Toffee Apple Crumble Pie
Toffee Apple Crumble Pie is a delightful mix of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a crunchy, buttery crumble that's bursting with toffee flavor. Every bite offers a perfect balance between…
Tip: save now, cook later.Toffee Apple Crumble Pie is a delightful mix of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a crunchy, buttery crumble that’s bursting with toffee flavor. Every bite offers a perfect balance between sweet, soft fruit and a crisp, rich topping that melts in your mouth. This pie feels like a cozy hug on a plate, especially when the toffee caramelizes just right.
I love making this pie when the weather starts to turn cool because it fills the kitchen with the warm smell of apples and toffee. One little tip I always follow is to use tart apples with a firm texture so that they hold up well and don’t turn mushy after baking. The crumble on top is my absolute favorite part—I like to add a little extra brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon for that extra layer of yum.
Serving this pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes it feel extra special. I often bring it to family gatherings or friendly get-togethers, and it never lasts long. There’s just something about the combination of apples and toffee that makes everyone smile, and I’m pretty sure it’s one of those desserts that creates sweet memories around the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith are great because they hold their shape when baked and balance the sweetness. You can swap them with Braeburn or Honeycrisp if you prefer a sweeter apple.
Toffee Bits: These add a lovely crunch and caramel flavor. If you can’t find toffee bits, finely chopped caramel candies or even crushed butterscotch chips make good substitutes.
Crumble Topping: Made of flour, brown sugar, and butter, the crumble is key for texture. For a twist, you can add oats or chopped nuts like walnuts to the topping for more crunch.
Pie Crust: Store-bought crusts save time, but homemade gives a flakier texture. If gluten-free is needed, use a gluten-free pie crust mix or make one with almond flour.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crumble Topping?
The crumble topping is simple but needs some care to get right. Cold butter is your secret weapon. Here’s how to do it:
- Use cold, cubed butter straight from the fridge.
- Combine with flour and brown sugar, then use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until it looks like coarse crumbs.
- The mixture should have small lumps of butter to bake into crispy, buttery bits.
- Don’t overwork the dough or the topping will become dense instead of crumbly.
Sprinkle the topping evenly and bake until golden. Keep an eye so it doesn’t burn—if the crumble browns too fast, cover the pie loosely with foil.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9-inch pie dish – perfect size for your pie to bake evenly with a nice crust edge.
- Mixing bowls – use a large one for tossing apples and a smaller one for the crumble topping.
- Pastry cutter or fork – helps blend cold butter into flour for a perfect crumbly topping.
- Sharp knife – for peeling and slicing apples neatly and safely.
- Oven mitts – essential for safely handling the hot pie when it comes out of the oven.
- Wire cooling rack – lets your pie cool evenly without getting soggy on the bottom.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble toasty crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Mix in dried cranberries or raisins with the apples for an extra tangy sweetness.
- Try swapping the cinnamon and nutmeg for pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired twist.
- Stir in a splash of bourbon or vanilla extract into the apple mixture for deeper warmth and flavor.
How to Make Toffee Apple Crumble Pie?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced tart apples (such as Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 oz toffee bits or chopped toffee candy
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
To Serve:
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pie takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 45-50 minutes to bake. Allow it to cool a bit before serving, so plan for about 1 hour from start to finish. Perfect timing for a cozy dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent browning. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and 2 tablespoons of flour. Mix everything together nicely so the apples are all coated with the spices and sugar.
2. Assemble the Pie:
Roll out your pie crust and place it into a 9-inch pie dish, trimming any extra dough. Pour the apple mixture evenly into the crust. Then sprinkle the toffee bits all over the apple layer – this is where you’ll get that lovely caramel crunch!
3. Make the Crumble Topping and Bake:
For the crumble topping, combine 1 cup flour and 1/2 cup brown sugar in a bowl. Add cold, cubed butter, then use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until it looks like coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this crumble mixture evenly over the apples and toffee bits. Put the pie in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the apples feel tender and the crumble is golden. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning the toffee.
4. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the pie out and let it cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, then drizzle with caramel sauce to boost the toffee flavor.
Enjoy every bite of your warm, crunchy, sweet Toffee Apple Crumble Pie!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for This Pie?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing with the sugars and spices. This helps prevent a soggy crust.
How Do I Store Leftover Toffee Apple Crumble Pie?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices gently in the oven or microwave before serving to restore the warm, gooey texture.
Can I Make the Pie Crust from Scratch?
Absolutely! A simple homemade pie crust made with butter, flour, salt, and a little cold water works wonderfully. Just chill the dough before rolling it out for best results.
What Can I Use Instead of Toffee Bits?
If you don’t have toffee bits, try chopped caramel candies or butterscotch chips. They’ll provide similar sweetness and texture in the crumble pie.
