Welcome to the definitive guide for making the most incredible Butter Crumble Apple Pie you’ll ever taste. Often hailed as a Dutch Apple Pie, this recipe simplifies the art of pie-making without compromising on flavor or texture. Prepare to indulge in an easy, flaky crust, a perfectly balanced apple filling, and a rich, buttery crumble topping that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The Ultimate Butter Crumble Apple Pie (A.K.A. Dutch Apple Pie)

There’s something uniquely comforting about a homemade apple pie, especially one that doesn’t demand hours of complicated steps. Every year, as the crisp autumn air arrives, I eagerly anticipate our annual apple-picking tradition. While the bounty of fresh apples is inspiring, my focus always turns to crafting a pie that celebrates their natural flavor without unnecessary fuss. This Butter Crumble Apple Pie recipe is precisely that: a celebration of simplicity and exceptional taste. It features no fancy techniques or obscure ingredients, letting the star of the show—the apples—shine through. This recipe is genuinely foolproof, promising a delightful baking experience and an even more delightful dessert for anyone, regardless of their baking skill level.

Why This Butter Crumble Apple Pie Stands Out

What makes this particular apple pie recipe truly exceptional and a perennial favorite? It’s a harmonious blend of carefully chosen elements that deliver maximum flavor and satisfaction with minimal effort:

• Effortless Flaky Crust: Whether you opt for a store-bought convenience or whip up your own easy homemade version, the base of this pie is designed to be tender and flaky, providing the perfect foundation for the generous apple filling.
• Generous, Perfectly Spiced Apple Filling: The heart of any great apple pie lies in its filling. We use crisp, tart Granny Smith apples that hold their shape beautifully during baking, tossed in just the right amount of sugar, flour, and cinnamon to create a luscious, flavorful interior that isn’t overly sweet.
• Irresistible Butter Crumble Topping: Forget the fuss of a lattice top! This pie is crowned with a golden, buttery crumble, adding a delightful textural contrast and a rich, sweet finish. It’s incredibly simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
• Simplicity is Key: From preparation to baking, this recipe prioritizes ease. You won’t find complicated instructions or obscure ingredients here, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a holiday gathering, or a special weekend treat, this apple pie fits right in. It’s comforting, classic, and universally loved.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Pie

Do I need to use green Granny Smith apples?

Yes, green Granny Smith apples are highly recommended for this recipe. Their firm texture allows them to hold up exceptionally well during the baking process, preventing them from becoming mushy. Their tartness also provides a fantastic balance to the sweetness of the sugar in the filling and the crumble topping. While most tart apples will work, sweet apples tend to break down too much, resulting in a less desirable texture for your apple pie.

Can I use a homemade pie crust?

Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile. If you have a go-to homemade pie crust recipe that you love and feel comfortable with, please use it. For those looking for an easy homemade option, consider trying our Wham Bam Pie Crust recipe, designed for simplicity and excellent results.

What if I don’t want to use a crumble topping?

No problem at all! While the butter crumble is a signature of this pie, you can certainly adapt it. You can opt for a traditional double-crust pie by adding another layer of pie crust. You could also create a simple lattice crust topping for a more classic look. For instructions on creating a lattice top, you can refer to techniques shown in our Homemade Blueberry Pie recipe.

I like a more spiced apple pie. What else can I use besides cinnamon?

Cinnamon provides a wonderful classic flavor, but if you prefer a richer, more complex spice profile, feel free to enhance it! You can easily purchase a pre-blended apple pie spice mix from most grocery stores. These blends typically include a harmonious combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and sometimes cardamom, offering a warm and inviting aroma and taste. You can also create your own blend by adding small amounts of these individual spices to taste.

How do you crimp the pie crust edges for a beautiful finish?

Achieving beautifully crimped pie crust edges adds a professional touch to your homemade pie. A common and easy method involves using your knuckle from one hand to push the crust inwards while simultaneously using two fingers from your other hand to push the crust outwards and around the knuckle. This creates a scalloped or fluted edge. I personally aim to make the crimp slightly thicker, which helps prevent the edges from becoming too thin and potentially burning during baking. For a visual guide and to explore various crimping styles, here is a good picture tutorial that demonstrates different techniques, including the style I prefer.

How do I store leftover Butter Crumble Apple Pie?

