There’s something about the warm aroma of apples, cinnamon, and buttery crumble baking in the oven that feels like a cozy hug. Whether it’s a crisp autumn afternoon or just a day when you need a little extra sweetness, Apple Crumb Pie is the dessert that never disappoints.
The contrast between the soft, spiced apple filling and the golden, crunchy topping makes each bite irresistible. Unlike traditional double-crust apple pies, this version swaps the top crust for a crumbly, buttery streusel—adding texture and extra caramelized goodness.
Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make, requiring just a handful of pantry staples and fresh apples. If you’re looking for the perfect way to round out a meal, pair this pie with a hearty main like Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta or Shrimp Rigatoni for a balance of savory and sweet.
Apple Crumb Pie has been a staple in American homes for generations, dating back to European settlers who brought their love for spiced fruit desserts. Today, it remains a favorite, especially in the fall when apples are at their peak.
With apple orchards producing over 240 million bushels of apples in the U.S. annually, it’s no surprise that apple-based desserts continue to trend. Trust me—once you taste this, you’ll want to make it again and again.
My Favorite Things About This Recipe!
- The crunchy topping is everything: It bakes into golden-brown perfection, adding just the right amount of texture to balance the soft apples.
- It’s beginner-friendly: No need to roll out a second crust—just sprinkle the crumb topping and bake.
- It makes the house smell amazing: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and apples create the ultimate cozy scent that lingers for hours.
- Great for any season: While it shines in the fall, this pie is just as delicious year-round with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Leftovers are even better: The flavors deepen overnight, making it the perfect next-day treat with a cup of coffee.
Apple Crumb Pie Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Peeler & corer
- Knife & cutting board
- 9-inch pie dish
- Oven
- Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter chilled and cubed
Filling:
- 8 granny smith apples
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest optional
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare your pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish.
- Make the filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples. Toss them with sugar, flour, lemon juice, zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Prepare the crumb topping: Mix flour, sugars, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in chilled butter until crumbly.
- Assemble the pie: Spread the apple filling evenly into the crust and sprinkle the crumb topping over it.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Cool for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 495kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 84g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Sugar | 53g |
| Sodium | 195mg |
Creative Variations for Apple Crumb Pie!
Brown Butter Upgrade
Before mixing the crumb topping, brown the butter on the stovetop until it’s golden and nutty. This small step adds an incredible depth of flavor that makes the topping extra rich.
Bourbon-Infused Apples
A splash of bourbon in the apple filling (about 1 tablespoon) enhances the caramelized flavors and gives the pie a warm, slightly smoky undertone—perfect for fall gatherings.
Toasty Nut Crunch
Instead of just flour and sugar in the crumb topping, mix in finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts. The added crunch takes the texture to another level.
Salted Caramel Drizzle
After baking, drizzle homemade or store-bought salted caramel over the warm pie for a sweet-salty contrast that makes each bite even more indulgent.
Apple & Mango Fusion
For a tropical twist, swap out half of the apples for ripe, diced mangoes. Their natural sweetness pairs surprisingly well with cinnamon and crumb topping.
Crispy Croissant Crust
For an unconventional take, use torn-up buttery croissants instead of a traditional pie crust. It creates a crisp, flaky base that absorbs all the apple juices beautifully.
Chai-Spiced Twist
Swap out the cinnamon and nutmeg for chai spice mix (cardamom, cloves, ginger, and black pepper). It adds a cozy, aromatic warmth that pairs beautifully with apples.
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
