Welcome to my kitchen, foodies! Today, I have a delightful treat in store for you – a scrumptious Cinnamon Crumble Apple Pie that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. This classic American dessert is the epitome of comfort and warmth, perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or simply indulging in a slice of heaven any day of the week. Bursting with the flavors of tender apples, warm cinnamon, and a buttery crumble topping, this pie is a true crowd-pleaser.
For Whom and Why It’s Great
Whether you’re an experienced baker looking for a show-stopping dessert or a beginner eager to impress your loved ones, this Cinnamon Crumble Apple Pie recipe is designed for everyone. The combination of flaky crust, luscious apple filling, and delectable crumble topping will have you hooked from the first bite. Plus, the fragrance that fills your kitchen while the pie bakes is simply irresistible.
This recipe is great because it strikes the perfect balance between sweet and slightly tangy, making it a hit with both kids and adults. The warm spices and comforting aroma evoke cherished memories of fall and holiday seasons. So, without further ado, let’s dive into making this heavenly pie!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Before we embark on our baking adventure, let’s ensure we have all the necessary kitchen equipment ready:
- Mixing Bowl
- Pastry Cutter or Two Knives
- Rolling Pin
- 9-inch Pie Plate
- Oven
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare with this pie), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate the pie, and before serving, gently warm it in the oven to recapture that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Tips, Shortcuts, and Recipe Swaps
- Time-Saving Shortcut: Use store-bought pie crust if you’re short on time or prefer a ready-made option.
- Apple Varieties: Experiment with different apple varieties, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady, to find your preferred balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Ice Cream Pairing: Serve a slice of warm Cinnamon Crumble Apple Pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a heavenly dessert experience.
FAQ
Q: Can I freeze this pie?
A: Absolutely! Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
Q: Can I make this pie in advance for a special occasion?
A: Yes! You can prepare the pie a day ahead of time, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it.
Q: Can I use a different type of sugar for the crumble topping?
A: Of course! While the recipe calls for granulated and brown sugar, you can substitute with coconut sugar, if preferred, for a slightly different flavor.
Q: Can I add nuts to the crumble topping?
A: Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts make a delightful addition to the crumble, adding a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp butter
- 2-3 tbsp cold water
- For the Pie Filling:
- 6 cups thinly sliced, peeled apples
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Instructions
Making the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
Add the butter to the bowl and use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
Gradually sprinkle cold water, one spoonful at a time, over the mixture and mix until the dough holds together and easily cleans away from the bowl.
Lightly flour a surface and a rolling pin. Roll out the dough, using additional flour if it begins to stick.
Transfer the rolled-out dough to a 9-inch pie plate and flute the edges.
Grease the uncooked pie crust with butter and lightly flour it.
Preparing the Pie Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the thinly sliced and peeled apples with flour, ground cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar until the apples are evenly coated.
Assembling and Baking:
Add the prepared apple filling into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
In the same bowl used for the filling, mix together the ingredients for the crumble topping until they form a crumbly texture.
Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apple filling.
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown.