The Quintessential Comfort Food: Apple Crumble Pie
In the world of desserts, few treats evoke a sense of warmth and comfort quite like apple crumble pie. This classic dessert has been a staple in many households for generations, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal. In this article, we’ll delve into the history and making of this beloved pie, as well as some tips and variations to help you create the perfect apple crumble pie in your own kitchen.
A Brief History
Apple crumble pie is believed to have originated in the United Kingdom in the 18th century, where it was known as "apple crumble" or "apple pandowdy." The dish was born out of necessity, as cooks sought to create a dessert that could be made with minimal ingredients and without the need for fancy pastry-making skills. The resulting pie was a simple, yet satisfying combination of tender apples, crunchy oat topping, and a hint of sweetness.
The Magic of the Crumble
So, what makes apple crumble pie so special? The answer lies in the crumble topping, which is a mixture of rolled oats, brown sugar, butter, and flour. This topping is crumbled (hence the name) into small pieces and spread evenly over the apple filling, creating a delightful textural contrast between the soft apples and crunchy topping.
The Art of Making the Perfect Pie
While apple crumble pie is often associated with simplicity, there are a few key techniques to keep in mind to ensure that your pie turns out perfectly. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Choose the right apples: For the best flavor and texture, use a combination of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith, Fuji, and Gala.
- Don’t overmix the filling: Mix the apple filling ingredients just until they’re combined, as overmixing can lead to a pie that’s too soggy or too dry.
- Use the right ratio of topping to filling: Aim for a 1:1 ratio of crumble topping to apple filling to ensure that each bite has the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
- Bake at the right temperature: Bake the pie at 375°F (190°C) for 40-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Variations and Twists
While traditional apple crumble pie is a timeless classic, there are plenty of ways to mix things up and create your own unique variations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add a splash of spice: Introduce some warmth to your pie by adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the apple filling.
- Try a different type of sugar: Substitute white sugar with brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
- Add some crunch: Introduce some chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work well) or chocolate chips to the crumble topping for added texture and flavor.
- Make it a vegan or gluten-free pie: Substitute dairy butter with coconut oil or almond butter, and use gluten-free oats to create a pie that’s accessible to everyone.
Conclusion
Apple crumble pie is a beloved dessert that has stood the test of time, and for good reason. Its combination of tender apples, crunchy topping, and hint of sweetness is a match made in heaven. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newcomer to the world of pie-making, this classic dessert is sure to become a staple in your household. So go ahead, grab a spoon, and dig in – your taste buds will thank you!
I followed this recipe from this subreddit, only altering it to format it a bit better.
Beautiful! Next time if you don’t want your crust to scotch or burn, wrap a thin ring of foil around the crust, then take it off for the last 15 minutes.
**Apple crumble pie**
I know the picture doesn’t look very appetising, but I promise this is delicious
[Original recipe (from this subreddit!)](https://imgur.com/gallery/apple-crumble-pie-recipe-uhTN2)
**Ingredients:**
– 1 pie crust (can be homemade)
– 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
– 115g unsalted butter
– 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 3 tablespoons water
– 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup white sugar
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– Pinch of fresh nutmeg
**For the crumble:**
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
– 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
– Pinch of salt
– Pinch of cinnamon
**Instructions:**
1. Press the pie dough into a 9 inch pie plate, keeping it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.
2. Peel, core and thinly slice 3 granny smith apples. Place in a large bowl and set aside.
3. For the sauce, heat 125g of butter in a large sauce pan over medium heat. Once melted, add in 3 tbsp of flour.
4. Cook for one minute, stirring constantly, then add:
– 3 tbsp water
– 1/2 cup white sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 tbsp vanilla extract
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– a pinch of nutmeg
5. Mix everything together and simmer for 2-3 more minutes, lowering the heat to medium-low.
6. Grab the bowl of apple slices and pour the sauce over them, mixing until everything’s well combined. Set aside.
7. Preheat the oven to 190°C fan
8. To make the crumble, put:
– 1/2 a cup of flour
– 1/2 a cup of quick cooking oats
– 1/8 tsp baking soda
– 1/8 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– A pinch of salt and cinnamon
Into a bowl, then add melt 60g unsalted butter and add it to the bowl. Mix until everything is incorporated.
9. Remove the pie tin from the fridge, then pour in the apple slice and sauce mixture. Top with the crumble.
10. Bake in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender, for about 30-45 minutes. Check on the pie occasionally after 15 minutes. If the top gets too brown, put some tinfoil over the top.
11. Stick a fork in one of the apples. If it goes in easily, the pie is ready to come out of the oven.
12. Let it cool, then slice and eat with whipped or ice cream.
That looks delicious.
dutch apple! Nice
That crust looks perfect to me😉