Apple Pie With Pecan Crumble
A classic apple pie with a crunchy pecan crumble topping, blending tart apples and warm spices for a comforting dessert. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, it offers a delightful mix of sweet, nutty, and spiced flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups flour ⓘ
- 10 tablespoons cold butter ⓘ
- 3 to 4 tablespoons water ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 2/3 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 3/4 teaspoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 pinch salt ⓘ
- 1/4 cup vegetable shortening ⓘ
- 3 pounds apples ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine 1/2 cup of flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a mixing bowl.
- Cut 4 tablespoons of cold butter and 1/4 cup of vegetable shortening into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of water, one tablespoon at a time, tossing until the dough just holds together.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel, core, and slice the apples, then toss with lemon juice, cornstarch, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and fit into a pie dish.
- Fill the pie crust with the apple mixture.
- Prepare the pecan crumble by combining chopped pecans, remaining flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the pecan crumble evenly over the apple filling.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flaky crust, ensure your butter is very cold and avoid overworking the dough. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth in the filling. For a sweeter touch, consider using honey or maple syrup in place of some granulated sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful treat. This apple pie pairs beautifully with Brenda'S Peanut Butter Cookies for a varied dessert platter. Consider serving it alongside a spiced chai for a comforting, cozy experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds or warm the whole pie in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. This keeps the crust crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Pie With Pecan Crumble contains roughly 2014 calories, with 6g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 197g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 953mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of apple for this pie?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are popular for their tartness, you can mix in sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for added flavor. The combination of different apples can enhance the taste and texture of your pie.
How can I make the pie crust ahead of time?
You can prepare the pie crust up to 2 days in advance. After wrapping it in plastic wrap, store it in the refrigerator. When ready to use, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before rolling it out for easier handling.
What should I do if the pecan crumble is too dry?
If your pecan crumble seems too dry, you can add a bit more melted butter or a splash of cold water to help it come together. Ensure you mix it until it reaches a crumbly yet cohesive texture that can be easily sprinkled over the apple filling.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).