THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE SALES LINKS. PLEASE SEE MY FULL DISCLAIMER POLICY FOR DETAILS.
This apple crumble pie with oats is one of my favorite desserts. It is jam-packed with tender apples, warm spices, and topped with crunchy oat brown sugar crumble.
Healthy oatmeal crumble topping makes it a complete perfection. You can serve this delightful dessert with vanilla ice cream.
What’s An Apple Crumble Pie?
In the realm of desserts, the apple crumble pie holds a special place, especially in Britain where it’s a beloved treat. This pie is a delightful twist on the normal apple pie, integrating the concept of a Dutch apple pie with a crumble topping.
Unlike a traditional apple pie that usually has a pastry top, this version gets its unique character from an oat crumb topping, a signature feature that makes it a crowd pleaser.
The beauty of the apple crumble pie lies in its simplicity and the ease with which it can be made. For those who find making a classic apple pie tricky or time consuming, this dessert recipe offers a more straightforward approach.
The streusel, typically a mixture of butter, flour, and sugar, in this case, is enhanced with oats, adding a delightful texture and richness to the pie.
I recall the first time I attempted this dessert; the process was refreshingly easy compared to the more time-consuming steps of a normal apple pie.
The simple apple pie base, topped with the oat crumb topping, baked to a perfect golden brown, was not just a treat to the eyes but also to the palate. The streusel topping, with its buttery, crispy texture, contrasted beautifully with the soft, tangy apple filling.
Apple Crumble Pie With Oats Recipe
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter cold, cubed
Apple Filling
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3lbs baking apples, peeled and sliced
Crumble Topping
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup old fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Put the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar in the food processor and pulse to mix.
- Put butter and beat until the butter pieces are about the size of a pea.
- Combine cold water and pulse until a dough forms. The dough should not be wet or sticky.
- Shape the dough into a disc and cover it in plastic wrap. Put it in the freezer for at least 60 minutes. It can also be frozen for several days.
Apple Pie
- To make the apple crumble pie recipe with oats, dust some flour on the surface and roll out the dough. It should be 2 inches bigger than the pie you are utilizing. Cut and crease according to your desire and freeze until you are ready to fill.
- To make the apple filling, add sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, and apple slices in a medium container. Then, spread the mixture into the prepared pie crust.
Crumble Topping
- For the crumble topping, take a medium-sized dish; add flour, brown sugar, and oats in it.
- Put cold butter cubes and use a fork to cut in the butter until the mixture looks like oatmeal cookies dough. It should stick to your hands when you press it.
- Pour the apples into the pie crust. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes or until the crust is golden.
- Wrap with foil and continue baking for 45 to 60 minutes or until the filling is bubbly and the apples are juicy.
- Let apple crumble pie with oats cool for at least 1 hour before slicing. Refrigerate apple pie crumble with oats leftovers up to 2 to 3 days.
Why Is My Apple Crumb Pie Watery?
Apple Crumb Pie is a delightful and delicious dessert, but sometimes, you might find your pie a bit too watery. This is a common issue faced by many, and understanding the reasons behind it can help you perfect your baking skills.
1. The Apple Factor
The main culprit often lies with the apples themselves. Different varieties of apples contain varying amounts of juice. Some apples, when baked, release more juice, which can result in a watery pie.
To avoid this, choose apple varieties that are known for holding their shape and not releasing too much liquid when baked, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
2. Thickening Agents
Another factor could be the lack of a thickening agent. When making the filling, it’s crucial to include ingredients like cornstarch, flour, or tapioca, which help absorb the excess juice released by the apples during baking. Without these, your pie filling might become too liquidy.
3. Baking Techniques
The baking process itself can also contribute to a watery pie. Not baking the pie long enough or at the right temperature can prevent the filling from setting properly.
Ensure your oven is correctly calibrated and that the pie is baked until the filling bubbles and the crust is golden brown.
