Name: Easy Apple Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups Flour; 2 teaspoons Sugar; ¾ teaspoon Salt; ½ teaspoon Cinnamon; ⅔ cup Canola oil; 3 tablespoons Milk; 4 cups Apples, peeled, cored and sliced; ⅔ cup Sugar; 3 tablespoons Flour; Dash of Lemon juice; Dash of Salt; 2 teaspoons Cinnamon

If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy the comforting flavors of a classic dessert without the fuss of complicated dough or hours of prep, then you’re in for a treat. This Easy Apple Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional apple pie, boasting a tender, crumbly crust and a warmly spiced apple filling that’s bursting with flavor. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a quick preparation time, this pie is perfect for beginners and busy bakers alike who want to impress with a home-baked dessert that’s both delicious and stress-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an array of baking ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. Starting from the left, there is a white bowl filled with peeled and sliced green apple pieces, next to a large white bowl with colorful patterns on the outside, filled with flour. In front of these, a metal spoon holds a small amount of ground cinnamon, placed beside a small glass bowl of flour. To the right, there is a halved lemon, a small glass bowl with brown cinnamon powder, a small white bowl of salt, a pale blue bowl filled with granulated white sugar, a light gray bowl containing a clear liquid (likely oil), and a small white measuring cup with milk. A light gray striped cloth is partially visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients is the first fun step toward making this scrumptious apple pie. Each component plays a vital role—whether it’s the flour giving structure, the cinnamon adding warmth, or the apples providing that perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. You’ll see how a simple pantry can come together for something magical.

2 cups Flour: Provides the foundation for the crust and crumb, giving that irresistible texture.
2 teaspoons Sugar: Sweetens the crust just enough to balance the tart apples.
¾ teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the flavors in both crust and filling.
½ teaspoon Cinnamon: Adds that classic warm spice that screams apple pie.
⅔ cup Canola oil: Keeps the crust tender and moist without fuss.
3 tablespoons Milk: Binds the crust ingredients together smoothly.
4 cups Apples, peeled, cored and sliced: The star of the show—fresh apples bring natural sweetness and juicy texture.
⅔ cup Sugar: Sweetens the apple filling perfectly.
3 tablespoons Flour: Thickens the apple filling to just the right consistency.
Lemon juice, dash: Brightens the flavors and prevents apples from browning.
Salt, dash: Balances sweetness in the filling.
2 teaspoons Cinnamon: Infuses the filling with the iconic apple pie flavor.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Easy Apple Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pie Plate

Start by preheating your oven to 400℉ to make sure it’s hot and ready to bake your pie to a golden perfection. While it warms up, spray your pie plate evenly with cooking spray, which will prevent sticking and give your crust an easy release later on.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients for the Crust

In your pie plate, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Using a fork, stir these dry ingredients until they are well blended. This creates the base for your crust and crumb topping—a simple mix that keeps things quick and fuss-free.

Step 3: Add Liquid and Form the Dough

In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and canola oil. Pour this liquid mixture over the dry ingredients in the pie plate. Stir to combine everything thoroughly. Reserve about one-third of this dough to set aside for the crumb topping, while you press the remaining dough evenly into the pie plate, making sure to press it up the sides to form a lovely crust.

Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling

Place the peeled, cored, and sliced apples along with the sugar into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 2 minutes to soften the apples slightly. Then stir in the flour and microwave for another 2 minutes to thicken the mixture. Finally, add the lemon juice, a dash of salt, and cinnamon, mixing everything to combine the delicious flavors.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

Pour the warm apple filling into your prepared crust, spreading it out evenly. Then scatter the reserved dough in small clumps all over the top, creating that wonderful crumb topping that adds such fantastic texture and warmth.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the pie in your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown and irresistible. The aroma filling your kitchen is the first sign that your Easy Apple Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Easy Apple Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe

The image shows two side-by-side round pie dishes on a white marbled surface. The left dish has a single layer of light yellow apple slices arranged closely in a circular pattern on a golden brown pie crust, with a shiny glaze over the apples. The right dish shows the same apple layer underneath a thick, crumbly topping made of pale tan crumbs covering the entire surface, creating a rough texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your serving, consider a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the warm pie or a dollop of freshly whipped cream lightly sweetened with a touch of cinnamon. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also add a lovely finishing touch that dazzles both the eyes and taste buds.

Side Dishes

For a cozy autumn gathering, serve slices alongside a cup of hot spiced cider or a rich cup of coffee. If you want to turn it into a more complete dessert spread, fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the pie.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the pie plate by serving individual mini portions in ramekins with crumb topping for a charming presentation. Another fun idea is to pair your pie slices with a cheese plate featuring tangy cheddar or cream cheese that beautifully complements apple flavors. Adding edible flowers or fresh mint leaves as garnish can also make your dessert truly datable for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pie can be covered tightly with plastic wrap or transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps the crumb topping crisp and the filling fresh, so you can enjoy it the next day just as much as the first.

Freezing

You can freeze this pie either before or after baking. Wrap it securely with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your apple pie slices in a preheated 350℉ oven for about 15 minutes to bring back that freshly baked warmth and revitalize the crumb topping. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this Easy Apple Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen apples work well and save time since you can skip peeling. Just thaw them before mixing with other filling ingredients to avoid excess moisture.

Is it possible to make this pie gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of your choice, you can enjoy this pie without gluten, although texture might vary slightly in the crust and crumb topping.

What type of apples are best for this recipe?

Firm and tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn work best, as they hold their shape when cooked and balance the sweetness wonderfully.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the crumb topping?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries can add an exciting crunch and flavor dimension to your pie’s crumb topping.

Should I cover the edges of the crust while baking?

If you want to prevent the crust edges from getting too dark, use a pie shield or tent strips of foil around the edges partway through baking to keep them perfectly golden.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Apple Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone who’s ever been intimidated by pie baking. It’s straightforward, delicious, and bursting with cozy flavors. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how joyful and approachable making apple pie can be—your family and friends will be asking for seconds in no time!

Easy Apple Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need