in her field and helping families build relationships.
