Best Apple Crumble Pie

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The best homemade Apple Crumble Pie recipe uses only a few ingredients and is made completely from scratch. This apple crumb pie is the perfect fall dessert and a must-make Thanksgiving pie!

Overhead view of The best homemade Apple Crumble Pie.

My favorite thing about the fall is that it’s apple season. So, I found it fitting to share our family’s favorite Apple Crumble Pie Recipe with you (also try this apple crisp, 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). There’s just something so delicious about a crumble topping!

This homemade Apple Crumb Pie recipe uses only a few, simple ingredients, allowing the taste and texture of the apples to really shine. It’s the perfect dessert for your Thanksgiving table.

Front view of homemade apple crumble pie.

Apple Crumble Pie: Substitutions & Ingredients 

  • Butter. Ghee, coconut oil or vegan butter can be substituted to make a dairy-free version.
  • All-Purpose Flour. A 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour blend can be substituted for the regular flour.
  • Granulated Sugar. Brown sugar can be used in place of granulated sugar in the filling for a deeper flavor.
ingredients in this apple crumble pie recipe

How to make Apple Crumble Pie Crust

Since this apple crumble pie is homemade, begin by making the crust. I always, always, always make my own pie crust when I make pie from scratch (like 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 (plus you can pronounce all the ingredients in it)!

Chill the Dough

The apple crumble pie crust needs to be chilled for at least 1 hour or overnight. This ensures it will hold together and roll out nicely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and put it in the fridge.

I use my pie plate to measure the dough to make sure I rolled it large enough! Trim off any excess dough and save it to use later to add to the edges of the crust, or to cut out into fun shapes! 

two photos showing how to make an apple pie crust

Make the Apple Crumble Pie Filling

While your dough is chilling, make the apple filling.

Precook the Apples

 always pre-cook the apples when making this Apple Crumble Pie (and this classic apple pie) because it ensures two things 1) your pie won’t “sink” when it’s baked and 2) the filling and crust will finish baking at the same time.

Simply microwave the apples for about 5 minutes, then toss them with the rest of the filling ingredients and you’re good to go.

Make the Apple Crumble Pie Topping

The only thing to note about the topping is that the butter needs to be softened (as opposed to frozen as it does in the crust).

Assemble the pie

Combine the filling ingredients with the pre-cooked apples. Then put the mixture into the prepared pie crust.

overhead view of homemade Apple Crumble Pie before baking

Bake the Apple Crumb Pie

This is the only pie recipe I have that bakes at the same temperature throughout its time in the oven (another reason why covering the crust is essential).

You know this Apple Crumble Pie is done when the filling starts to bubble and the top is a delicious golden-brown.

Cool

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.

Overhead view of a full homemade Apple Crumble Pie after baking.

Serve

Serve this apple crumble pie with a dollop of fresh homemade whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect fall treat!

Store

Store leftovers at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Front view of homemade apple crumble pie in a pie dish with a piece removed.

Freeze

This pie freezes very well! There are 2 ways to freeze this recipe:

1. Freeze the entire pie. Simply bake and chill the pie, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cutting and serving. 
2. Freeze individual slices. If you have a few leftover slices you want to freeze, place them on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer to flash-freeze them. Then, once they’re frozen, wrap them in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for about 6 hours. 

front view of a slice of apple crumble pie on a white plate

Recipe FAQs

What is crumble topping made of?

It depends on the recipe, however, this recipe has granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, butter softened, ground cinnamon, and sea salt.

What apples are good for apple crumble pie?

I really like a tart variety like Granny smith or pink lady, but all varieties work well.

How do you prevent a soggy bottom pie crust?

Be sure to use a colander to let the water drain out of your apples as they cool before mixing the dry ingredients into them.
Let the apple pie cool completely before serving. This will thicken up the filling and harden the crust. 
Do not add any excess water to the pie when you add the filling. 

Overhead view of a pie dish with The best homemade Apple Crumble Pie with a piece removed.

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Apple Crumble Pie

Laura
The best homemade Apple Crumble Pie recipe uses only a few ingredients and is made completely from scratch! It’s the perfect fall dessert! Gluten-free & vegan options! 
4.91 from 11 votes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 1 – 10″ Pie (Serves 10)
Calories 335.7
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients 
 

Pie Crust (1 crust):

Filling

Topping

Instructions 

Make the Crust:

  • Place the flour, salt, and sugar in a food processor fitted with an “S” blade and pulse to combine.
  • Add the butter (or earth balance) and cold water and process until the mixture resembles a coarse meal, begins to stick together, and holds together when pinched. 
  • Remove dough from processor (will be crumbly) and form into a ball.
  • Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or overnight.

Make the Crumb Topping :

  • In a small bowl, mix together sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt until combined.
  • Cut in butter with a fork, a pastry cutter, or your hands until crumbly.
  • Set aside.

Make the filling:

  • Place your peeled and cored apples in a microwave safe dish and heat for 5 minutes, until apples are slightly soft to the touch.
  • While apples are in the microwave, in a small bowl, mix together sugar, flour cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • Once apples are finished cooking in the microwave, drain any excess water.
  • Add ½ of the dry mixture to the soft apples and stir to coat the apples.
  • Add the rest of the dry ingredients and mix until the apples are evenly coated.

Putting it all together:

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Remove crust from refrigerator and roll into a circle, about ¼ to ½ inches thick. (if it has been refrigerated overnight you will need to let it sit on the counter at room temperature until it is pliable).
  • Gently place crust into pie plate, forming it to look how you would like!
  • Pour filling into unbaked pie crust.
  • Use your hands to evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the filling.
  • Place a pie crust shield or aluminum foil over the outer crust of your pie to protect it from burning. Remove shield in the last 10-15 minutes of baking if it doesn’t begin to brown under the shield)
  • Bake your pie in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the filling begins to bubble and the top is lightly browned.
  • Let cool for at least 1 hour and dig in!

Video

Notes

* I recommend cutting the butter and tossing it in the freezer while you gather your other ingredients and materials. Also, measure out the water and toss some ice cubes in it so it gets cold too! Cold ingredients results in an extra-flaky crust, because little pats of butter are retained throughout the crust.

Ingredient Substitutions 

  • Butter. Simply replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute like Earth Balance to make this pie vegan.
  • All-Purpose Flour. A 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour blend can be substituted for the regular flour.
  • Granulated Sugar. Brown sugar can be used in place of granulated sugar in the filling for a deeper flavor.

Store

Refrigerate this pie in an airtight container or freeze for up to 2 months. 

Freeze

This pie freezes very well! There are 2 ways to freeze this recipe:
1. Freeze the entire pie. Simply bake and chill the pie, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cutting and serving. 
2. Freeze individual slices. If you have a few leftover slices you want to freeze, place them on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer to flash-freeze them. Then, once they’re frozen, wrap them in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for about 6 hours. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 335.7kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 2.8g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4.2g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 220mg | Potassium: 134mg | Fiber: 3.2g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 550IU | Vitamin C: 7.1mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1.2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!

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59 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Made this pie for Thanksgiving 2021 and it was a hit! My fear of soggy bottomed pie were erased by following the tips to drain the excess water. Will definitely be making this again!

  2. Sorry ! But no offense? is all of these recipes healthy to eat all the time well i mean just white flour and sugar etc

    1. Nope, I don’t just post “healthy” recipes. I believe in treats in moderation. I prefer making homemade versions because at least if I’m eating flour and sugar I can choose organic varieties and skip all the artificial ingredients, chemicals and food dyes in store-bought items!