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.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours (including cooling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be made Gluten-Free or Vegan with substitutions
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: apple pie, apple crumble, streusel topping, fall dessert, baked apple dessert, holiday pie, cozy dessert