How To Make Crumb Topping For Apple Pie

Creating a crumb topping for an apple pie adds a delightful contrast of texture and flavor to this classic dessert. It’s a simple yet delicious way to elevate the pie’s taste. To make a crumb topping, start by gathering the ingredients: flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, a pinch of salt, and cold unsalted butter.

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, both sugars, and a pinch of salt. Cut the cold unsalted butter into small cubes and add it to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be well incorporated into the dry ingredients, creating a crumbly texture.

The article contains a brief overview of Crumble Apple Pie and how to make crumb topping for apple pie. Apple pie consists of a soft crust filled with juicy, spiced apples and a delicious buttery topping of crumble. It will be the perfect dessert for you. I love apple pie, but that crumble topping on apple pie will always win my heart. However each pie is delicious, but what sets this pie apart is that crumble topping. The topping is easy to make and makes your apple pie yummy.

Let’s check out how to make the crumb topping for apple pie:

How to Make Crumb Topping For Apple Pie 

The crumb topping for apple pie is easy to make and contains few ingredients. It includes:

• Butter
• Flour
• Cinnamon
• Brown/white sugar
• Oats 
• Baking Soda 

Make the crumble topping for apple pie by mixing all ingredients with a fork until well blended and crumbly.

Read also: How To Bake Sweet Potato in Oven: 3 Simple Steps!

How to Make Apple Crumb Pie?

Crumble Topping  

Ingredients 

• 1/2 Cup Flour 
• 1/2 Rolled Oats 
• 1/2 tsp Salt 
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp Baking Soda 
• 1/3 Cup Dark Brown Sugar
• 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter, slices 

Instructions 

1. Combine the oats, flour, dark brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Mix gently to break up any lumps. Be careful not to crush the oats.
2. To create a mealy texture, rub the cold butter into the ingredients with your fingertips.
3. Keep the mixture in the refrigerator while you prepare the apple filling.

Apple Pie Filling 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the pie shell aside on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
2. Peel the apples and cut them into 1/2-inch thick slices after removing the skin and seeds. Set aside apple pieces in a medium mixing basin.
3. In a separate medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, cornstarch, and spices with your hands until well combined. Remove any clumps. Toss in the apples to coat them.
4. Fill the pie shell with the spiced apples, including any sugar and liquids gathered in the mixing bowl.
5. Top the pie with the crumb topping, leaving a 1/2-inch border uncovered. When the pie is baked, the topping will cover the entire pie.
6. Bake for about an hour on the middle rack, or until the juices are bubbling and the crumb topping is lightly browned.

Topping

• Softened 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup gold medal ™ general-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup filled brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar

The Best Apples for Pie

• The bottom of the best apple pie (or apple crumble) begins with selecting the proper apples. You’ll need an apple this is crisp and barely tart however will keep its form even as baking. When baking apple pie, I advise the usage of a Granny Smith apple as I’ve used in this apple crumb pie recipe.
• Although you surely can use any apple, a few apples have a softer texture or are much less crisp which means your pie ought to grow to be delicate or the apples won’t keep their form. Find extra information on apples for baking here.

How Many Apples are Needed for a Pie

The number of apples required for a pie can vary based on factors like the apple size, pie size, and personal preference. As a general guideline, you’ll typically need around 6 to 8 medium-sized apples to fill a standard 9-inch pie crust adequately.

It’s essential to choose the right apple variety for baking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn, as they hold their shape well and offer a good balance of sweetness and tartness for pie fillings. Adjust the quantity based on the apple size and how densely you want to pack the apples into the pie crust. Additionally, some recipes might call for more or fewer apples based on specific flavor profiles or desired pie thickness.

How many apples do you need for the cake?

This depends on the recipe and toppings you use. This particular recipe uses delicious breaded toppings to stack apples high in the sky. The number of apples required for a cake can vary depending on the cake size, recipe, and desired apple content. Generally, for a standard-sized cake, you might need about 2 to 3 medium-sized apples, though some recipes might call for more or less depending on the desired taste and texture.

When choosing apples for a cake, consider varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala, known for their flavor and ability to hold up well during baking. Adjust the quantity based on the recipe’s specifications or personal preference, ensuring the apples are peeled, cored, and sliced or chopped as directed in the recipe.

How Do You Know When a Crumble is Cooked?

