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Apple Crumble Pie with Buttery Streusel

Apple Crumble Pie with Buttery Streusel

This Apple Crumble Pie with Buttery Streusel features tender, tart apples perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, nestled in a flaky pie crust and topped with a crunchy, golden streusel made with cold butter. It’s a comforting dessert with a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors and a delightful mix of textures. Ideal for holidays, brunch, or cozy evenings, this easy-to-make pie combines simple pantry ingredients into a truly irresistible treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Apple Filling

  • 6 cups tart and firm apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Pie Crust

  • 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

Buttery Streusel Topping

  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pie Crust: Roll out your favorite pie crust and line a 9-inch pie pan, ensuring the edges are neatly trimmed or crimped. Chill the crust while you prepare the filling to keep it firm.
  2. Make the Apple Filling: Peel, core, and slice about 6 cups of apples. Toss them with lemon juice, cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, brown sugar, and a little flour to thicken the juices during baking.
  3. Assemble the Pie: Pour the spiced apple mixture into the chilled pie crust, spreading evenly. This filling is juicy but thick enough to hold its shape once baked.
  4. Prepare the Buttery Streusel Topping: Combine cold butter, flour, granulated sugar, and a touch of cinnamon using your fingertips or a pastry cutter to create coarse crumbs. The streusel should be crumbly and evenly mixed—not fully blended.
  5. Top and Bake: Scatter the streusel generously over the apple filling, covering the entire surface. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes, until the topping turns golden brown and the filling bubbles through.
  6. Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool for at least two hours to allow the filling to set. This resting time makes slicing easier and enhances flavor melding.

Notes

  • Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to ensure the filling holds its shape after baking.
  • Keep butter cold to achieve a perfectly crumbly streusel topping instead of greasy texture.
  • Rest the pie after baking for optimal slicing and flavor development.
  • Use a glass or metal pie dish for even baking of crust and filling.
  • If the streusel browns too quickly, tent the pie with foil halfway through baking to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple pie, apple crumble, streusel topping, fall dessert, baked apple dessert, holiday pie, cozy dessert