Let’s dive into making a truly special dessert: Brown Butter Apple Crumble Pie. This isn’t your average apple pie; the brown butter adds a nutty depth that takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Brown Butter Apple Crumble Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. The combination of warm, spiced apples, a buttery, crumbly topping, and that unique brown butter flavor creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds. What makes this recipe particularly special is how the brown butter elevates the entire pie, adding a richness and complexity you won’t find in traditional apple pies. Plus, the crumble topping is perfectly crisp and golden, providing a delightful contrast to the soft, tender apples.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Brown Butter Crumble Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, browned and cooled slightly
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Pie Crust:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps relax the gluten and prevent a tough crust.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat all the apple slices evenly. Melt the 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the apple mixture and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are slightly softened. This pre-cooking step helps reduce the amount of liquid in the pie and prevents a soggy bottom crust.
3. Brown the Butter for the Crumble Topping:
Place the butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the butter melts, foams, and then turns a golden-brown color with a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it! Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Make the Crumble Topping:
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Pour in the browned butter and stir until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Stir in the rolled oats.
5. Assemble the Pie:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crust into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the crust to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges of the crust.
6. Fill and Top the Pie:
Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
7. Bake the Pie:
Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil or use a pie shield.
8. Cool and Serve:
Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Serving Suggestions
This Brown Butter Apple Crumble Pie is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess complements the warm, spiced flavors of the pie perfectly.
For presentation, consider dusting the pie with powdered sugar before serving, or adding a sprig of mint for a pop of color. This Brown Butter Apple Crumble Pie is suitable for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to festive holiday gatherings. Its comforting flavors and rustic charm make it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Storage and Reheating
To store any leftover Brown Butter Apple Crumble Pie, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For the best reheating results, warm individual slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through. This will help restore the crust’s crispness and the filling’s warmth.
Key Details
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Equipment:
- 9-inch pie plate
- Large mixing bowls
- Pastry blender or fingertips
- Rolling pin
- Saucepan
- Skillet
Brown Butter Apple Crumble Pie
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup ice water
- For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or a mix, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- For the Brown Butter Crumble Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, browned and cooled slightly
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
Instructions
- Make the Pie Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat all the apple slices evenly. Melt the 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the apple mixture and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are slightly softened.
- Brown the Butter for the Crumble Topping: Place the butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the butter melts, foams, and then turns a golden-brown color with a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it! Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Make the Crumble Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Pour in the browned butter and stir until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Stir in the rolled oats.
- Assemble the Pie: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crust into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the crust to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges of the crust.
- Fill and Top the Pie: Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake the Pie: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil or use a pie shield.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.