Rustic Apple Pie with Brown Sugar Crumble
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this delightful Rustic Apple Pie without a bottom crust. Juicy cooking apples are simmered to perfection with warm spices, then topped with a rich and buttery brown sugar crumble that adds a satisfying crunch. This pie is a nostalgic throwback to family gatherings, where each bite evokes warm memories and the irresistible aroma of fresh baked goods. Perfectly paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this dessert is sure to be a showstopper at any occasion. With such deliciousness, you might find yourself wanting to make two to satisfy eager guests!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooking apples
6 (peeled, cored, and cut into eighths)
Sugar
1/2 cup (granulated)
Water
1/2 cup (none)
Ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (none)
Ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon (none)
All-purpose flour
1/2 cup (none)
Firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup (none)
Baking powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Butter or margarine
3 tablespoons (softened)
Vanilla ice cream
optional (for serving)
Instructions
1
Peel, core, and cut the cooking apples into eighths. In a large saucepan, combine the apples with sugar, water, cinnamon, and allspice. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
2
Once boiling, cover the saucepan, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the apples are almost tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spoon the apple mixture into a deep-dish 9-inch pie plate, spreading the apples evenly.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
5
Evenly crumble the brown sugar mixture over the apples in the pie plate.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
7
Allow to cool slightly before serving. For an extra special treat, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Apple Pie with Brown Sugar Crumble?
It is a comforting, crustless dessert featuring juicy cooking apples simmered with warm spices and topped with a buttery, crunchy brown sugar crumble.
Does this recipe have a bottom crust?
No, this specific recipe is a rustic, crustless version where the filling is placed directly into the pie plate and topped with a crumble.
How many apples do I need for this pie?
The recipe calls for 6 cooking apples.
How should I prepare the apples?
The apples should be peeled, cored, and cut into eighths before cooking.
What spices are used in the apple filling?
The filling is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice.
How long should the apples simmer on the stove?
The apples should simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until they are almost tender.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What size pie plate is recommended?
A deep-dish 9-inch pie plate is the ideal size for this recipe.
What ingredients are in the brown sugar crumble topping?
The topping includes all-purpose flour, firmly packed brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and butter or margarine.
How do I make the crumble mixture?
Combine the dry ingredients and cut in the butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
Is there baking powder in the crumble topping?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder in the crumble mixture.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe states you can use either butter or margarine, provided it is softened.
How long does the pie need to bake?
Bake the pie for approximately 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
How do I know when the pie is done?
The pie is finished when the brown sugar topping is golden brown and crisp.
Should the pie be served hot or cold?
It is best served warm, although you should allow it to cool slightly after removing it from the oven.
What is the best serving suggestion for this pie?
Serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is highly recommended for an extra special treat.
How much sugar goes into the apple filling?
The filling requires 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
Is salt used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is included in the crumble topping mixture.
What kind of flour should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour for the crumble topping.
How much water is added to the apples?
You should add 1/2 cup of water to the apples before simmering.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components, but it is best served warm shortly after baking for the best texture.
Is the brown sugar packed?
Yes, the recipe specifies 1/4 cup of firmly packed brown sugar.
Why do you simmer the apples before baking?
Simmering ensures the apples are perfectly tender and the spices are well-distributed before the final bake.
How many ingredients are in the Rustic Apple Pie?
There are a total of 11 ingredients listed, including the optional vanilla ice cream.
Is this a good dessert for guests?
Absolutely, the recipe description suggests it is a showstopper and you might even want to make two!
What makes the recipe 'rustic'?
Its 'rustic' nature comes from the simple, crustless preparation and the hand-crumbled topping.
Should the saucepan be covered while simmering the apples?
Yes, once the mixture reaches a boil, you should cover the saucepan and reduce the heat.
How much butter is used in the crumble?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of softened butter or margarine.
What flavor profile does the allspice add?
Allspice provides a warm, complex aromatic flavor that complements the cinnamon and apples.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy dessert' because it avoids the complexity of making a traditional pie crust.