Buttery, golden crust meets a spiced apple filling, all crowned with a crisp, crumbly topping—Apple Crumb Pie is where classic American comfort collides with European pastry finesse. Think Dutch appeltaart meets Southern-style pie, bringing together warm cinnamon and buttery streusel that takes every bite to the next level.
The secret to the perfect crumb topping? Cold butter and a delicate touch—just like making a proper French pâte sablée, but with an effortless, rustic twist. The streusel should hold together just enough to create those golden nuggets of crunch, melting into the bubbling apple filling below.
Whether it’s a cozy autumn evening or a holiday dessert table, this pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve it warm with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream, or go full European with a dollop of crème fraîche for a touch of tangy richness.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
- That Perfect Crunchy Topping – The buttery streusel bakes into golden, crispy clusters, creating the ultimate contrast to the tender, spiced apples below.
- Aromatic and Cozy – The scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and warm apples fills your home, making it feel like the coziest bakery in town.
- Better Than Store-Bought – Once you taste this homemade version, those pre-made pies just won’t cut it anymore.
- Easy to Make, Hard to Resist – A simple method with professional techniques woven in makes this pie approachable but impressive.
- Tastes Like a Hug – Sweet, spiced apples, a buttery crust, and a golden crumble topping—this is comfort food at its absolute finest.
Apple Crumb Pie Recipe
Equipment
- 9-inch pie pan
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry blender or two knives
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife for slicing apples
- Oven
Ingredients
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 deep dish pie crust
- ⅓ cup white sugar
- 5 cups apples peeled, cored and thinly sliced
- 6 tbsp cold butter
- ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup white sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the apple slices evenly in the unbaked pie crust.
- In a small bowl, combine ½ cup sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle over the apples.
- For the crumb topping, mix ⅓ cup sugar and flour in a bowl, then cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or two knives until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Evenly spoon the crumb mixture over the apples.
- Bake for about 40 minutes until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
Notes
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the best flavor.
- Chilling the butter before making the crumble ensures a crispier topping.
- For extra depth, add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla to the apple filling.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 358kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 52g |
| Fibre | 3g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 23g |
Tips To Ease Your Job!
- Use a Food Processor: Quickly blend the crumble topping by pulsing the butter, flour, and sugar instead of using a pastry blender.
- Pre-Slice and Toss Apples: Slice the apples in advance and toss them with cinnamon sugar to let the flavors meld while prepping other ingredients.
- Chill the Pie Crust: Keep the pie shell in the fridge until ready to use for a flakier texture.
- Even Crumble Distribution: Lightly press the topping onto the apples so it adheres well and bakes evenly.
- Check Doneness with a Knife: Insert a knife into the apples; if it slides in easily, the pie is done.