4. Pie Cooling
Lastly, cooling your pie is just as important as baking it. If you cut into the pie too soon, the filling might not have had enough time to set, leading to a runny texture. Allow the pie to cool completely, which usually takes a few hours, to ensure the filling thickens and sets.
By understanding these key factors, you can troubleshoot and prevent your apple crumb pie from turning out watery.
How To Prevent Runny Apple Pie?
Here are the best tips to avoid a runny apple pie:
1. Find A Recipe You Love And Stick With It
When it comes to making the perfect apple pie, the key is to find a recipe you love and stick with it. Too often, we become timid or cautious, hopping from THIS recipe to THAT one, lost in the thrash of online recipe-land.
The beauty lies in mastering one, be it for the fall harvest, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just an occasional treat. Embrace that one recipe, whether you make it half a dozen times a year, in fall, February, or June.
Don’t worry about it being the same old; your perfected dish will always be welcomed with open arms and mouths. So, when you find that recipe of your dreams, don’t be timid to abandon the endless search; stick with it for those perfect results.
2. Determine Which Apples Work Best For You
When embarking on your favorite recipe for an apple crumble pie, the choice of apple variety plays a pivotal role. Every apple brings its own character – some are firm, others soft; some tart and tangy, while others are mild and sweet.
Veteran bakers often have their favorites, but don’t shy away from experimenting. Whether you stick to a single variety or mix and match different types, each choice affects the apple pie filling’s texture and taste.
The type of apple is crucial for thickening success. Some apples are naturally high in pectin, the intercellular glue that helps fruits retain their shape and juices when baked. This can be the difference between a perfectly set and a runny apple pie (much like the dreaded runny rhubarb pie).
For consistently producing great pies, consider juicier, tart apples with stronger pectin, like Granny Smith, which lend structure to your pie filling. On the other hand, for a sweeter touch, varieties like McIntosh or Delicious can be your go-to.
So, whether you’re a veteran or new to apple pie baking, don’t hesitate to choose and mix your favorite apples. Spoiler alert: sometimes, the best flavor comes from a combination of different, even specialty-type apples, which are available year-round.
How To Freeze Apple Pie?
Freeze A Baked Apple Pie
Bake the pie thoroughly and freeze to heat and serve later. After baking, allow it to cool slightly, cover in a plastic wrap tightly, and put on a shelf in the freezer. You can freeze it for 3 to 4 months, when you want to serve, heat it in the microwave and bake until warmed through.
Freeze An Unbaked Apple Pie
If you want to freeze an unbaked apple pie, prepare it wholly and freeze it before baking. Wrap in plastic wrap and then tin foil. Put on the freezer’s shelf and freeze for 3 to 4 months. When you want to serve, heat in the microwave and bake until medium golden brown for 20 minutes.
How To Make This Apple Crumble Pie Recipe Particularly Awesome?
For a truly awesome apple crumble pie, follow these few tips closely.
1. Make Your Pie Crust In A Food Processor
Make your pie crust effortlessly in a food processor for easy, first-time success, especially if you’ve struggled with pastry before.
2. Peel And Thinly Slice Or Chop Your Apples
Peel and thinly slice or chop your apples; though it’s extra work, I highly recommend it. Apple peel can be harder to notice when biting into the soft, tender apple filling. It’s important to keep slices the same thickness so everything cooks at the same rate.
Top that crispy crunchy streusel with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, and watch your guests eagerly share in the apple pie heaven.
Which Apples Are Best For This Apple Crumble Pie?
Apples for your apple crumble pie should be chosen carefully. Opt for firm, tart baking apples that won’t easily break down when cooked, ensuring your pie retains its texture and doesn’t turn to mush.
While there are various options, Granny Smith apples are favored for their tartness and availability year-round. If you prefer sweeter apples, you can also consider Honeycrisp or Pink Lady, although they may be slightly harder to find and could be more expensive.
The right choice of apples is essential for crafting a beautiful apple pie rather than ending up with applesauce.
