Apple Caramel Pie Crumble: 5 Secrets for the Perfect Crunch

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of cinnamon-spiced apples and buttery crumble topping baking in the oven. If you love a dessert that’s both crispy and gooey, this Apple Caramel Pie Crumble is the ultimate treat. Imagine tender, caramel-drizzled apples nestled beneath a golden-brown oat crumble, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.

Whether you’re baking for a cozy fall gathering or simply craving a slice of homemade apple pie with a twist, this recipe delivers on flavor and crunch. With just a few expert tips, you’ll achieve that bakery-style crisp topping every time. Ready to elevate your baking game? Let’s get started!

1. Key Benefits

This Apple Caramel Pie Crumble brings a twist on the classic apple pie, offering a balance of crispy crumble, gooey caramel, and tender spiced apples. Here’s why it’s the ultimate dessert choice:

Customizable – Add pecans for crunch, or drizzle extra caramel sauce to elevate the flavors of your Apple Caramel Pie Crumble.

Irresistible Texture – The Apple Caramel Pie Crumble features a flaky pie crust combined with a crispy oat topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft caramelized apples.

Rich, Deep Flavor – The filling is packed with sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and a rich caramel drizzle that melts in your mouth.

Easy to Make – No need for advanced baking techniques, just follow a few simple steps to achieve the perfect Apple Caramel Pie Crumble every time.

Versatile for Any Event – Whether it’s a cozy fall gathering or a holiday dessert, this recipe is a hit for every occasion.

2. Ingredients

For the filling:

• 6 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the crumble topping:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For the caramel sauce (optional but highly recommended):

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

3. Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish or baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Transfer the mixture into the prepared pie dish.
3. Make the crumble topping: In a separate bowl, combine butter, flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until it forms a coarse crumble.
4. Assemble the pie crumble: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple mixture in the pie dish.
5. Bake: Place the pie dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
6. Make the caramel sauce: While baking, heat heavy cream, brown sugar, and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Serve: Once the pie crumble is done, drizzle the homemade caramel sauce on top and serve warm.

4. Pro Tips and Variations

• Apple Variety: While Granny Smith apples are perfect for this Apple Caramel Pie Crumble, mix them with a sweeter variety like Honeycrisp for a unique flavor.
• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping for extra texture and crunch.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats to create a delicious, gluten-free Apple Caramel Pie Crumble.
• Extra Caramel: Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top of the baked crumble for a sweeter, more decadent dessert experience.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the crumble ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking for a time-saving option.

5. Serving Suggestions

• With Ice Cream: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon gelato for the ultimate treat.
• Topped with Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy touch to balance the rich flavors.
• For Breakfast: Why not enjoy a slice with your morning coffee? This recipe is sweet enough for dessert but hearty enough to be a delicious breakfast.
• As a Gift: This dessert is also a great option for bringing to a family gathering, holiday party, or giving as a gift to a neighbor or friend.

6. Conclusion

There’s no better way to enjoy a cozy, fall-inspired dessert than with this Apple Caramel Pie Crumble. The combination of tender caramelized apples, a buttery oat crumble, and that indulgent caramel drizzle is simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. So go ahead, grab your apples, and get baking—you’re just one delicious step away from the perfect dessert

7. FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness, feel free to use a sweeter variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a different flavor profile.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the Apple Caramel Pie Crumble ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to bake it fresh before serving for the best texture.

Q: How can I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover pie crumble in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Q: Can I freeze this pie crumble?
A: Yes! You can freeze the assembled, unbaked crumble for up to 2 months. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven from frozen (you may need to extend the baking time by 10-15 minutes).