Posted Oct 11, 2023, Updated Sep 30, 2024 My favorite thing about the fall is that it’s apple season. So, I found it fitting to share our family’s favorite Apple Crumb Pie Recipe with you (also try this apple crisp, apple cobbler, homemade caramel apples, and these easy cinnamon apples). I prefer a crumb topping on my pies instead of a double pie crust (click here for a double-crust apple pie). It’s buttery, sugary crumbly texture is just irresistible! And it’s easy to sprinkle on the top instead of form into shapes (like a lattice). This homemade Apple Crumb Pie recipe uses only a few, simple ingredients, allowing the taste of the apples to really shine. It’s the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving (along with these Thanksgiving recipes) or any time of the year. Fun fact, this was the very first Thanksgiving dessert recipe I shared when I started my blog in 2016.
Apple Crumb Pie: Ingredient Substitutions
Pie crust. I suggest making your own flaky butter pie crust (instructions are in the recipe card). Or, you can use a store-bought crust to make the recipe even easier. All-Purpose Flour. Use a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free. Pastry flour also works well. Granulated Sugar. Brown sugar can be used in place of granulated sugar in the filling for a deeper flavor. Apples. Choose your favorite apple variety. I recommend pink lady, honey crisp, gala, jazz, granny smith, McIntosh, etc. A sweet/tart mixture is my favorite.
How to make Apple Crumble Pie
Let’s walk through this recipe together, and don’t forget to watch the video.
Make the Crust
Since this apple crumble pie is homemade, begin by making the crust. I always make pie crust because it’s easy and delicious (like in this French Silk pie and this Pumpkin Pie). Whether you use a food processor or a good old-fashioned pastry cutter, making this all-butter pie crust recipe literally takes 5 minutes. It is super easy and tastes so much better than the store-bought crusts. Halve the recipe and follow the instructions here: Butter Pie Crust. The crust needs to be chilled for at least 1 hour or overnight. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and put it in the fridge. After chilling, roll out the dough. I suggest using your pie plate to measure the dough to make sure I rolled it large enough. Then, form it into the pie dish and crimp the sides with your thumb and pointer finger (see the video).
Make the Apple Crumble Pie Topping
While the pie crust is chilling, make the crumble topping. Begin by combining the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Then, cut in the softened butter with a fork or pastry cutter, or with your hands. The topping should look like the photo below, well-mixed with large crumbs. Set it aside until you assemble the pie.
Make the Apple Crumble Pie Filling
I suggest making the apple filling with the dough is chilling as well. Begin by peeling, coring and slicing the apples and placing them in a microwave-safe bowl. Then, cook the apples in the microwave for 5 minutes, until they are soft to the touch. Once they finish cooking, transfer them to a colander to drain any excess water. While the apples are cooking, combine the dry filling ingredients (sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg) in a small bowl. After the apples have been drained and cooled slightly, add the dry filling mixture and stir to combine.
Assemble the Apple Crumb Pie
Once all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble the pie. Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust. Then, evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apple filling.
Bake & Cool
Cover the crust with a pie crust shield and bake in the preheated oven for about one hour. You know this Apple Crumble Pie is done when the filling starts to bubble and the top is a delicious golden-brown. This pie is best after it has cooled until it’s just barely warm. I recommend letting it cool on a wire rack for at least 3 hours, preferably longer.
Serve
Serve this apple crumble pie with a dollop of fresh homemade whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect fall treat.
Store
Store leftovers at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freeze
This pie freezes very well! There are 2 ways to freeze this recipe: If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can see your creations!
