Description
This Best Apple Crumb Pie features a buttery, flaky crust filled with tender, cinnamon-spiced Granny Smith apples, topped with a crunchy brown sugar crumble. Baked to golden perfection, it’s the perfect comforting dessert for any occasion, served best warm with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Crust
- 1 single pie crust (prepared or homemade)
Crumb Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter (chilled and cubed)
Apple Filling
- 8 Granny Smith apples
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) to prepare for baking your pie.
- Make Crumb Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup flour, ½ cup packed brown sugar, ½ cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Add the chilled cubed butter and use a fork to cut it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and slice the Granny Smith apples into thin slices, about ⅛ inch thick.
- Mix Apple Filling: In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons flour, ½ tablespoon lemon juice, ½ teaspoon lemon zest (if using), 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg until the apples are evenly coated.
- Assemble Pie: Place the prepared pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Layer the apple mixture inside, filling it to the top. Pour any leftover apple juice over the filling.
- Add Crumble Topping: Evenly spread the crumb topping over the apples, pressing it down lightly to adhere.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the pie dish on a cookie sheet to catch any drips during baking.
- Bake Pie: Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 15 minutes to set the crust and filling, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 45 to 55 minutes, until the apples are soft and the topping is golden brown.
- Check Doneness: Test the center of the pie by poking with a fork or knife to ensure the apples are cooked through and tender.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature, optionally paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Using Granny Smith apples provides the perfect balance of tartness and firmness.
- Chilling the butter before cutting it into the topping ensures a crumbly texture.
- Placing the pie on a cookie sheet helps catch spills and makes cleanup easier.
- Allow the pie to cool partially to let the filling set for cleaner slices.
- For added flavor, serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple crumb pie, apple pie, crumb topping, baked dessert, autumn dessert, fruit pie
