Apple Crumble Pie - sweet, buttery, moist, tender and crunchy pie with delicious apples and cinnamon. Served with vanilla ice cream is perfect sweet yet light treat.
The Foundation: A Buttery Crust
Every great pie starts with a solid foundation, and in this case, it's a buttery, flaky crust. The crust serves as the vessel that holds all the juicy goodness of the apples and the crunchy topping. Making your own pie crust can seem daunting, but with a bit of patience and practice, it becomes second nature. The key is to keep your ingredients cold and not overwork the dough. This ensures that coveted flakiness that makes each bite a textural delight.
The Heart: Sweet and Spiced Apples
At the core of this pie (pun absolutely intended) are the apples. Choosing the right variety is crucial. Granny Smith apples are a popular choice due to their tartness and ability to hold their shape during baking. However, mixing in a sweeter variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji can add depth to the flavor profile. Peel, core, and slice your apples uniformly to ensure even cooking. Toss them in a mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg. The spices elevate the natural sweetness of the apples, creating a filling that's both fragrant and flavorful.
The Crown: Crunchy Crumble Topping
Now, let's talk about the pièce de résistance: the crumble topping. This is where the magic happens. A blend of flour, brown sugar, and butter comes together to form a topping that's both crunchy and slightly chewy. As it bakes, the butter melts, and the sugar caramelizes, creating golden clusters of sweet, buttery bliss. Sprinkle this generously over your apple filling, ensuring an even layer that will bake to perfection.
Bringing It All Together
With all components ready, it's time to assemble. Roll out your chilled pie dough and fit it into your pie dish, trimming any excess. Pour in the spiced apple mixture, spreading it out for an even layer. Finally, crown your pie with the crumble topping, pressing it down gently to adhere. Pop it into a preheated oven and let the heat work its magic. As it bakes, your kitchen will be filled with an aroma so inviting that neighbors might "accidentally" drop by.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked to golden perfection, allow the pie to cool slightly. This not only prevents any burnt tongues but also lets the filling set, making for cleaner slices. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, spiced apples and the cold, creamy accompaniment is pure bliss.
A Slice of Comfort
In a world that's constantly buzzing, taking the time to bake an apple crumble pie is a form of therapy. It's a reminder of simpler times, of family gatherings, and of the joy found in homemade treats. So, the next time you're looking for a dessert that's both cozy and impressive, remember the apple crumble pie. It's more than just a dessert; it's a hug in pie form.
Ingredients:
apple pie crust:
2 1/3 cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
2 tbsp (30 g) sugar
1 tsp salt
1 stick (120 g) unsalted butter, chilled and cut in cubes
8-10 tbsp ice water
apple pie filling:
7-8 apples, peeled and grated
1/2 cup + 1 tbsp (120 g) light brown sugar
3 tbsp (26 g) all-purpose flour
2 tsp cinnamon powder
1/4 tsp nutmeg powder
1 tbsp lemon juice
crumble:
1 1/4 cups (155 g) all-purpose flour
3/4 cup (150 g) light brown sugar
7 tbsp (100 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1. Prepare the Pie Crust:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or a fork, cut the chilled butter into the mixture until it forms a crumbly texture with small, even pieces. It’s okay if there are a few larger chunks—they add to the flakiness of the crust! For a personal touch, I like to use my hands for the final mixing step.
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, flatten it into a disc, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Lightly grease and flour a 10-inch (25 cm) baking dish. Roll out the chilled pie dough on a floured surface and carefully transfer it to the prepared dish. Gently press the dough into the dish, trim any excess, and pinch the edges for a decorative finish. Use a fork to poke holes in the base of the crust to create air pockets and prevent bubbling.
3. Make the Apple Filling:
Peel and grate the apples, then place them in a large bowl. Add the light brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir everything together until the apples are evenly coated with the sweet and spiced mixture.
4. Create the Crumble Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, light brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix with a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly. This buttery topping will add the perfect crunch to your pie.
5. Assemble the Pie:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Before adding the filling to the crust, spoon and press the apple mixture to the side of the bowl to remove excess liquid. This step prevents the pie from becoming too soggy. Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust, then generously sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples.
6. Chill Before Baking:
Refrigerate the assembled pie for 15 minutes before placing it in the oven. This helps the crust hold its shape while baking.
7. Bake the Pie:
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
8. Cool and Serve:
Allow the pie to cool for at least 3 hours before slicing. This cooling period helps the filling set and makes serving much easier. For the ultimate treat, serve slices of pie with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.
Pro Tip: This pie is even better served cold, straight from the refrigerator. The flavors meld beautifully, and the crumble retains its delightful crunch.
Bake Along with Me
For a step-by-step visual guide to making this delightful dessert, check out the video below. It walks you through the process, ensuring your apple crumble pie turns out perfect every time.
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