How To Reheat Apple Crumble Pie?
Reheating those delicious leftovers is a breeze. In the oven, simply warm it up at 180C/350F for about 15 minutes to crisp up the topping and pastry. If you’re in a hurry, an air fryer does the trick in just a few minutes at 160C/320F—it’s my favorite reheating trick!
What can you do with your leftover shortcrust pastry: Don’t let that extra leftover shortcrust pastry go to waste! It’s easier than you think to put it to good use. You can line a small pie dish and create a mini pie.
Or, if you have plenty of pastry left over, there’s no need for throwing it away. Simply wrap it and store it in the fridge for a couple of days. When you’re ready to use it, roll it out to a thickness of about half a cm and pile it with a smaller amount of your apple mixture.
Make sure to leave a few inches of free pastry around the edges. Then, fold the edges over the filling for a rustic-style pie. Bake it for 30 minutes at 180C/355F, and you’ll have a delicious and simple apple galette or rustic apple pie.
For an extra twist, you can even add a few frozen berries for a burst of flavor. Enjoy your creative pastry masterpiece!
Runny Apple Pie: How To Fix An Existing Recipe
Transforming your current favorite apple pie recipe into a veteran recipe for reliable success involves tackling the runny filling. If your pie turns out too liquid-y, it’s often due to softer, juicier apples.
A slight tweak can prevent runny apple pie, making way for something different and delicious.
1. Precook The Filling
When crafting the perfect apple crumble pie, precooking the filling is a game-changer. Advising from personal experience, cooking apples with sugar, spices, and a thickener on a burner for 5 to 10 minutes ensures they are perfectly tender.
This method allows the apples to release their juice, significantly reducing the risk of juices pooling at the bottom of your pie.
Once the apples are cooked long enough, spooning them into the crust and then baking in the oven works wonders. This step is typically overlooked but it’s vital for that ideal pie texture.
2. Reduce The Juice
A smart technique to handle the apples’ excess juice in your apple crumble pie is to put it to good use by creating an apple syrup. Start by combining your sliced apples with sugar and a tablespoon of lemon juice.
Let them sit for about an hour; this process helps to draw out the juice that would otherwise accumulate at the bottom of your pie. After an hour, you’ll notice the juice has collected at the bottom of the bowl.
Drain off this liquid into a saucepan and simmer until it’s reduced to about half its volume. This concentrated syrup, when combined with the remaining filling ingredients and spooned into the crust, adds a rich layer of flavor.
Drizzling the syrupy juice over the filling before baking results in an enhanced, concentrated apple flavor that elevates the overall taste of your apple crumble pie. This method not only reduces the juice content but also enhances the pie’s deliciousness, making it a favorite in my baking repertoire.
3. Experiment With Different Thickeners
In the art of pie-making, the use of flour to thicken the apple pie filling does the job, but it’s worth it to try alternatives like cornstarch, tapioca, or arrowroot. These are established fruit pie thickeners, each with its unique thickening power.
For instance, modified cornstarch, like ClearJel, yields a fruit filling with a softer feel and avoids the gummy texture that regular cornstarch can sometimes create. Plus, ClearJel makes for freezer-safe fillings that don’t break down or become watery when frozen and thawed.
A cautionary note: always mix your chosen thickener with sugar from your recipe before adding it to the apples. This helps to prevent clumping. If you are perfectly satisfied with your current recipe, that’s great! Stick with it.
But if you’re not 100% satisfied, experimenting with something like Instant ClearJel might just be the tweak your apple crumble pie needs to reach new heights of deliciousness.
4. Vent The Top Crust
For a pristine top crust in your apple crumble pie, the key lies in cutting holes to let the steam from the baking apples escape. If steam is trapped, it can collect, leading to a soupy filling.
Effective venting of the crust, achieved by making cuts that are sufficiently deep and long, is essential to allow steam to easily escape. You might opt for a random scattering of pinpricks using a fork, but for best results, a series of slashes or a 1″ round hole in the center of the crust is more effective.
