Delicious Homemade Apple Pie Recipe – Perfect for Fall!
As I prepare to share with you my Crunch Top Apple Pie recipe, I cannot help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. Apple pie is the quintessential comfort food, evocative of warm memories, nostalgia, and Grandma’s love. Everyone has their own version of the classic apple pie recipe, and mine is one of the best.
But this is no ordinary apple pie. Oh no, friends. This is a Crunch Top Apple Pie that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey. The crumbly topping, made with flour, butter, walnuts, graham cracker crumbs, and brown sugar, brings out the natural sweetness of the tart apples filling.
It’s time to elevate your dessert game and indulge in the perfect mixture of crunch and sweetness that will have you coming back for seconds – or even thirds! Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or make an ordinary day feel special, this Crunch Top Apple Pie recipe will become your go-to for all occasions. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you in search of the perfect apple pie recipe? Look no further, because this Crunch Top Apple Pie recipe is the answer to all your baking prayers.
Firstly, the combination of tart Granny Smith apples and sweet McIntosh apples creates the perfect balance of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. And with the addition of fresh lemon juice, the flavor profiles are enhanced even further.
The crunch top crumble adds a satisfying texture to each bite, while also giving the pie an extra layer of caramelized goodness. Plus, with the inclusion of butter, walnuts, cinnamon, and graham cracker crumbs, this crumble topping is both rich in flavor and crunchy in texture.
But what truly sets this apple pie apart from all others is the easy-to-make pie crust. With just a few simple ingredients such as flour, sugar, butter, and salt, you can create a flaky and buttery crust that perfectly complements the sweetness of the filling.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional apple pies or looking for something new and exciting to bring to Thanksgiving dinner, this Crunch Top Apple Pie recipe is sure to impress. So what are you waiting for? Head into your kitchen and give it a try – you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
For the Pie Crust:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
– 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
For the Apple Filling:
– 6 cups peeled, cored, and thinly sliced Granny Smith apples
– 6 cups peeled, cored, and thinly sliced McIntosh apples
(you can use any combination of tart apples for a better flavor)
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
(this spice is essential to create that warm, cozy flavor that we all love in apple pie!)
For the Crunch Topping:
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
(for a crunchy texture)
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
(to balance the sweetness and add warmth)
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
(for a nutty twist that pairs well with the apples)
– 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
(for extra crunch and texture)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
(to give the topping its caramelized richness)
– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
(the key ingredient to bring it all together into a crispy, crumbly layer!)
The Recipe How-To
Let’s dive right into the recipe how-to and create our Crunch Top Apple Pie!
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Apples
First, we need to preheat our oven to 425°F. While waiting for the oven to warm up, we can proceed by preparing our fresh ingredients – Granny Smith Apples and McIntosh Apples. We will need about 6 cups of thinly sliced apples in total.
Step 2: Mix Sugar, Flour and Cinnamon
In a large bowl, mix together 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
Step 3: Mix Apple Slices with Mixture
Add the prepared apple slices into the mixture and gently toss to coat them evenly. Spread the apple mixture into the pie crust.
Step 4: Make Crunch Topping
In a medium bowl, mix together 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, until they form coarse crumbs. Stir in 3 tablespoons walnuts (optional). Sprinkle the crunch topping over the apple filling evenly.
Step 5: Bake and Cool Down
Bake for about 40-50 minutes or until the topping turns golden brown. Cover with foil if necessary to prevent burning.
Once finished baking, let cool for at least one hour before cutting into slices.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra touch.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making apple pie, there are a lot of different ways you can experiment with the ingredients and create new flavors. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try with this Crunch Top Apple Pie recipe:
1. Change up the apples: While we recommend using Granny Smith and McIntosh apples for their tart and sweet flavors respectively, you can play around with different types of apples depending on your tastes. For example, Honeycrisp, Braeburn or Pink Lady apples can work well.
2. Make a crumb topping: If you don’t want to make the crunch top topping, you could make a crumb topping instead. To do this, simply mix 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and 6 tablespoons unsalted butter until crumbly.
3. Add some nuts: If you love nuts in your desserts, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping mixture for an extra crunch.
4. Use a different type of crust: While we love the classic pie crust for this recipe, you could also experiment with using graham cracker crumbs or a pre-made cookie crust.
5. Make it caramel apple: For an extra sweet twist on this recipe, try adding caramel sauce to the filling mixture before baking.
By experimenting with these variations, you can bring a unique twist to your crunch top apple pie that will surprise and delight your taste buds. Get creative and have fun!
Serving and Pairing
Once your Crunch Top Apple Pie has come out of the oven, it’s best to let it cool for at least an hour before serving. However, I know it will be hard to resist digging in right away, especially with the aroma of warm apples and cinnamon filling up your kitchen.
In terms of serving, I recommend cutting generous slices to fully appreciate the combo of the flaky pie crust and crunchy crumb top. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for some extra indulgence.
Pairing-wise, this apple pie goes well with a cup of hot coffee or tea, which help cut through the sweetness of the pie. If you’re more of a wine person, opt for a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais that won’t overpower the delicate flavor of the apple filling.
Lastly, this Crunch Top Apple Pie is perfect for any occasion – from a casual family dinner to a fancy holiday party. It’s sure to impress your guests and have them asking for seconds (or thirds!).
