Best Easy Apple Cinnamon Crumble Pie for Cozy Homemade Bliss

Jenny

the heart behind Family Cooks Club

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There’s something truly comforting about the warm, spicy scent of apple cinnamon filling the kitchen on a crisp afternoon. This Apple Cinnamon Crumble Pie is my go-to when I want to turn simple, everyday ingredients into a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert. The crumbly, buttery topping balances perfectly with tender, cinnamon-kissed apples nestled beneath it—making every bite an irresistible mix of textures and flavors. Whether you’re baking for family, impressing dinner guests, or simply craving a homemade treat that beats fast food every time, this pie delivers joy straight from the oven to your plate. Let me show you how easy it is to create this timeless classic that feels like a warm hug on a flaky crust.

Why choose Apple Cinnamon Crumble Pie?

Comfort in every bite: This pie wraps you in warm cinnamon and tender apples. Simplicity shines: It uses everyday ingredients anyone can find. Quick prep: Perfect for busy days when you crave homemade goodness. Textural delight: Crispy crumble meets soft, juicy filling for the ultimate cozy contrast. Crowd-pleaser: Always a hit whether for family dinners or special occasions. Versatile treat: Serve warm with ice cream or enjoy just as is.

Apple Cinnamon Crumble Pie Ingredients

For the Apple Filling

Granny Smith apples – Choose tart apples to balance the sweetness and add a fresh crunch.
Brown sugar – Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the cinnamon.
Ground cinnamon – The star spice that fills your kitchen with cozy warmth.
Lemon juice – Keeps the apples from browning and adds a subtle zing.
All-purpose flour – Helps thicken the filling, so the apples aren’t too juicy.

For the Crumble Topping

All-purpose flour – The base of the crumbly texture that soaks up buttery goodness.
Granulated sugar – Adds crunch and sweet contrast to the tender filling.
Cold unsalted butter – Creates the rich, melt-in-your-mouth crumble when rubbed into flour and sugar.
Rolled oats – Optional but highly recommended to give your crumble extra bite and rustic charm.
Ground nutmeg – A warm spice note that enhances the overall flavor profile of the Apple Cinnamon Crumble Pie.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Crumble Pie

Preheat oven: Set your oven rack in the middle and preheat to 350°F, ensuring even heat for a perfectly golden brown crumble topping and tender, bubbly apple filling.
For the Apple Filling:
Toss apples: In a large bowl, gently toss Granny Smith slices with brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and flour until each piece is coated in a fragrant, glossy spice mixture.
For the Crumble Topping:
Make topping: Rub cold butter into flour, granulated sugar, oats, and nutmeg using your fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with varying sizes for light, crisp, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Assemble pie: Spoon the spiced apple filling into your prepared pie crust, smoothing the top. Sprinkle crumble evenly, covering apples completely for an even, golden bake.
Bake pie: Bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes, or until the crumble is golden brown and filling bubbles through edges, releasing that irresistible aroma throughout your kitchen.
Cool slightly: Let pie rest on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes to set the filling and make slicing cleaner and easier.

Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Apple Cinnamon Crumble Pie Variations

Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize this pie with delightful twists that tantalize your taste buds!

Nutty Crumble: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
Maple Syrup: Replace brown sugar with pure maple syrup in the apple filling for a richer, deeper sweetness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or ginger powder into the apple filling for a surprising hint of heat that enhances the warm spices.
Dairy-Free: Swap the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative to create a luscious crumble for those avoiding dairy.
Fruit Fusion: Mix in some berries like blueberries or raspberries with the apples for a refreshing twist that adds bursts of flavor.
Vegan Delight: Replace butter with vegan substitutes and use flaxseed meal to create a magical egg replacement for the classic vegan version.
Lemon Zest: Add zest from one lemon to the apple filling to brighten the flavors, giving a delightful citrusy balance to the warmth of cinnamon.
Additional Spices: Experiment by incorporating cardamom or cloves to the filling, enriching the flavor profile and adding warmth to every bite.

Let your taste buds guide you in creating the Apple Cinnamon Crumble Pie of your dreams!