This technique of releasing steam not only helps thicken the filling but also encourages the crust to remain crisp and flaky, avoiding any waterlogged texture.
Creating these vents is a small but crucial step in pie baking. It’s a simple action that makes a significant difference in the overall quality of the pie. Ensuring proper ventilation helps maintain the structural integrity of the crust while enhancing the texture and flavor of the filling.
Remember, a well-vented crust is key to achieving that perfect harmony of a crisp, flaky exterior and a rich, perfectly cooked filling.
5. Try A Lattice Or Crumb Top Crust
Venting is essential in pie-making, especially to release steam effectively. While a solid-top crust is a staple for a traditional solid-top apple pie, consider experimenting with a lattice crust.
This involves weaving woven strips of pastry that are not placed very close together, ensuring plenty of ventilation. This method not only adds a charming aesthetic but is also more efficient at releasing steam compared to a solid top.
Alternatively, for those who love a Dutch or single-crust apple pie, topping it with something other than pastry could be intriguing. A streusel, a crumbly mixture of butter, flour, sugar, and often oats or nuts, makes for a delightful crust.
Both a lattice crust and a streusel topping are obviously much more effective than a solid-top crust in venting steam. They not only vent more quickly and effectively but also add a unique texture and flavor to the pie, enhancing the overall experience.
6. Bake Thoroughly
One of the chief reasons for bakers experiencing what’s humorously referred to as “apple soup under the crust” is the failure to bake the pie long enough. While there’s a fear of over-baking, apple pies often require up to 2 hours to turn out fine.
Underbaking is a more common issue where the apples remain potentially crunchy and the crust can turn wan and flabby. The right combination of heat, liquid, and thickener needs sufficient time to work together.
When you see juice bubbling out from the edges of the pie, it’s a good sign. It shows that the filling is hot enough to thicken. As the apple pie bakes, the apples exude juice up to a point where they boil and release excess moisture in the form of steam.
This process allows the starch in the thickener to absorb the water, resulting in a highly flavorful, dense filling that can hold the apples in place.
For the best results, continue baking the pie for at least 10 more minutes once you observe the filling actively bubbling out from the vents or around the edges of the top crust.
Placing the pie on a parchment-lined baking sheet can help catch any filling overflow and avoid a smoking mess on the oven floor. This simple step ensures your apple crumble pie is thoroughly cooked, boasting a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
7. Let The Pie Cool Completely — Preferably Overnight
To achieve a perfectly thickened pie, resist the temptation to cut into it directly out of the oven. One of the clear signs of excess juiciness is a pie that hasn’t been allowed to cool and solidify properly.
As the pie cools, the filling gets the time it needs to solidify and thicken completely. The challenge is to control your appetite and let the pie rest for several hours. If you’ve ever left a pie to be served hot, you might notice it doesn’t hold its shape well on the plate.
The right way to enjoy your apple crumble pie is to let the same pie that was cut the next day — or better yet, after letting the pie rest for a day or overnight at room temperature.
This waiting period allows the filling to solidify fully, with the added benefit of melding the flavors together beautifully. If you prefer to serve the pie hot, simply reheat individual slices briefly in the microwave.
Be cautious, though, as too much heat can toughen the crust and warm the filling without maintaining its desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Crumble Pie With Oats
1. How Long Does This Apple Pie Last?
Well, if you can exercise some self-control, it might last for a couple of days on your counter. Just be sure to cover it and store it in a coolish place. If you want it to stay fresh for even longer, consider keeping it in the fridge, and it will be just as good.
2. How Do I Crisp An Apple Crumble?
To make it crisp, first, heat it in the oven so that it is heated thoroughly, and then leave it in the oven for 15 minutes so the crown becomes crunchy again. Apple crumble can be very loose, if you don’t utilize a pie crust on the bottom.
