Apple Crumble Pie is the ultimate blend of sweet, tart, and buttery textures, in a crumbly blanket. Each bite gives you the soft, cinnamon-scented apples with a topping that’s great for breakfast or dessert. This is a dessert for anyone who loves the comforting aroma and can be served at family gatherings or as a quiet evening treat.
What is Apple Crumble Pie?
Crumble Apple Pie is a variation of the classic apple pie, where a crumble topping replaces the traditional pie crust on top. Its origins trace back to European baking traditions, especially in the UK, where “apple crumble” became a staple in mid-20th-century homes.
Crumble pies became popular during wartime when ingredients were limited, and the simple mixture of butter, sugar, and flour was easier to make than a full pastry crust. Today, it’s celebrated for its ease of preparation and versatility. You can sprinkle oats, nuts, or spices for a personal twist.
Pro Tips for the Best Crumble Apple Pie
- When combining flour, butter, eggs, and sugar, handle lightly to avoid a tough crust.
- Lightly sautéing the apples with sugar and lemon juice ensures they are soft and evenly sweetened.
- Bake at the right temperature, at 180°C/356°F which is perfect to cook through the pie without burning the top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Bring it to room temperature before assembling the pie.
Can I add spices to the filling?
Absolutely! A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cardamom can enhance the flavor and give your crumble a warm, aromatic touch.
How do I prevent the crumble from burning?
If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover the pie with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Can this pie be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but ensure it includes a binder like xanthan gum for structure.
How to Store Apple Crumble Pie
Store the pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the oven to restore crispiness.
Ingredients
How to Make Apple Crumble Pie
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, and butter. Use your hands to gently mix until you have a crumbly but cohesive dough.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, and butter. Use your hands to gently mix until you have a crumbly but cohesive dough.
Peel and cut the apples into small chunks.
Peel and cut the apples into small chunks.
In a saucepan, combine apples, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes.
In a saucepan, combine apples, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes.
Press half of the dough into the bottom of a greased baking pan, creating a small side border with your fingers. Pour the cooked apples evenly over the dough base.
Press half of the dough into the bottom of a greased baking pan, creating a small side border with your fingers. Pour the cooked apples evenly over the dough base.
Cover the apples with the remaining half of the dough, crumbling it loosely to form the topping. Bake at 180°C/356°F for 35 minutes.
Cover the apples with the remaining half of the dough, crumbling it loosely to form the topping. Bake at 180°C/356°F for 35 minutes.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
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