Storing your leftover apple pie properly ensures it remains delicious for as long as possible. This pie can be left out on the counter, loosely covered with plastic wrap or foil, for up to 2 days. For longer storage, transfer the pie to the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you wish to freeze the pie, wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. When properly wrapped, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving or reheating.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Apple Pie

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful dessert. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the signature flavor and texture of our Butter Crumble Apple Pie. We’ll keep it simple, focusing on quality and readily available items.

• Pre-made Pie Crust or Homemade: The foundation of your pie. For ultimate convenience, a good quality store-bought 9-inch pie crust works wonderfully. If you prefer to make your own, our Wham Bam Pie Crust recipe is designed to be super easy and yields a reliably flaky result. We recommend sticking to these types as we haven’t tested this recipe with other crust variations like gluten-free or alternative flour crusts.
• Granny Smith Apples: As discussed in our FAQ, these tart, firm apples are non-negotiable for the best apple pie. They maintain their structure and offer a crucial tangy counterpoint to the sweet elements. Ensure they are peeled, cored, and uniformly sliced for even cooking. You can use an apple peeler and corer for efficiency or a sharp knife.
• All-Purpose Flour (for filling and crumble): This standard pantry staple serves two purposes here. In the filling, a small amount helps to thicken the apple juices, preventing a watery pie. For the crumble topping, it forms the bulk of the buttery, crumbly mixture. We love White Lily Flour for its fine texture, if you can find it. Do not use self-rising flour.
• Granulated Sugar (for filling and crumble): Provides sweetness and helps create that desirable gooey texture in the filling. It’s also essential for the golden-brown crispness of the crumble. This recipe has not been tested with sugar substitutes.
• Ground Cinnamon: The quintessential spice for apple pie. It adds warmth and aromatic depth to the filling. While we keep it simple with just cinnamon for a classic profile, feel free to explore other spices as mentioned in the FAQ, such as a pre-made apple pie spice blend for more complexity.
• Salted Butter (for crumble): The secret to a rich, golden crumble topping. For the crumble, the butter doesn’t need to be fully at room temperature; a slightly chilled stick of butter will be easier to work into the flour and sugar mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, creating delightful pea-sized crumbles.

How to Make the Best Butter Crumble Apple Pie: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this magnificent apple pie is simpler than you might imagine. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfect bake every time.

Prepare Your Pie Crust and Oven

1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the start.
2. If using a refrigerated pie crust, carefully unroll it and fit it into your 9-inch pie dish. Gently press it up the sides of the dish.
3. Crimp the edges of the crust as desired. You can use the knuckle-and-finger method described in our FAQ or simply press a fork around the rim. Set the prepared pie crust aside while you work on the filling.

Craft the Irresistible Apple Filling

4. Begin by peeling your Granny Smith apples. Once peeled, you can either cut down four sides of each apple to remove the core and then thinly slice the apple pieces, or use an apple peeler and corer for quicker preparation. Aim for uniform slices, about ¼-inch thick, to ensure they cook evenly.
5. Place all the sliced apples into a large mixing bowl.
6. To the bowl of apples, add the ¼ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
7. Give the apple mixture a good stir, ensuring that every single apple slice is thoroughly coated with the flour, sugar, and cinnamon blend. This coating is crucial for thickening the juices and distributing the flavor evenly throughout the pie.
8. Carefully transfer the apple filling into your prepared pie crust. Spread the apples out evenly and gently press them down so all the apple pieces are lying flat, filling the crust uniformly. This helps prevent large gaps in the baked pie.

Prepare and Add the Golden Crumble Topping

9. Now, it’s time to create the star of the show: the butter crumble topping. In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the 1 cup of all-purpose flour and ⅓ cup of white sugar. Stir them together until well mixed.
10. Add the ½ cup (1 stick) of salted butter, which should be slightly chilled or at a cool room temperature, cut into small cubes.
11. Using a large fork or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour and sugar mixture. Continue mixing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs or small peas. The goal is a uniform crumble that will bake into a golden, crunchy layer.
12. Generously sprinkle the crumble mixture all over the top of the apple filling in the pie crust, ensuring an even layer from edge to edge.

Bake to Golden Perfection

13. Place the pie on the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 45 minutes.
14. Keep an eye on the pie. The apples should be soft when pierced with a knife, and the crumble topping should be a beautiful golden brown. If the crumble starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the pie with aluminum foil.

