Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

Ingredients

Tart Filling

The tart filling for an apple crumble pie typically consists of a mixture of sliced apples, sugar, and spices, which are cooked together until the apples are tender and the liquid has thickened into a rich, syrupy sauce.

The most common type of apples used in this recipe are sweet varieties such as Golden Delicious or Fuji, although other sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith can also be employed to create a balance of flavors.

To begin with, peel and core six large apples (or 8-10 smaller ones) and slice them thinly into wedges. This helps the apples cook evenly and allows them to release their natural juices more easily as they’re cooked in the filling mixture.

Next, place the sliced apples in a large bowl or saucepan and sprinkle a total of 2 cups of granulated sugar over them. You can use more or less sugar depending on your personal preference for sweetness and the variety of apples you choose to use.

Add a pinch of salt to balance out the flavors, followed by a blend of warm spices such as cinnamon (about 1/2 teaspoon), nutmeg (about 1/4 teaspoon), and (about 1/8 teaspoon). These aromatic spices not only enhance the flavor of the apples but also contribute to their fragrance.

Allow the apple mixture to rest for about 15 minutes, during which time it will begin to release its juices and become syrupy. This helps to thicken the filling as it cooks, creating a richer and more intense flavor.

After the resting period, transfer the apple mixture to a saucepan or baking dish that’s been coated with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the liquid has thickened into a rich, syrupy sauce.

This process typically takes about 20-25 minutes, depending on the variety of apples and their tenderness when cooked. As the filling cooks, you can stir in any additional ingredients such as lemon juice or to enhance the flavor and aroma.

Once the apple filling has thickened, remove it from heat and allow it to cool slightly before using it in your pie recipe. This helps prevent the filling from becoming too runny when poured into the crust.

The tart filling for an apple crumble pie should have a balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, with a rich, syrupy texture that complements the crunchy oat topping perfectly.

2 large apples, peeled and sliced

The star ingredient of this classic dessert recipe is the apple, a fruit that’s rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. For this Apple Crumble Pie Recipe, you’ll need 2 large apples, peeled and sliced into thin wedges. The type of apple to choose for this recipe is important, as it will affect the final texture and flavor of your pie.

The best varieties of apples to use are those that hold their shape well when cooked, such as Gala or Braeburn. These sweet and tart apples will add a lovely depth of flavor to your crumble topping, while also providing a satisfying crunch from the tender slices.

When peeling and slicing your apples, be sure to remove any seeds or core pieces, as these can make your filling a bit grainy. Also, take care not to slice the apples too thinly, as they’ll cook down quickly in the oven and may become mushy.

Now that you have your sliced apples ready, it’s time to think about the other key ingredients in this recipe. What about a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg to warm up your filling? And perhaps some butter or oil to keep everything moist and flaky? These are just a few ideas to get you started…

1/2 cup granulated sugar

When it comes to making an Apple Crumble Pie, one of the key ingredients that will add sweetness and texture to the filling is granulated sugar.

Granulated sugar, also known as white sugar or table sugar, is a sweet crystalline substance commonly used in baking. It’s called “granulated” because it consists of small, grain-like crystals that dissolve easily when added to liquid ingredients.

In the context of this Apple Crumble Pie recipe, we’re using 1/2 cup granulated sugar as part of the filling mixture. The sugar serves several purposes:

Firstly, it helps balance the tartness of the apples, creating a sweeter overall flavor profile. Secondly, it enhances the texture of the filling by helping to break down the starches in the apples and creating a smooth, syrupy consistency.

The type of sugar used here is granulated because it dissolves easily and quickly, which is important when combining the filling ingredients with the sliced apples. This ensures that the mixture coats the apples evenly and prevents them from becoming too crunchy or raw-tasting in the finished pie.

2 tbsp allpurpose flour

All-purpose flour is a staple ingredient in baking and is used extensively throughout this apple crumble pie recipe. It serves multiple purposes, including providing structure, texture, and helping to bind ingredients together.

In the context of the filling, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour will be mixed with sugar and other ingredients to create a smooth, even consistency that will prevent the filling from becoming too runny when cooked. This is crucial in ensuring that the filling holds its shape during baking and doesn’t spill over the edges of the crust.

