Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that tastes like homemade love? Look no further! This Betty Crocker-inspired crumb top apple pie recipe is the perfect blend of classic flavors and effortless preparation. Forget store-bought pies; this easy recipe delivers a delicious, homemade apple pie with a delightful crunchy topping that's guaranteed to impress your family and friends. It's the perfect addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, proving that homemade cooking can be both simple and satisfying. This recipe is among the best recipes for its ease and fantastic taste.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
For the Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
For the Crust: (Use your favorite pie crust recipe or store-bought)
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your pie bakes evenly and achieves that perfect golden-brown crust.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice. The lemon juice helps prevent browning and adds a delightful zing.
- Pour the apple mixture into the unbaked pie crust. Dot the top with the small pieces of butter.
Make the Crumb Topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the crumb topping.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make sure not to overmix; you want some larger crumbs for that lovely textural contrast.
Assemble and Bake:
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple filling.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the edges with foil.
- Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set and prevents a messy serving experience.
Tips for the Best Crumb Top Apple Pie:
- Apple Selection: Choose a mix of apple varieties for a balance of sweetness and tartness. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent choices.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the crumb topping will result in a tough topping. Work quickly and efficiently to keep the butter cold and the crumbs coarse.
- Cooling Time: Allowing the pie to cool completely is crucial for easier slicing and prevents a runny filling.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Variations:
- Spiced Pecan Crumb: Add ½ cup chopped pecans to the crumb topping for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Streusel Topping: Instead of a crumb topping, make a streusel topping by using more butter and less oats.
- Different Spices: Experiment with other spices like cardamom or ginger for a unique twist.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: Approximately 15-20g Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60g Protein: Approximately 4-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Betty Crocker-inspired crumb top apple pie! It's a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor and satisfaction. This recipe fits perfectly into your weekly plan for healthy meals and delicious dishes, offering a simple yet impressive dessert option for any occasion. It’s truly one of the best recipes for a classic comfort food.