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to make-ahead, storing, and reheating this Crunch Top Apple Pie recipe, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, this pie is best served fresh out of the oven. However, if you need to make it ahead of time, you can prepare the pie filling and crumb topping separately, then store them separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours before assembling and baking.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat the pie, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then place the pie on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
If you’re short on time, you can also microwave individual slices for about 30 seconds to 1 minute each. However, keep in mind that the crust may become soggy if you use this method.
One tip I recommend is that if you’re reheating the entire pie and want to maintain the crunchiness of the topping, remove the foil cover during the last 5-10 minutes of baking to allow the top crust to crisp back up.
Overall, while this Crunch Top Apple Pie is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, with a bit of care and attention during storage and reheating, you can still enjoy its delicious flavors for days after baking!
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the best results and make your Crunch Top Apple Pie delicious, follow these simple tips:
First, use a mixture of Granny Smith and McIntosh apples. The tart flavor of the Granny Smith apples balances the sweetness of the McInstosh apples. Be sure to peel, core and slice your apples uniformly for even cooking.
Next, make sure to use fresh lemon juice when making this pie. The lemon juice will bring out the natural flavors of the apples and add a subtle acidity that complements the sweetness of the sugar.
When making the crumb topping, add chopped walnuts for extra crunch and texture. You can also substitute graham cracker crumbs for some or all of the flour in the topping recipe to add a unique flavor.
To prevent your pie from becoming too watery, mix flour with sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle it over layered apples before adding the crumb topping. This will help absorb excess moisture as the pie bakes.
Before adding the crumb topping, make sure to pat down the apple filling to get rid of any air pockets. This will prevent an uneven crust on top.
Use room temperature butter when making your crumb topping to help ensure that it bakes evenly. Cold butter may clump together in spots, causing uneven baking.
Lastly, it is essential to let your pie cool before serving. This allows the juices from the apples to settle, resulting in a firmer, easier-to-slice pie.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Crunch Top Apple Pie turns out perfectly every time – a true crowd-pleaser!
FAQ
Before we conclude this recipe article, here are some frequently asked questions that might come to your mind. These FAQs will help you troubleshoot any issues that you might face while preparing or serving the Crunch Top Apple Pie Recipe.
What is the crumble on top of apple pie made of?
When it comes to making a pie, there’s nothing quite like a delicious crumble on top to add a little extra flavor and texture. But what exactly is this crumble made of? Well, it’s actually quite simple. All you need is some butter, dark brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Mix them all together until small, crumbly pieces form, and you’ve got yourself a tasty crumble ready to sprinkle on top of your pie. What’s more, you can even make it a few days ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to use it.
What is the crumb topping for apple pie by Paula Deen?
To make a delectable crunch topping, first, you need to mix together 3 tablespoons of flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Then, using a fork, incorporate 1 tablespoon of butter that has been kept at room temperature into the mixture until it becomes crumbly. Finally, sprinkle this topping evenly over the crust to give some delightful crunchiness to every bite.
What is crumble topping made of?
Adding a crumble topping is an effortless way to enhance the taste and texture of your baked goods. With just butter, flour, and sugar, you can achieve a delightful balance of sweetness and crunchiness to complement any muffin, quick bread, or pie.
Whats the trick to a great apple pie?
As an experienced culinary explorer, I’ve discovered some crucial tips to create a perfect apple pie. Firstly, it’s essential to keep all ingredients cold to achieve that flaky texture. Secondly, sticking with an all-butter crust is a wise choice as it adds a rich flavor. Thirdly, making a butter-flour paste to brush the crust is a smart move as it gives a glossy finish to the pie. Fourthly, the debate on using vodka in the pie crust is a hot topic, but it’s ultimately up to personal preference. Fifthly, using a spatula instead of a whisk to fold in liquids will help maintain the integrity of the crust. Sixthly, selecting tart apples gives the pie a delicious tangy flavor. Seventhly, many bakers tend to overdo the spices in the filling, which can overpower the apple flavor. Finally, par-cooking the apples before filling the crust will make a firmer and more flavorful pie. By following these tips, you will be on your way to making the perfect apple pie.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Crunch Top Apple Pie Recipe is the ideal dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. The combination of tart Granny Smith and sweet McIntosh apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, and walnuts makes for a delectable filling that perfectly complements the sugary crumbly top. Whether it’s for a family gathering or just a cozy weeknight treat, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Plus, you don’t need to be an expert baker to master this recipe! With easy-to-follow instructions and a few tips for perfect results, even first-time bakers can create a pie that would make your grandma proud.
So why not try this twist on the classic apple pie? You won’t regret it. With its crunchy topping and tender crumbly crust, it’s certainly worth the effort. Treat yourself and your loved ones to the best Dutch Apple Pie possible by making this recipe today!
Crunch Top Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 6 -8 granny smith apples or 6 -8 mcintosh apples, peeled, cored and sliced
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 unbaked pie shell
Instructions
- Place apples in a bowl and toss with lemon juice.
- Pour into unbaked pie shell.
- Mix together remaining ingredients, except butter and sprinkle evenly over apples.
- DRIZZLE melted butter over the top, cover every square inch and bake in a 350 degree oven for 1 hour.
- Cover with foil if needed as the nuts tend to burn.
- Serve with vanilla bean ice cream.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.