Furthermore, all-purpose flour contains gluten, which plays a significant role in giving structure to baked goods. When combined with sugar and other ingredients, it will help create a firm but tender texture for the filling. This texture is essential in providing a pleasant mouthfeel when biting into the pie.

The type of all-purpose flour used can also affect the final result. Bleached or unbleached flour can be used interchangeably, but bread flour or cake flour may not provide the same consistency and texture as all-purpose flour. All-purpose flour is versatile enough to be used in various types of baked goods and will yield a more consistent outcome than specialty flours.

In the context of this apple crumble pie recipe, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour serves as an essential ingredient that contributes significantly to the overall texture and consistency of the filling. It helps prevent the filling from becoming too runny, provides structure, and aids in binding ingredients together.

1 tsp cinnamon

Cinnamon plays a vital role in the Apple Crumble Pie recipe, as it adds warmth and depth to the filling. The recommended amount of cinnamon is 1 teaspoon, which may seem like a small quantity but can greatly impact the flavor profile of the pie.

When using cinnamon in baking, it’s essential to understand that different types of cinnamon have varying levels of intensity. For this recipe, you’ll want to use a high-quality, fresh Ceylon or Madagascar cinnamon for the best results.

The 1 teaspoon of cinnamon is usually added directly to the filling mixture along with other ingredients like sugar, flour, and spices. This creates a balanced flavor that complements the sweetness of the apples without overpowering them.

Here’s a breakdown of why cinnamon is used in this particular amount:

Cinnamon helps balance the sweetness of the apples and other ingredients in the pie filling
A small amount of cinnamon is sufficient to add warmth without overpowering the other flavors
The 1 teaspoon measurement allows for a subtle yet noticeable presence of cinnamon in each bite

In terms of storage and handling, it’s recommended to store whole cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon in a cool, dark place to preserve their flavor and aroma. This ensures that the cinnamon remains potent throughout the preparation and baking process.

1/4 tsp nutmeg

The ingredients for this delicious Apple Crumble Pie recipe are:

For the Crust:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For the Filling:

6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg (which adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the filling)
1/4 tsp salt

For the Crumble Topping:

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 tsp ground cinnamon

This Apple Crumble Pie recipe is a classic dessert that combines the warmth of spices with the sweetness of apples and the crunch of the crumble topping. The 1/4 tsp nutmeg in the filling adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Topping

When it comes to making an Apple Crumble Pie, the ingredients are what make or break the dish. The topping and filling components work together to create a sweet and satisfying treat that’s perfect for any time of year.

The topping is where most of the magic happens, as it provides texture, flavor, and crunch to balance out the softness of the apple filling. A classic Apple Crumble Pie topping typically consists of a mixture of oats, sugar, flour, butter or oil, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.

The type and quantity of each ingredient can be adjusted to suit personal preferences and dietary needs. For example, some people may prefer a gluten-free oat alternative or choose to use coconut oil instead of traditional butter for added flavor and nutrition.

Other ingredients that might be added to the topping include chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts, seeds like sesame or sunflower, or even dried fruit like cranberries or cherries. These additions not only provide extra texture but also enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

The apple filling is equally important, as it provides the foundation for the topping to work its magic. A classic combination consists of sliced apples (such as Granny Smith, Gala, or a mix of sweet and tart varieties), sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes lemon juice or zest.

Some people like to use other ingredients in their apple filling, such as vanilla extract for added depth or raisins for natural sweetness. The type and quantity of apples used can also be adjusted based on personal preference and the desired level of tartness.

Ultimately, the key to a successful Apple Crumble Pie is finding the right balance between the topping and filling ingredients. This might involve experimenting with different combinations and proportions until you find one that works for you.

1/2 cup rolled oats

The ingredient ‘rolled oats’ plays a crucial role in the preparation of the Apple Crumble Pie Recipe, particularly in the topping mixture. The use of rolled oats provides texture and helps bind the crumbly mixture together.