3. How Do I Stop My Apple Crumble From Sinking?
You should use butter to stop your apple crumble from sinking. It is the magic ingredient that makes the crumble brown and crisp. If you feel your apple pie crumble topping with oats is drier, add some melted butter.
4. Can I Leave Apple Crumble Out Overnight?
Yes, you can leave it at room temperature for two days.
5. How Do You Know When Crumble Is Done?
Bake your one crust apple pie with oatmeal crumb topping for about 30 to 45 minutes. The apple layer should be bubbly, and the crumble’s surface should be golden brown. If you are using a large baking pan, check it closely because the crumble may take 5 or 10 minutes less to bake.
6. Can I Leave Apple Crisp Out Overnight?
While it’s tempting to savor your apple crisp at room temperature, it’s essential to keep in mind some guidelines. You can safely leave it out for up to two days, but if you plan to store it longer, it’s best to refrigerate it for up to five days.
For even longer-term storage, consider freezing your apple crisp. Just be sure to cover it to keep it fresh. Enjoy your apple crisp at the perfect temperature!
7. How To Store Apple Pie After Baking?
After the delightful process of baking your apple pie, it’s crucial to store it properly to maintain its freshness. Simply place it in the refrigerator with a tightly covered lid or plastic wrap.
Your apple pie will stay delicious for up to 4 days, and when you take it out, make sure it still looks and smells as good as when it first came out of the oven before indulging. Enjoy every slice of your homemade apple pie!
8. What Is The Difference Between Apple Pie And Apple Crumb Pie?
Both apple pie and apple crumb pie are delectable desserts, but they have distinct characteristics. While apple pie features a buttery pie crust with a classic apple pie filling, apple crumb pie stands out with its signature crumble topping.
Enjoy apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, while apple crumb pie bakes up with a buttery, crunchy, and highly flavorful topping. Each has its unique charm, making it a delightful choice for dessert lovers.
9. Why Is My Apple Crumble Dry?
Achieving the perfect apple crumble can be a challenge. If your crumble turns out dry, it could be due to an imbalance of butter in the topping. Adding enough butter is crucial to avoid a floury mess or a greasy blob.
Be sure to follow recipes that call for cutting in cold butter into the dry ingredients until they resemble pea-size pieces. When sprinkled over the hot fruit filling, it will result in a deliciously moist and balanced crumble.
10. What Is The Secret To Crunchy Crumble?
The secret to achieving that delightful crunchy crumble lies in the ingredients. I love adding porridge oats to my crumble topping, which not only provides extra chewiness but also enhances the flavor.
For an even crunchier texture, consider trying recipes like a very-berry oat crumble or an American-style apple crisp. Additionally, adding chopped, toasted nuts such as pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts can be a lovely addition to a traditional crumble, elevating both the taste and the extra-crunchy texture.
11. Why Do You Put Baking Powder In Crumble?
Baking powder is added to the crumble topping to make it extra light and tender, resulting in a delightful texture that perfectly complements the fruity filling of your apple crumble pie.
12. What Is The Best Thickener For Apple Pie?
When making apple pie, the best thickener can vary. While flour and cornstarch are often used, in certain instances, alternatives like tapioca, arrowroot, or potato starch can help achieve the desired consistency. Experimenting with different thickeners can add a unique twist to your pie.
13. What If I Forgot Cornstarch In My Pie?
If you’ve run out of cornstarch, don’t worry. You can substitute it with tapioca starch, using about two tablespoons for every tablespoon of cornstarch. Simply boil the tapioca starch until it thickens to avoid stringy pie fillings, and your pie will turn out just as delicious.
Check Other Amazing Recipes
- Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes
- Rice Pudding Recipe
- Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- Custard Recipe Egg Yolk
- Homemade Chocolate Pudding
- Healthy Candied Almonds
- French Crème Caramel
- Peanut Butter Cupcakes
- Mousse Layer Cake
- Black Forest Cake
- Chocolate Lava Cake
- Chocolate Yule Cake
