Rustic Apple Pie with a Crispy Crumble – A Cozy Autumn Delight

There’s something about a homemade apple pie that brings warmth and comfort to any autumn day, especially when it’s filled with garden-fresh apples from family and friends. This apple pie takes that classic favorite and elevates it with a crunchy, golden crumble on top. The apples, simmered with cinnamon, lemon zest, and sugar, create a filling that’s perfectly sweet and tangy. Combined with a buttery base and a crispy crumble topping, this pie is the perfect combination of soft, juicy apples and crisp, flaky crust. The best part? It’s easy to prepare and will leave your home filled with the irresistible aroma of baked apples and cinnamon.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe: This apple pie is perfect for lovers of traditional desserts with a twist. The buttery, flaky base pairs beautifully with the soft, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and the crumble topping adds a delightful crunch. You’ll love how the pie’s textures come together: from the tender, caramelized apples to the crisp topping that crackles with each bite. The recipe also uses simple ingredients and is straightforward to make, so even if you’re not an experienced baker, you can create a dessert that feels like a cozy hug in every slice. It’s the perfect dessert to share with loved ones or enjoy with a warm drink on a chilly evening.

Perfect Occasion: This apple pie with crumble topping is a perfect dessert for any autumn gathering, whether it’s a family dinner, Thanksgiving celebration, or a weekend treat. It’s also great for using up those big bags of apples you get from friends or family. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for any occasion. It’s especially perfect for casual get-togethers where you want to serve something homey and comforting that everyone will enjoy.

Decoration Tips: To give your apple pie a beautiful finish, consider dusting the crumble topping with powdered sugar just before serving. This creates a lovely contrast with the golden crust. You can also garnish each slice with a few fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra festive touch. For a more decadent presentation, drizzle the pie with caramel sauce or serve it alongside scoops of ice cream for added indulgence. If you’re hosting a special gathering, serve the pie on a rustic wooden board or a decorative pie stand for a charming, homemade look.

Ingredients for the Apple Filling:

• 4-6 apples (use 5 large ones if available)
• 110 grams sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 50 grams butter

Instructions for the Filling:

1. Peel and chop the apples into cubes. Place them in a saucepan along with the sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, cinnamon, and butter.
2. Cook the apple mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until most of the juice has evaporated and the apples are tender. This step is crucial for ensuring the pie crust remains crisp and not soggy. Once done, set the filling aside and allow it to cool to room temperature.

Ingredients for the Crust:

• 110 grams cold butter, cubed
• 50 grams sugar
• 220 grams all-purpose flour
• 5 tablespoons cold water

Instructions for the Crust:

1. In a blender or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, combine the cold butter, sugar, and flour. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add the cold water and continue mixing until the dough comes together into a smooth, pliable consistency, similar to modeling clay. If preferred, you can mix the dough by hand, but this will take a little more time.
3. Press the dough into a baking pan lined with parchment paper, creating a solid base and sides for the pie. Place the prepared crust in the freezer for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the crumble topping.

Ingredients for the Crumble Topping:

• 80 grams all-purpose flour
• 50 grams sugar
• 50 grams butter
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions for the Crumble Topping:

1. As with the crust, combine the butter, flour, sugar, and cinnamon in a blender or mixer until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. This time, don’t add any water; the goal is to create a crumbly texture that will give the pie its crispy topping.

Assembly and Baking:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Remove the chilled crust from the freezer and spread the cooled apple filling evenly over it.
3. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apples, covering the filling completely.
4. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
5. Once the pie is done, allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy this warm and comforting apple pie with its perfect balance of flavors and textures, and share the joy of homemade baking with those you love!