Apple Streusel Pie
Apple Streusel Pie is a classic homemade dessert featuring fresh apples and a buttery crumble topping.The apple filling is flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and vanilla.A flaky pastry crust provides a delicious base for the soft fruit filling.The streusel topping creates a golden, crunchy, and sweet finish.This dessert is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, and special occasions.Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delicious treat.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3–5 tablespoons ice-cold water
For the Apple Filling
- 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
For the Streusel Topping
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¼ cup rolled oats (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and mix using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.Gradually add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Shape it into a flat disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for approximately 30 minutes.
- Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Place them in a large mixing bowl and add lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and flour.Toss gently until the apple slices are evenly coated. Allow the mixture to rest for approximately 10–15 minutes so the flavors combine.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.Add the cold cubed butter and work it into the dry ingredients using your fingertips or a pastry cutter. Continue mixing until coarse, uneven crumbs form.If desired, add rolled oats or chopped pecans for extra texture. Refrigerate the streusel mixture while preparing the pie.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish. Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a circle large enough to cover the pie dish.Carefully transfer the dough into the dish and gently press it against the bottom and sides. Trim the excess dough around the edges.
- Transfer the prepared apple mixture into the pie crust, arranging the slices evenly. Drizzle the melted butter over the apples.Spread the filling gently to create an even layer. Avoid adding excessive liquid released by the apples.
- Remove the chilled streusel mixture from the refrigerator. Sprinkle it evenly over the apple filling.Cover the entire surface with the crumb mixture, allowing some larger crumbs to remain for a delicious crunchy texture.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for approximately 50–60 minutes, or until the streusel topping becomes golden brown and the apple filling begins bubbling around the edges.If the topping browns too quickly, cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil during the remaining baking time.
- Remove the pie from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Allow it to cool for at least 2 hours.Cooling helps the apple filling thicken and allows the streusel topping to become firm and crunchy.
- Cut the cooled pie into equal slices using a sharp knife. Serve at room temperature or gently warm.Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce for an extra-special dessert experience.
Notes
- Apple Selection: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Braeburn apples are excellent choices for this pie.
- Cold Butter: Use cold butter when preparing the crust and streusel topping to achieve the best texture.
- Even Slicing: Cut the apples into similar-sized slices so they cook evenly.
- Streusel Texture: Mix the butter into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form rather than creating a smooth dough.
- Filling Thickness: Flour or cornstarch helps thicken the natural juices released by the apples.
- Extra Crunch: Add rolled oats, chopped pecans, or walnuts to the streusel topping.
- Golden Topping: Watch the pie during the final baking minutes to prevent the crumbs from burning.
- Cooling Time: Allow the pie to cool before slicing so the filling holds its shape.