It should be baked for about 45 minutes in the preheated oven or as specified in the recipe. The apple layer of the crumble should be bubbling, and the crumble surface should be an even medium golden brown. In case you are using a shallower, larger baking pan, like a 9×9, be sure to watch it closely. It may take 5 to 10 minutes less time for the crumble to be done.

Determining when a crumble is cooked involves visual cues and the desired texture. Generally, a well-cooked crumble has a golden-brown color on top and a bubbling, thickened fruit filling underneath.

Check the crumble’s top layer—once it turns a golden hue and appears crispy, it’s likely done. Additionally, observe the fruit filling: it should bubble around the edges, indicating that it’s heated through and thickened slightly from the cooking process.

How Long Does Crumble Topping Last in Fridge?

The crumble topping should be stored in an airtight freezer container or a freezer bag that is properly shut. The topping should be utilized within 3 months of freezing for the best results since ice crystals can form in the mixture after that time, making it somewhat less crisp when baked. If the crumble has frozen into firm lumps, you can break them up by placing the mixture in a thick freezer bag. Place the bag on a chopping board, loosely seal it, and tap the lumps with a rolling pin until they break down into smaller pieces.

A crumble topping, if stored properly in an airtight container, can last in the refrigerator for up to 5 to 7 days. It’s essential to ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent moisture from getting in, which can cause the topping to lose its crispness.

Keeping the crumble topping refrigerated helps maintain its freshness and prevents it from becoming soggy. Before using it, check for any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or unusual appearance, and discard if it appears compromised. If stored correctly, the crumble topping should maintain its quality for several days in the refrigerator.

Read Also: What Do Scallops Look Like: Flavor, Texture and Storage

How To Freeze Crumb Topping?

Crust mix is effortless to freeze, and it takes hardly any effort at all. But, here you have to follow some simple steps to freeze crumb topping: 

• Make Mix

Cook or prepare the crumble mix according to your favorite recipe; just don’t add any fruit or filling.

• Cool the Mixture 

Cool the mix, and then divide it into portions.

• Fill the Portion Into Bags

Place each portion in a freezer bag – one in each bag.

• Label

Label each bag with the date and contents.

• Seal and Freeze

Put it in the freezer after you squeeze out any excess air. You can also use these containers instead. Make sure they are airtight and labeled before freezing.

Tips For The Best Pie

• Use an apple that holds up well like Granny smith.
• Pile the apples high, they’ll shrink a bit as they bake.
• If your crumb topping is powdery, it hasn’t been mixed enough. Use your hands to really mix it together until bigger crumbs form.
• If you notice the topping starts to brown too early, place a small square of foil over the middle.
• I use a nice deep-dish pie plate and always set the pie plate on a parchment-lined baking pan to bake. This makes it easier to get in and out of the oven and will catch any drips or spills should your pie bubble over!

Best Pie Tips

• Use a holding apple, like Granny Smith.
• Stack up the apples high will cause them to shrink slightly when baked.
• If the crumb topping is powdery, it is not well mixed. Use your hands to actually mix until you have a large bread crumb.
• If you notice that the toppings are starting to turn brown quickly, place a small square foil in the mid-point.
• I use a nice deep pipe rate and always put the pipe rate in a parchment-lined baking pan and bake it. This makes it easy to put it in and out of the oven and catch drips and spills if the cake overblows.

Conclusion

Crafting a crumb topping for apple pie is a delightful way to elevate this beloved dessert. Combining basic ingredients like flour, sugars, and butter yields a crumbly texture that introduces a pleasant contrast to the softness of the apple filling. This simple yet magical blend, once sprinkled generously atop the pie, undergoes a beautiful transformation in the oven. As it bakes, the topping turns irresistibly crisp and golden, imparting a sweet, buttery essence that harmonizes perfectly with the tender apple slices beneath. Each spoonful delivers a symphony of textures and flavors, creating a pie that beckons with its irresistible allure and timeless appeal.

FAQs

What ingredients do I need for a crumb topping?

To make a crumb topping, gather flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, a pinch of salt, and cold unsalted butter.

How do I achieve the perfect crumbly texture?

Cut the cold unsalted butter into small cubes and blend it with the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or fork until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Can I customize the crumb topping?

Yes, you can personalize it! Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg or incorporate oats or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.

Do I bake the crumb topping separately?

No, the crumb topping is typically sprinkled over the apple pie filling before baking, allowing it to bake along with the pie.

How long should I bake an apple pie with crumb topping?

Bake the pie according to the apple pie recipe instructions, usually around 45-55 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. The crumb topping should also turn a golden brown color.