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Brown Butter Apple Crumble Pie

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.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 350 kcal

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.