A Buttery, Old-Fashioned Dessert with Tender Apples and a Golden Crust

This cozy cinnamon apple crumb pie brings together a soft, buttery crust and layers of warmly spiced apples, finished with a delicate grated topping that bakes into a golden crumble.
It’s simple, comforting, and even better the next day—exactly the kind of homemade dessert that fills the kitchen with the smell of fall.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup (½ lb) salted butter, softened
• 4 eggs
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 3 Tbsp milk (plus extra if needed)

For the Filling

• 2 lbs firm baking apples (Gala, McIntosh, or Pink Lady), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 2 lbs softer baking apples (Braeburn, Red Delicious, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

Using two apple textures creates a filling that’s both tender and slightly structured—never mushy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Cut in the softened butter with a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in eggs and vanilla until evenly moistened.
5. Add milk one tablespoon at a time, mixing with your hands until a firm, slightly sticky dough forms.
6. Turn dough onto the counter and knead briefly to bring it together.

Divide dough into:

• ⅔ portion → press into a greased 9-inch springform pan
• ⅓ portion → wrap and freeze 30 minutes

Bake the bottom crust 15 minutes, until lightly puffed and just golden at the edges.
Remove and let cool slightly.

2. Make the Apple Filling

While the crust bakes:

1. Combine sliced apples and cinnamon in a large pan or pot.
2. Cook over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until:
   • Apples soften slightly
   • Cinnamon becomes fragrant

Remove from heat.
This quick sauté prevents excess moisture in the pie.

3. Assemble the Pie

1. Spread the warm apple filling over the warm crust.
   • It will look like a lot of apples—this is normal.
2. Remove frozen dough and grate it over the apples using a cheese grater
   (or crumble with fingers for a rustic topping).

Place a foil-lined baking sheet on the rack below to catch any drips.

Bake 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden and lightly crisp.

4. Cool and Serve

• Let the pie cool completely on a rack before slicing.
• Serve the same day or the next day—
  the flavors deepen overnight and the crust softens beautifully.

Tips for the Best Apple Crumb Pie

• Mix sweet and tart apples for balanced flavor.
• Don’t skip the pre-bake—it keeps the crust from getting soggy.
• Cooling fully ensures clean slices.
• Delicious with:
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Whipped cream
  • Caramel drizzle

Final Thoughts

This cinnamon apple crumb pie is proof that simple ingredients create timeless desserts.
With its buttery crust, tender spiced apples, and delicate crumb topping, it’s the kind of recipe that feels nostalgic from the very first bite—and one you’ll want to bake again and again.