This Pioneer Woman Apple Pie with Crumb Topping is a classic, tart, and sweet dessert, made with Granny Smith apples and a buttery crumble topping. It’s a foolproof recipe, ready in about 1 hour and 15 minutes, plus cooling time.
Pioneer Woman Apple Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 single pie crust, prepared or homemade
For the Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
For the Filling:
- 8 Granny Smith apples
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- ½ Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp. lemon zest (optional)
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp. ground nutmeg
How To Make Pioneer Woman Apple Pie with Crumb Topping
- Prepare the Oven and Crust: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Fit the pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate (not deep dish), crimp the edges, and set aside.
- Make the Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and cubed butter. Use a fork or your hands to mix until the mixture is well combined and crumbly.
- Prepare the Filling: Peel, core, and slice the Granny Smith apples into thin slices (about ⅛ inch thick). In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, lemon zest (if using), cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated.
- Assemble the Pie: Layer the apple slices tightly into the prepared pie crust, piling them high (the pie will be very full). Pour any remaining juices from the bowl over the apples. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples, patting it down gently. Place the pie pan on a cookie sheet to catch any drips.
- Bake the Pie: Bake at 450°F for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue baking for an additional 45-55 minutes, until the apples are soft when poked with a fork and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm or at room temperature.

Recipe Tips
- How do I know when the pie is done? The pie is done when the apples are soft all the way through (test by poking the center with a fork) and the crumb topping is golden brown.
- Why use Granny Smith apples? Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well during baking, providing a perfect balance to the sweet topping.
- What if my topping browns too quickly? If the crumble topping starts to brown too early, loosely cover the pie with a piece of aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Can I make this pie ahead of time? Yes, this pie can be made a day in advance. It can also be frozen before or after baking. If baking from frozen, cover loosely with foil, bake at 425°F for 20 minutes, then reduce to 350°F for 45-55 minutes.
What To Serve With Apple Pie with Crumb Topping
This classic apple pie is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast
- A dollop of freshly whipped cream to enhance the flavors
- A hot cup of coffee or chai tea to complement the warm spices
How To Store Apple Pie with Crumb Topping
Refrigerate: Cover loosely with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve chilled or reheat slightly before serving.
Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving or reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
Apple Pie with Crumb Topping Nutrition Facts
Serving: 1 slice (1/8th of pie)
- Calories: 495 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 84g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Sugar: 53g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods used.
FAQs
Why is my crumb topping powdery?
The topping needs to be mixed thoroughly until it holds together. Use your hands to combine the butter with the dry ingredients if needed for a cohesive crumble.
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, but Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness and firm texture. Other firm apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn can work but may alter the flavor slightly.
How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Ensure the pie crust is properly fitted into the pan and consider brushing it with a thin layer of egg white before adding the filling to create a barrier.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Chess Pie Recipe
Pioneer Woman Apple Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe
Description
A classic apple pie with a tart Granny Smith apple filling and a buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumb topping, perfect for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
For the Topping:
For the Filling:
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Fit the pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges.
- For the topping, mix flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and cubed butter in a bowl using a fork or hands until crumbly.
- For the filling, peel, core, and thinly slice apples. Toss with sugar, flour, lemon juice, lemon zest (if using), cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Layer apples tightly in the pie crust, pour any juices over, and top with the crumble, patting it down gently. Place the pie on a cookie sheet.
- Bake at 450°F for 15 minutes, then reduce to 350°F and bake for 45-55 minutes, until apples are soft and topping is golden.
- Cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- u003cliu003eMix the crumb topping thoroughly to avoid a powdery texture.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eUse Granny Smith apples for the best tart flavor and firm texture.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eIf the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis pie can be frozen before or after baking; bake from frozen at 425°F for 20 minutes, then 350°F for 45-55 minutes.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor clean slices, let the pie cool fully to allow the filling to set.u003c/liu003e