Characteristics of Rolled Oats

Texture: Rolled oats have a flat, wide shape that allows them to hold their shape while still being tender when cooked.
Flavor: They possess a slightly nutty flavor due to the processing involved in making them.
Density: When compared to steel-cut oats or instant oats, rolled oats are relatively lightweight and easy to work with.

The benefits of incorporating rolled oats into your Apple Crumble Pie include adding bulk without excess moisture and providing a satisfying crunch in the finished product. Additionally, their neutral flavor allows them to blend seamlessly into the topping mixture without overpowering the other ingredients.

1/2 cup brown sugar

The first ingredient that will contribute to the rich flavor and crunchy texture of our Apple Crumble Pie is a combination of sugars. We’ll be using

1/2 cup of brown sugar, which is made from cane sugar or beet sugar that has been caramelized to bring out its natural flavor and dark color.

Brown sugar contains more water than white sugar, making it a better choice for baking as it helps retain moisture in the dish. It also adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tartness of apples.

1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

The first ingredient in our Apple Crumble Pie recipe is 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces.
This key component plays a crucial role in the overall texture and flavor of the pie crust and topping.
Unsalted butter is preferred for this recipe as it allows us to control the amount of salt added to the dish.
Cold unsalted butter is essential because it will be incorporated into the dry ingredients to create a crumbly mixture, which will eventually form the crunchy topping of our pie.
If the butter is not cold enough, it may melt or become too soft when mixed with the other ingredients, leading to a less-than-desirable texture in the finished product.
When cutting the butter into small pieces, be sure to use a pastry blender or your fingertips to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
This process is called “cutting in” the butter and helps to distribute the fat evenly throughout the mixture, creating a flaky and tender texture when baked.

Instructions

Pie Crust Preparation

The art of preparing an ideal pie crust lies in its delicate balance of texture and taste. When it comes to crafting a flaky, yet robust base for the delectable Apple Crumble Pie, attention to detail during the preparation process is paramount.

Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). While you wait for it to reach its optimal temperature, prepare your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt.

Next, add 1 cup (2 sticks) of cold unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Using your fingertips or a pastry blender, work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs with a few larger pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. These chunks will contribute to the flakiness of your crust.

Gradually pour in 1/4 cup of ice-cold water while gently tossing the mixture with a fork. Be cautious not to overwork the dough at this stage, as it can lead to a tough crust.

Once you’ve achieved a cohesive mass, turn your attention to kneading the dough on a lightly floured surface. Gently fold the dough in half towards you several times before folding it back outwards, repeating this motion a few more times to develop the gluten in your dough.

Form your pie dough into two equal portions, one slightly larger than the other. This will allow for a uniform crust on both the top and bottom of your Apple Crumble Pie. Wrap each portion separately in plastic wrap or wax paper, shaping them into disks as you go to maintain their spherical shape.

Allow your pie dough to rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out into the desired thickness (about 1/8 inch). For a beautiful golden crust, brush the edges with a lightly beaten egg mixed with a pinch of water and a sprinkle of sugar. Be sure to save this reserved egg mixture in the refrigerator for later use when assembling your Apple Crumble Pie.

With your flaky pie crust ready, it’s time to turn your attention to the preparation of your delicious filling – which you can read about in our next article: Apple Filling Preparation: A Recipe Guide.

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)

When it comes to baking an Apple Crumble Pie, one of the most crucial steps in the process is preheating the oven to the correct temperature. This step may seem straightforward, but it’s essential to ensure that your pie turns out perfectly.

The instructions for preheating the oven are simple: set the thermostat to 375°F (190°C). It’s essential to note that using a convection oven requires slightly adjusting the temperature. If you’re unsure about this, consult the user manual or look up specific guidance for your appliance.

Now, why is it so important to preheat the oven? Preheating ensures that the pie crust will bake evenly and at the right pace. If the oven isn’t hot enough when you put the pie in, it may not cook properly, resulting in a raw or undercooked crust. This can be particularly problematic with sensitive ingredients like pastry dough.

Preheating also helps to prevent the formation of “hot spots” within the oven. These areas are often hotter than others and can cause uneven cooking. By preheating the entire oven to the same temperature, you can minimize these hotspots and ensure that your pie cooks consistently throughout.

