Showcasing sweet and tender apples bubbling beneath a crumb topping, this Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Crumb Pie is so delicious and easy to make. Served warm with cold vanilla ice cream, fall dessert doesn’t get much better than this!
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When the air starts to get crisp and the leaves begin to turn, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of apples and cinnamon filling the kitchen. For me, fall wouldn’t be complete without baking my Memaw’s Apple Crumb Pie—an heirloom recipe that has been passed down through generations in my family.
A Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Crumb Pie recipe you will love
This pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s a piece of my family’s heritage. My Grandmother, who we called ‘Memaw’, was of German heritage and grew up in Pennsylvania. Apple Crumb Pie is a typical Pennsylvania Dutch (or Pennsylvania German) dessert, and Memaw made sure this recipe was a staple in our family.
Unfortunately Memaw passed away when I was very young, but my dad, aunts and uncles kept the tradition alive, baking this pie every fall. We would visit my grandfather in Lancaster County, PA and had access to all the delicious Amish baked goods. Among them all, this apple crumb pie stands out as the best of the best, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.
What is a crumb topping and how to make it
A crumb topping, also known as a streusel topping, is a delicious mixture of flour, sugar, and butter that adds a sweet, crunchy layer to pies, muffins, and other baked goods. This topping is what gives this Apple Crumb Pie its signature texture and flavor.
To make a crumb topping, you’ll mix flour and sugar together in a bowl, then cut in cold butter using a fork, pastry cutter, or your fingers until the mixture forms small, pea-sized crumbs.
The result is a buttery, sweet crumble that bakes up golden and crisp, adding the perfect contrast to the tender, spiced apples beneath. The beauty of a crumb topping is in its simplicity—it’s easy to make and elevates any dessert with its rich, satisfying texture.
Why This Apple Crumb Pie is The Best Fall Dessert
There’s something magical about the combination of sweet, spiced apples and a buttery, crumbly topping that makes this pie a must-bake on any fall day. It’s incredibly simple to make but delivers a flavor that’s rich, warm, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a cozy treat to enjoy on a chilly evening or a standout dessert to bring to Thanksgiving dinner, this pie fits the bill perfectly.
And let me tell you, it’s absolutely divine when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. But if you’re anything like my dad, you might prefer to enjoy a slice for breakfast—served in a bowl with cream or milk. Yes, it’s that good!
Choosing the Best Apples for Your Pie
When it comes to baking the perfect apple pie, choosing the right apple variety is key. For this Apple Crumb Pie, Memaw recommended using Stayman Winesap apples, which are known for their crisp texture and tart flavor that holds up beautifully during baking.
However, if you can’t find Stayman Winesap, any good baking apple will do. Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Braeburn are also excellent choices, as they offer a balance of sweetness and tartness while maintaining their structure when baked. The key is to choose apples that won’t turn mushy in the oven, ensuring every bite of your pie is filled with tender, flavorful slices that complement the sweet crumb topping perfectly.
Make Apple Crumb Pie ahead or freeze it for later!
One of the great things about this Apple Crumb Pie is that it freezes beautifully, making it a perfect dessert to prepare in advance. Whether you choose to freeze the pie before or after baking, you can enjoy the delicious taste of homemade pie with minimal effort whenever you want.
To freeze the pie unbaked, simply assemble it as directed, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, bake the pie straight from the freezer, adding a little extra time in the oven to ensure it’s fully cooked.
If you’ve already baked the pie, let it cool completely before wrapping and freezing. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through. Freezing your pie ensures that you can have a comforting slice of this family favorite on hand whenever the craving strikes!
How to store Apple Crumb Pie
After baking, it’s important to store your apple crumb pie properly to keep it fresh and delicious. If you plan to enjoy the pie within a day or two, simply cover it loosely with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature. This will maintain the perfect crumbly texture of the topping.
If you need to store it for longer, place the pie in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, you can serve it cold or gently reheat individual pieces in the microwave or oven. Proper storage ensures that your pie stays tasty and ready to be enjoyed whenever you like!
The Easiest and Best Apple Crumb Pie Recipe
Let’s dive into how you can make Memaw’s Apple Crumb Pie in your own kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a cherished tradition in your home too.
Apple Crumb Pie
Equipment
- 1 Pie Dish
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- Homemade Pie Crust I recommend
Sally’s Baking Addiction homemade crust recipe. - Store-Bought Option: If you’re in a pinch I love using Trader Joe’s Pie Crust—it’s a quick and delicious alternative!
For the Filling:
- 6-8 apples peeled, cored, and sliced (Stayman Winesap is best, but any baking apple will do)
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Crumbs:
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter cut into small pieces
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- If using Sally’s Homemade Pie Crust, prepare the crust according to the recipe instructions, then line your pie dish with the dough.
- If using a store-bought crust, follow the package instructions to prepare your crust.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon.
- Pour the sugar and cinnamon mixture over the sliced apples, stirring to coat evenly.
- Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust.
Prepare the Crumbs:
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour and sugar.
- Add the butter to the flour and sugar mixture.
- Using a fork or pastry cutter, crush and mix the butter into the flour mixture until it forms a crumbly texture.
Assemble the Pie:
- Evenly distribute the crumb mixture over the apples.
Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the pie at 400°F for about 10 minutes.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking until the apples are tender and the crumb topping is golden brown, about 45 minutes.
Serve:
- Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm with vanilla ice cream, or try it like my dad does—served in a bowl with cream or milk.
Notes
- Prepare the Pie Ahead of Time: You can prepare the apple crumb pie up to the point of baking and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply cover the assembled pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it chilled until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to bake, follow the same instructions, but you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to account for the cold pie.
- Assemble the Pie: Follow the recipe instructions to prepare the pie, but do not bake it.
- Wrap for Freezing: Wrap the entire pie tightly in a layer of plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze: Place the wrapped pie in the freezer. The unbaked pie can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Bake from Frozen: When ready to bake, remove the pie from the freezer and unwrap it. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 50-60 minutes or until the pie is fully baked and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool the Pie: Allow the baked pie to cool completely at room temperature.
- Wrap for Freezing: Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- Freeze: Place the wrapped pie in the freezer. A baked pie can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: When ready to serve, remove the pie from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, place the pie in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
A perfect pie for everyday – and Thanksgiving too!
While this pie is perfect for fall, don’t hesitate to make it any time of year when you’re craving something comforting and delicious. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe for both seasoned bakers and those just starting out.
I hope you love this apple crumb pie as much as my family does. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a way to connect with the past and create new memories with every slice.
