Apple Crumb Pie

1 Single pie crust prepared or homemade

Topping

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ cup brown sugar packed

 ½ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ cup unsalted butter chilled and cubed

Filling

8 granny smith apples or tart crisp apples (6-7 cups)

⅓ cup granulated sugar

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon cinnamon

⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

• Preheat oven to 450°F.

Topping:

• Combine all topping ingredients using a fork until completely mixed and crumbly.

Filling:

• Peel, core, and slice apples into thin slices (approximately ⅛ inch). Toss apple slices with sugar, flour, lemon juice, lemon zest (if using), cinnamon, & nutmeg.
• Layer apple slices in pie shell (it will be really full) and pour any leftover juice over the apples. Top apple slices with topping and pat it down over the apples. Place pie pan on a cookie sheet (they tend to drip over if really full, this will save your oven).
• Bake at 450°F for 15 minutes, reduce heat to 350°F and bake an additional 45-55 minutes. (Poke the center of the pie to make sure the apples are soft all of the way through).
• Serve warm or room temperature.

Notes

The topping needs to be very well mixed to hold together, if it is powdery, it hasn't been mixed enough. If needed, use your hands to mix it all together.

Be sure to keep an eye on your crumble topping. If it starts to brown too early, place a small piece of foil on top to keep it from burning.

I recommend Granny smith apples for their tart flavor and they hold their shape well.

Tips for a Perfect Pie

• Use an apple that holds up well like Granny smith.
• Pile the apples high, they’ll shrink a bit as they bake.
• If your crumb topping is powdery, it hasn’t been mixed enough. Use your hands to really mix it together until bigger crumbs form.
• If you notice the topping starts to brown too early, place a small square of foil over the middle.
• I use a nice deep dish pie plate and always set the pie plate on a parchment lined baking pan to bake. This makes it easier to get in and out of the oven and will catch any drips or spills should your pie bubble over!