Cinnamon Crumble Apple Pie

Ingredients:

For Pie Crust:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 2-3 tablespoons cold water

For Pie Filling:

• 6 cups thinly sliced, peeled apples
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

For 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

Directions:

1. Prepare the Pie Crust
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and butter. Use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough holds together and easily pulls away from the bowl.

2. Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch pie plate, using additional flour if necessary to prevent sticking. Transfer the rolled dough to the pie plate, and flute the edges. Lightly grease the crust with butter and dust with flour.

3. Prepare the Pie Filling
In a medium bowl, toss the sliced apples with flour, ground cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar. Mix until the apples are evenly coated.

4. Assemble the Pie
Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.

5. Make the Crumble Topping
In the same bowl used for the crust, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple filling.

6. Bake the Pie
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the edges of the pie are bubbling.

7. Enjoy
Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this delightful Cinnamon Crumble Apple Pie warm or at room temperature!

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

1. Cool Slightly Before Serving: Allow the pie to cool for about 15 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to cut clean slices.
2. Serve Warm or Room Temperature: Enjoy the pie warm or at room temperature. For an extra treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
3. Garnish: Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added flavor and visual appeal.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep for up to 4 days.
2. Freezing: To freeze, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave or the whole pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until warmed through.

These tips will help you enjoy your Cinnamon Crumble Apple Pie at its best, whether it’s freshly baked or stored for later.

Variations:

1. Caramel Apple Crumble Pie
   Add 1/2 cup of caramel sauce to the apple filling for a sweet, rich flavor. Drizzle some extra caramel sauce over the top of the crumble before baking.
2. Apple Berry Crumble Pie
   Incorporate 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries) into the apple filling for a fruity twist.
3. Spiced Nut Crumble Pie
   Mix 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) into the crumble topping for added crunch and flavor. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
4. Maple Apple Crumble Pie
   Substitute maple syrup for the brown sugar in the apple filling and add 1/2 teaspoon of pure maple extract for a maple-infused flavor.
5. Apple Pear Crumble Pie
   Combine apples and pears for a different fruit combination. Use 3 cups of sliced apples and 3 cups of sliced pears for a deliciously balanced flavor.
6. Cheesecake Apple Crumble Pie
   Spread a layer of cream cheese mixed with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract over the crust before adding the apple filling. This creates a creamy layer that pairs perfectly with the apple and crumble.
7. Pumpkin Apple Crumble Pie
   Blend 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree with the apple filling and add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired twist.
8. Toasted Coconut Apple Crumble Pie
   Mix 1/2 cup of toasted coconut flakes into the crumble topping for a tropical touch.
9. Gingerbread Apple Crumble Pie
   Add 1 tablespoon of ground ginger and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves to the apple filling and crumble topping for a gingerbread-inspired flavor.
10. Apple Almond Crumble Pie
    Incorporate 1/4 cup of almond meal into the crumble topping and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for a nutty, crunchy finish.

These variations allow you to customize your Cinnamon Crumble Apple Pie to suit different tastes and occasions, making it a versatile and delightful dessert.

FAQs:

1. Can I use pre-made pie crust for this recipe?
   Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust if you prefer. Just follow the instructions on the package for pre-baking if needed, and then proceed with the filling and crumble topping.
2. Can I use a different type of apple?
   Yes, you can use different varieties of apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. A mix of tart and sweet apples often yields the best flavor and texture.
3. How do I prevent the pie from becoming too watery?
   Make sure to use a thickening agent like flour or cornstarch in the apple filling. Also, avoid over-mixing the apples with sugar and spices, which can release excess moisture.
4. Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the pie crust in advance. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw and roll out before using.
5. How can I make the crumble topping extra crunchy?
   For a crunchier topping, use cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Adding chopped nuts to the crumble topping can also enhance the crunch.
6. Can I use a different fruit in the filling?
   Yes, you can substitute apples with other fruits like pears or peaches. Adjust the sugar and spices accordingly based on the sweetness and flavor of the fruit.
7. What should I do if the crust edges start to over-brown during baking?
   If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield to prevent burning while the rest of the pie continues to bake.
8. Can I use a deep-dish pie plate for this recipe?
   Yes, a deep-dish pie plate works well for this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if necessary, as a deeper pie may take a bit longer to cook.
9. How can I make the pie ahead of time for a party?
   You can prepare the pie a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Reheat it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes before serving to bring it back to serving temperature.
10. Can I freeze the pie before baking?
    Yes, you can freeze the assembled pie before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Bake from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

These FAQs address common questions about making and storing Cinnamon Crumble Apple Pie, helping ensure your baking experience is smooth and successful.

This Cinnamon Crumble Apple Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the classic flavors of sweet apples and spicy cinnamon with a buttery, crunchy crumble topping. It’s perfect for special occasions or a comforting treat any day of the week. With its easy-to-follow steps and irresistible taste, this pie is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy every bite of this delicious homemade dessert!