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Apple Crumb Pie Recipe

The Best Apple Crumb Pie

A delicious twist on classic apple pie, with a crumble topping that adds a sweet, buttery crunch. This homemade apple pie is packed with tart Granny Smith apples and aromatic spices, perfect for any occasion!
5 from 5 votes
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 495 kcal

Equipment

  • 9-inch Glass Pie Dish: (To monitor crust browning).
  • Large mixing bowl (For tossing apples).
  • medium mixing bowl (For the crumble).
  • Pastry Cutter (Essential for a cold, chunky crumble).
  • Slotted spoon (To prevent a soggy bottom).
  • Peeler, Corer, and Sharp Chef’s Knife.
  • Baking sheet (To catch drips—this is a "must" for apple pies).
  • Aluminum foil (To protect the crust edges).
  • Wire cooling rack (To allow air to circulate under the hot dish so the bottom crust doesn't steam itself soft).

Ingredients
  

For the Filling:

  • 8 Granny Smith Apples peeled and sliced
  • ⅓ cup Granulated Sugar
  • ¼ cup All-purpose Flour Increased for better thickening
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice Increased
  • ½ tsp Lemon Zest Highly recommended, not optional
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon
  • ⅛ tsp Nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp Salt NEW

For the Topping:

  • 1 ¼ cups All-purpose Flour Increased for better structure
  • ½ cup Brown Sugar Packed
  • ¼ cup Granulated Sugar Decreased to prevent melting
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp Salt NEW
  • ½ cup Unsalted Butter Ice-cold and cubed or grated

For the Base:

  • 1 single pie crust Store-bought is fine, but brush it with an egg wash before filling to create a moisture barrier.

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, toss your sliced apples with the sugar, flour, lemon juice, zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Let the mixture sit for 20–30 minutes. > Why: This draws out the excess moisture that usually makes the bottom crust soggy.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Place your prepared pie crust into the 9-inch glass dish. Crimp the edges.
    Pro Tip: For extra insurance, brush the bottom of the crust with a lightly beaten egg white. This creates a waterproof seal.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
  • Add the chilled, cubed butter and use a fork to cut it into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly.
    Add the chilled, cubed butter and use a fork
  • Peel, core, and slice your 8 Granny Smith apples into thin, uniform ⅛-inch slices.
    Granny Smith apples are being peeled, cored, and sliced into thin pieces on a wooden cutting board over the white marble cooktop. Nearby, a glass bowl contains the apple slices, which are being tossed with granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  • In another bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, lemon zest (optional), cinnamon, and nutmeg until well coated.
    In another bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar,
  • Place the prepared pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish.
    Place the prepared pie crust
  • Layer the apple mixture into the pie crust, filling it to the top.
    Layer the apple mixture into the pie crust
  • Pour any leftover juice from the apple mixture over the apples.
    Pour any leftover juice from the apple mixture
  • Spread the crumble topping evenly over the apples, pressing it down lightly.
    A 9-inch pie dish with a rolled-out crust is set on the white marble cooktop. The prepared apple mixture is layered inside, and the crumble topping is being evenly spread over the top, with a hand lightly pressing to secure it.
  • Place the pie pan on a cookie sheet (to catch any drips).
  • Place the pie on the preheated cookie sheet. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes to set the pastry. Lower the oven to 375°F (190°C). Continue baking for 35–45 minutes. If the crust edges are browning too quickly, protect them with aluminum foil.
    The pie dish, resting on a cookie sheet, is placed inside the oven set to 450°F. The crumble topping begins to turn golden brown, and steam rises, hinting at the fragrant baking apples.
  • To ensure the apples are cooked, poke the center of the pie with a fork or knife and check if they are soft all the way through.
  • Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
    A warm slice of apple crumb pie is served on a dessert plate, placed on the white marble cooktop. A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts over the pie, creating an enticing dessert presentation.