To confirm that the oven has reached the correct temperature, use an oven thermometer or consult a temperature gauge on your appliance. This ensures you’re working within the safe and ideal range for baking. For most home ovens, this means a temperature of 375°F (190°C) at the center of the oven.

Now that we’ve covered preheating in detail, let’s move forward with the rest of the Apple Crumble Pie Recipe. The next step will be to prepare the filling by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples according to your desired recipe.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add cold butter, using a pastry blender or fingers to work it into the flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs

The first step in making a delicious Apple Crumble Pie is to create the perfect crust, which begins with mixing together flour and salt.
In a medium bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, preferably unbleached, with 1 teaspoon of salt. The salt serves as more than just a flavor enhancer; it also helps to balance the pH levels in the dough and promotes even rising.
To incorporate air into the mixture and break down any lumps, use a wire whisk to mix the flour and salt together. Be gentle at this stage, as excessive stirring can cause the gluten in the flour to become overworked, leading to a tough crust.
Add 1/2 cup of cold butter, which should be cut into small pieces before adding it to the bowl. The key here is to use cold ingredients; this will help prevent the formation of gluten in the flour. If the butter is too warm, it may not provide the best results.
Use either a pastry blender or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour mixture. If you choose to use a pastry blender, ensure that it’s specifically designed for this purpose; other blenders might crush the butter instead of incorporating it into the flour.
Continue working the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This process, known as “cutting in” the butter, will help distribute the fat evenly throughout the dough and create a flaky texture when baked.
The resulting mixture should resemble a crumbly mixture with small pieces of butter visible. At this point, you’ve successfully completed the first step in creating your delicious Apple Crumble Pie crust!

Press dough onto the bottom and up the sides of a 9inch pie dish

To create a delicious apple crumble pie, you’ll need to follow these steps carefully.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to press the dough onto the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish:

Dough Preparation

First, remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This will allow the dough to soften slightly and become easier to work with.

Now that your dough is ready, it’s time to shape it into a circle.

Shaping the Dough

Gently place the dough onto a lightly floured surface, such as a countertop or a pastry mat.
Use your hands to shape the dough into a circle, making sure to maintain an even thickness throughout.

Next, you’ll need to transfer the dough to the pie dish.

Transferring the Dough

Carefully lift the dough and place it over the pie dish, ensuring that the center of the dough aligns with the center of the dish.
Gently press the dough down into the corners of the dish, making sure to evenly cover the entire surface.

Now, use your fingers or a rolling pin to press the dough up the sides of the pie dish.

Pressing the Dough Up the Sides

Use your fingertips to gently press the dough up the sides of the dish, making sure to create an even thickness and prevent any tears in the dough.
If needed, use a rolling pin to help shape the dough and ensure it reaches the top edge of the dish.

Once you’ve completed this step, your pie crust is ready for filling. Be sure to follow the recipe carefully to achieve the perfect apple crumble pie.

Filling and Topping Assembly

To ensure that your delicious homemade Apple Crumble Pie turns out perfectly, it’s essential to follow a step-by-step guide for the Instructions, Filling and Topping Assembly.

Here’s what you need to do:

Filling Assembly: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon powder, nutmeg powder, and salt. Mix everything together until the apples are evenly coated with the dry ingredients.
Roll Out the Pie Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the chilled pie crusts to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm). Transfer the rolled-out pie crust to a 9-inch (23 cm) pie dish.
Fill the Pie Crust with Apple Mixture: Carefully pour the apple mixture into the center of the pie crust, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border around the edges.
Top Assembly: In another bowl, mix together the rolled oats, brown sugar, and cold butter until crumbly. Add the chopped nuts (if using) and stir to combine.
Sprinkle the Topping Mixture Over the Filling: Evenly spread the topping mixture over the apple filling, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Cover with Another Pie Crust (Optional): If desired, roll out the second pie crust and use it as a top crust. Place the rolled-out pie crust on top of the filling and topping, pressing the edges to seal.