Cool, Slice, and Serve

15. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period is crucial; it allows the filling to set and thicken properly, preventing a runny pie when sliced. Resist the urge to cut into it too soon!
16. After the pie has cooled for at least 2-3 hours (or even longer), it’s ready to be sliced and served. A warm slice is heavenly when paired with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for the Best Homemade Apple Pie Experience

• Choose the Right Apples: As highlighted, Granny Smith apples are ideal. For a more complex flavor, you can combine them with other firm, tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn, ensuring the total quantity remains the same.
• Don’t Skip the Flour in the Filling: The small amount of all-purpose flour tossed with the apples is essential. It absorbs excess moisture released by the apples during baking, creating a perfectly thickened, not watery, filling.
• Even Apple Slices: Strive for uniform thickness when slicing your apples. This ensures that all apple pieces cook at the same rate, resulting in a consistently tender filling.
• Prevent Over-Browning: If your crumble topping starts to brown too quickly before the apples are tender, simply tent the pie loosely with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
• Patience is a Virtue (Cooling): Allowing the pie to cool completely is perhaps the most challenging but crucial step. The filling continues to set and thicken as it cools. Cutting into a hot pie often results in a messy, runny slice.
• Serve Warm: While delicious at room temperature, a slightly warm slice of apple pie is truly magical. You can gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-30 seconds or in a low oven.

Delicious Variations to Try

While this recipe is perfect as written, feel free to experiment and make it your own!

• Nutty Crumble: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to your crumble topping for an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
• Oatmeal Crumble: For a heartier topping, incorporate ½ cup of old-fashioned rolled oats into the crumble mixture.
• Spiced Up: Beyond our suggestions in the FAQ, consider a pinch of ground cloves or a tiny hint of black pepper (it sounds odd, but it really elevates the apple flavor!).
• Caramel Drizzle: After the pie has cooled, warm some caramel sauce and drizzle it over the top for an extra decadent treat.

Craving More Delicious Recipes?

If you’ve enjoyed making this apple pie, you’re sure to love these other delightful recipes from our collection:

• Apple Slab Pie
• Apple Crumble Bars
• No-Bake Apple Pie
• Apple Dessert Pizza
• Apple Dumplings
• Fried Apple Pies
• Pumpkin Pie
• Sweet Potato Pie
• Southern Pecan Pie
• Peanut Pie
• Buttermilk Pie
• Thanksgiving Recipe Roundup

Originally published: September 2011
Photos updated and republished: July 2023

Butter Crumble Apple Pie Recipe

This Butter Crumble Apple Pie is truly the best apple pie recipe, featuring an easy, flaky crust, an amazing apple filling, and a perfect butter crumble topping. It’s a dessert that consistently impresses!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6
• Author: Brandie Skibinski
• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 (9-inch) pre-made pie crust (or make your own from scratch)

For the Filling:

• 6 Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Butter Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup white sugar
• ½ cup salted butter (1 stick), room temperature or slightly chilled and cubed

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. If using a refrigerated pie crust, spread it into your pie pan and crimp the edges.
3. In a large bowl, combine the sliced Granny Smith apples with ¼ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Stir well until all apple slices are thoroughly coated.
4. Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly and ensuring all apple pieces lie flat.
5. To make the crumble topping: In a separate medium bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour and ⅓ cup white sugar. Add the ½ cup of cubed salted butter.
6. Using a large fork or pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour and sugar mixture until it forms coarse crumbs.
7. Generously sprinkle the crumble mixture all over the top of the pie, covering the apple filling completely.
8. Bake in the center rack of the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the apples are soft (test with a thin knife) and the crumble topping is golden brown. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the pie with aluminum foil.
9. Remove from oven and let the pie cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set and thicken properly.
10. Serve slices warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.

Video Tutorial

For a visual guide on making this delicious pie, watch our step-by-step video:

Notes

• Refer to the FAQ and ingredient list above for detailed information on substitutions or common questions.
• If you are making your own crust, such as the Wham Bam Pie Crust, prepare it first and refrigerate it while you prepare the filling.
• This pie tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld and the filling fully sets. You can gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer it warm.

Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)

• Calories: 610 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 90g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 26g
• Sodium: 270mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 46g

Nutritional Disclaimer: The Country Cook is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through your preferred online nutritional calculator. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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