Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

I've always found the aroma of an apple crumble pie baking in the oven to be the epitome of comfort. It's a classic dessert that combines the best of both worlds—tender, flaky crust and a crunchy, sweet crumble topping over a bed of soft, cinnamon-spiced apples.

But what I really want to share with you is how each step, from the pie crust to the apple filling and finally the crumble, plays a vital role.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned baker, understanding these elements will elevate your apple crumble pie to a new level of deliciousness.

Pie Crust Preparation

Crafting the perfect pie crust is essential for any apple crumble pie. It serves as the foundation of this beloved dessert, providing a buttery, flaky base that complements the sweet and tart apple filling. When I make my simple apple crumble pie recipe, I always pay extra attention to the pie crust preparation to guarantee that it turns out just right.

To start, I roll out my pie dough until it's about 1/8-inch thick, making sure it's large enough to fit my 9-inch pie dish with some overhang. Carefully transferring the dough to the dish, I gently press it into the bottom and sides, being cautious not to stretch or tear it.

I trim the excess dough, leaving about a 1-inch overhang, which I fold under and crimp to create a rustic, fluted edge. This not only adds a decorative touch but also helps prevent the crust from shrinking during baking.

Before adding the apple filling, I like to brush the crust with a little bit of egg wash, which gives it a beautiful golden color and helps to seal the crust, preventing any potential sogginess from the filling.

With my pie crust prepped and ready, I can now move on to assembling the rest of this delicious apple pie recipe.

Apple Filling Ingredients

The heart of any apple crumble pie is its filling, and I'm meticulous about selecting the right mix of ingredients. For this apple crumble pie recipe, I like to use a combination of sweet and tart apples to create a balance of flavors. About 8-10 cups of 1/4-inch thick apple slices should do the trick. To keep the apples from browning and to add a bit of tang, I toss them with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.

To thicken the filling and add warmth, I mix in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. For sweetness, I add 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.

This combination of spices, sugar, and vanilla transforms the apples into a delicious, comforting filling that's the essence of any great apple crumble recipe.

Once you've mixed all these ingredients together, your apple filling is ready. Just set it aside for a moment while you prepare the crust and crumble topping.

It's this careful selection of ingredients that makes each bite of this pie a delight.

Assembling the Pie

With the apple filling ready, it's time to bring our pie together. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C), so it's nice and hot when we're ready to bake.

Now, take your pie crust and gently lay it in a 9-inch pie dish, letting it settle snugly against the sides and bottom. You want to make sure there's a bit of overhang because we'll need to crimp the edges in a bit.

Next, grab your bowl of apple filling. You'll notice there's probably some liquid at the bottom; try to leave as much of this behind as you can.

Spoon the apple slices into your crust, mounding them slightly in the center. It might seem like a lot of apples, but they'll bake down beautifully, I promise.

Now, your pie is almost ready for the oven! But first, we need to craft our crumble topping.

In a medium bowl, stir together brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and chopped walnuts.

Then pour in the melted butter and mix until you have large crumbles. Sprinkle this generously over your apples, making sure to cover the entire surface.

This will give you that delightful crumble texture that makes this the best apple crumble pie recipe.

Crafting the Crumble Topping

Creating the perfect crumble topping is where this apple pie really shines. It's the crowning glory that adds a delightful crunch and sweetness to every bite.

To make it, I mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and chopped walnuts in a bowl. Then I stir in melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly and irresistible. This step is where you can get creative, just like Jamie Oliver does in his apple crumble pie recipe. You can add oats, pecans, or even a touch of nutmeg to make it your own.

Once the crumble is ready, I sprinkle it generously over the apples, ensuring an even coverage. It's the finishing touch that takes this pie to the next level.

As it bakes, the crumble topping turns golden brown and crispy, creating a beautiful contrast to the tender apples beneath. It's a surefire way to elevate your apple crumb pie, just like the recipes you'll find on Allrecipes.

Baking and Cooling Tips

Baking this pie to perfection requires a bit of patience and attention.

First, I always place my pie on a baking sheet before it goes into the oven. This catches any spills and makes it easier to move the pie without damaging the crust. I start the baking at a higher temperature, 400°F, for the first 20 minutes.

This helps the crust set and start to turn golden brown. Then, I reduce the heat to 375°F and bake for another 30-35 minutes. You'll know it's done when the crumble topping is crisp and the apple filling is bubbling.

I've found that allowing the pie to cool for a full 3 hours before cutting into it's vital. This rest time lets the filling thicken up, making slicing so much neater. If you dig in too soon, you'll end up with a runny mess. Trust me, it's worth the wait!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving this scrumptious apple crumble pie, I've got some delightful suggestions for you.

First, let me tell you, a slice of this warm, comforting pie is just begging to be topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. As the cold ice cream starts to melt and mingle with the buttery crumble topping and tender, cinnamon-spiced apples, it's a match made in dessert heaven.

But maybe you're feeling a little rebellious, and you want to switch things up. In that case, I wholeheartedly recommend dolloping a generous spoonful of whipped cream right on top of your pie slice. The light, airy texture of the whipped cream is a fantastic contrast to the rich, crunchy crumble, and it adds just the right touch of extra sweetness.

For an extra burst of flavor and a pop of color, don't be afraid to garnish your pie with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a sprig of fresh mint. It's like the cherry on top of a perfect dessert experience!

Conclusion

Well, there you have it! Your apple crumble pie is ready to be enjoyed. The warm, cinnamon-spiced apples and that buttery crumble topping are a match made in heaven. Don't forget to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that perfect contrast of hot and cold, creamy and crunchy. I promise, one bite and you'll be hooked. Happy baking!