Now that you have assembled your Apple Crumble Pie, pop it into the oven and bake until golden brown, following the recipe’s baking instructions for perfect results!

Fill pie crust with tart filling ingredients and dot the top with cold butter

To fill a pie crust with tart filling ingredients, you will need to follow these steps:

Begin by preheating your oven to the desired temperature, typically around 375°F (190°C), for baking the pie.
In a large bowl, combine the tart filling ingredients, such as sliced apples, sugar, flour, and spices, until well mixed.
Pour the mixture into the pie crust, leaving about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of space at the top for the butter dots.
In a small bowl, cut cold butter into small pieces or use a pastry blender to dot the top of the filling with the butter.
Continue to add the cold butter in dots across the top of the pie, making sure not to mix it into the filling.

Here are some additional tips for filling and topping a pie crust:

Make sure the pie crust is at room temperature before adding the tart filling ingredients.
Use a gentle touch when pouring in the filling to avoid overfilling the pie crust.
Don’t overmix the filling ingredients, as this can cause the apples to become mushy.
Keep the cold butter at room temperature before using it for the dots on top of the filling.

In the context of an Apple Crumble Pie Recipe, the tart filling ingredients typically include sliced apples, sugar, flour, and spices. The cold butter is used to dot the top of the filling and create a crunchy topping when baked.

In a separate bowl, mix together oats, brown sugar, and cold butter until crumbly mixture forms

To create the crumbly topping for our Apple Crumble Pie, we need to mix together the dry ingredients in a separate bowl first. In this case, we’re combining oats and brown sugar.

The ratio of oats to brown sugar can be adjusted according to personal preference, but a general starting point is using equal amounts of both. So, if you’re using 1 cup of oats, use 1 cup of brown sugar as well.

Once we have our dry ingredients measured out and in the bowl, it’s time to add in the cold butter. Cold butter is essential for creating a crumbly mixture, so make sure your butter has been chilled in the refrigerator before starting this process.

Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, work the cold butter into the dry ingredients until you get a crumbly mixture that resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as this can result in a tough topping instead of a delicate one.

The key is to aim for a texture that’s rough and chunky, with visible streaks of butter throughout the oats and brown sugar. This crumbly mixture will then be used to top our apple filling before baking, creating a delicious crunchy topping that complements the sweetness of the apples perfectly.

Spread topping evenly over the filling

To achieve a smooth and even layering of topping over the filling in an apple crumble pie, follow these steps:

Prepare the topping by mixing together the dry ingredients such as flour, oats, brown sugar, and spices.
Add cold butter to the mixture and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Remove any lumps from the mixture by squeezing it gently between your fingers, ensuring that everything is evenly combined.
Transfer the topping mixture to a clean bowl and set it aside for later use.

When it’s time to assemble the pie:

Roll out the chilled bottom pastry to fit into your pie dish, trimming any excess dough with kitchen scissors or a knife.
Filling should be filled into the pie crust leaving about 1-inch border around it
Scoop the topping mixture over the filling in an even layer, spreading it out to cover the entire surface. You can use your hands or the back of a spoon for this.

Spread the topping evenly: To distribute the topping smoothly and uniformly:

Scoop small amounts of topping onto the filling, spreading them outwards in a smooth, even motion with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
Hold the spoon vertically over the filling and gently sweep it across the surface in a smooth, continuous motion to create an even layer.

This will ensure that all areas of the pie have an equal amount of topping, promoting even cooking and preventing some parts from becoming overcooked while others remain underbaked.

Author
Recent Posts

Percival Langley

Gourmet Expert at myfab5.com

Percival Langley, the creative force behind this site, holds the unique and delectable title of Gourmet Expert. With a passion for elevating the culinary experiences of our furry companions, Percival shares delightful and nutritious recipes that go beyond the ordinary. His site is a go-to resource for pet owners seeking to pamper their pets with gourmet treats and meals. Percival's expertise in crafting delicious and health-conscious pet cuisine is evident in the tasteful and innovative content he curates. For those who believe in treating their pets to a culinary adventure, Percival Langley's site is a flavorful journey into the world of gourmet pet delights.

Latest posts by Percival Langley (see all)