Apple Crumb Pie Receipe

There’s something truly comforting about the smell of a freshly baked pie wafting through your home. Among the myriad of pies that one can bake, the Apple Crumb Pie stands out as a delightful dessert with its balance of sweet and tart flavors, complemented by a crumbly, buttery topping. In this blog post, we will delve into the heartwarming process of making an Apple Crumb Pie, sharing a recipe that promises to become a favorite at your dinner table.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious pie:

• 6 cups thinly sliced and peeled Granny Smith apples
• ¹⁄₂ cup granulated sugar
• ¹⁄₄ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¹⁄₄ cup all-purpose flour (for the apple filling)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For the pie crust (or you can use a store-bought crust for convenience):

• 1 ¹⁄₄ cups all-purpose flour
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₂ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ¹⁄₄ cup cold water

For the crumb topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¹⁄₂ cup granulated sugar
• ¹⁄₄ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¹⁄₂ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

Instructions

Let’s go through the steps to prepare your Apple Crumb Pie:

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

If you’re making your crust:

1. In a large bowl, combine 1 ¹⁄₄ cups of flour with salt. Cut in ¹⁄₂ cup of cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough forms a ball. Wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Fit into a 9-inch pie plate, trim, and crimp the edges.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with both sugars, spices, flour, and lemon juice until evenly coated. Transfer the apple mixture into the pie crust.
3. Dot the top with the pieces of butter.

🔔 Note: Make sure your apple slices are not too thick to ensure they cook through.

Step 3: Make the Crumb Topping

1. In another bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugars, and cinnamon. Cut in ¹⁄₂ cup cold butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
2. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apple filling in the pie crust.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 50-60 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
2. If the edges of your crust brown too quickly, cover them with foil or a pie shield.

Step 5: Cooling and Serving

1. Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before serving to let the filling set.
2. Serve slices of pie either warm or at room temperature, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Baking an Apple Crumb Pie is more than just following a recipe; it's about creating moments of joy, comfort, and nostalgia. The process, though simple, lets you engage with the ingredients, feeling the texture of the apples, the flakiness of the crust, and the richness of the crumb topping. This pie is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion where a homemade dessert can bring people together.

Can I use different types of apples?

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Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tart flavor and firm texture, you can mix in other varieties like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji for a varied taste and texture.

What can I do if my pie crust cracks?

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If your pie crust cracks, you can easily patch it up by moistening the edge with a bit of water and pressing the dough back together, or by sealing cracks with extra dough.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

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Pre-baking or “blind baking” the crust for about 10-15 minutes before adding the filling can help. Also, ensure your filling is not too wet; the flour in the recipe helps absorb some of the moisture from the apples.

Can this pie be made ahead of time?

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Yes, you can make this pie a day ahead. However, if you plan to store it longer, keep it in the refrigerator or freeze it. Remember to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.