How to Store and Freeze Apple Cinnamon Crumble Pie

Fridge: Store leftover pie covered with plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container. This Apple Cinnamon Crumble Pie can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing its delightful texture.

Reheating: To enjoy leftovers, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or until warmed through and the crumble is crisp again.

Room Temperature: If serving at room temperature, leave the pie out for no longer than 2 hours to ensure food safety and maintain quality.

What to Serve with Apple Cinnamon Crumble Pie?

Indulging in a slice of warm pie is just the beginning; let’s create an entire cozy experience around it.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop adds a creamy, cool contrast that perfectly balances the warm, spiced pie.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling this rich, sweet sauce enhances the pie’s flavors and adds a decadent touch for a special treat.
Hot Spiced Apple Cider: The aromatic spices in the cider echo the apple pie while warming your soul on chilly days.
Fresh Whipped Cream: Light and airy, this dollop adds a touch of luxury to each slice, enhancing the pie’s comforting essence.
Coffee or Tea: A warm cup complements the flavors of the pie, making for a cozy afternoon or evening dessert experience.
Mixed Berry Compote: The tartness of berries brings a refreshing contrast and adds a burst of color to your plate.
Cheddar Cheese: A surprising pairing; sharp cheddar with its salty bite contrasts beautifully with the sweet apple filling, creating a unique flavor experience.
Nutty Granola: Sprinkling some crunchy granola on top adds texture while introducing a wholesome element to your dessert.
Pecan Pie Bars: For those who love variety, serving these bars alongside creates a delightful mini dessert spread.

Make Ahead Options

These Apple Cinnamon Crumble Pies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the apple filling up to 24 hours in advance by tossing the Granny Smith apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and flour, then refrigerate it in an airtight container to prevent browning. The crumble topping can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—just combine the dry ingredients and keep the butter cubed until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to enjoy your pie, simply assemble it and bake according to the original instructions. This way, you’ll have a delicious homemade dessert ready with minimal effort, making busy weeknights that much sweeter!

Expert Tips for Apple Cinnamon Crumble Pie

Choose the right apples: Use tart Granny Smith apples for balance; sweeter varieties can make the filling overly sweet and mushy.
Keep butter cold: Cold butter creates the perfect crumble texture; warm butter will make the topping greasy and dense.
Don’t oversoak the crumble: Mix just until crumbs form—overmixing can activate gluten and make topping tough.
Even apple slices: Slice apples uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture in your Apple Cinnamon Crumble Pie.
Cool before slicing: Allow the pie to rest after baking so the filling sets properly, preventing it from running when cut.

Apple Cinnamon Crumble Pie Recipe FAQs

What type of apples should I use for the best Apple Cinnamon Crumble Pie?
I absolutely recommend using Granny Smith apples. Their tartness provides the perfect balance to the sweet crumble topping and cinnamon spices. Avoid overly sweet or mushy apples as they can make your pie filling too soft and overly sugary.

How long can I store leftover Apple Cinnamon Crumble Pie in the fridge?
You can store your pie covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. Keep it chilled to maintain freshness while preserving the tender apple filling and crisp topping textures.

Can I freeze Apple Cinnamon Crumble Pie, and what is the best way to do it?
Definitely! Wrap individual pie slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Your pie will keep beautifully for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw slices overnight in the fridge, then reheat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until warmed through and the crumble is crisp again.

What do I do if my crumble topping turns out soggy or too dense?
This often happens if the butter is too warm or the topping is overmixed. Always use cold, unsalted butter and rub it into the flour and sugar mixture just until crumbs form. Overmixing activates gluten, resulting in a dense texture. Also, be sure to bake until the topping is golden and crisp to avoid sogginess.

Is Apple Cinnamon Crumble Pie safe for pets or suitable for people with allergies?
While delicious for us humans, this pie isn’t safe for pets—apples with seeds, cinnamon, and sugar can be harmful to dogs and cats. For allergy considerations, it contains gluten, dairy, and sugar, so it’s best to substitute ingredients accordingly or consult a specialist if you have dietary restrictions. I often suggest gluten-free flour and dairy-free butter alternatives for those with sensitivities.