Experience the flavors of autumn with this delicious Apple Pie with Oat Streusel. Loved by all, this easy-to-prepare recipe brings together the sweetness of apples with a delightful oat streusel topping. A favorite choice for any occasion, it's a pie that you'll find yourself baking over and over again.
I'm really bad at baking things for special holidays. Unless it's Christmas...because we just love to bake Christmas cookies and Christmas breads.
Apple Pie with Oat Streusel is a pie made with the most tender flaky crust, filled with sweet juicy cinnamon kissed apples, and topped with the most delicious oat streusel. This is the one pie you will make all throughout the fall and holidays!
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Apple Pie with Oat Streusel
This oatmeal crumble for apple pie sets this dessert apart from others, adding a unique layer of texture and flavor that harmoniously complements the sweet, tender apples. The oatmeal crumble adds a delightful crunch to every bite, enhancing the overall gastronomic experience.
The recipe articulates how to make apple crumble with easy-to-follow steps and ingredients you may already have in your pantry.
The apple crumble with oats is a heartwarming reminder of the classic apple crumble pie, with a delicious twist. The oats in the crumble not only add to the taste but also make it a healthier option. This apple crisp pie is a perfect blend of flavors that will have you reaching for another slice before you know it.
The oat crumble topping offers a crunchy contrast to the soft baked apples, creating a balance in textures that is genuinely pleasing to the palate. It's a classic apple crumble pie that has been subtly enhanced for the modern palate while maintaining the charm of the traditional recipe.
Why you'll love this apple crumble with oats
- Flavorful: The combination of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and tangy lemon juice creates a delightful taste that is hard to resist.
- Crunchy streusel: The oat streusel topping adds a wonderful crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft baked apples.
- Homemade crust: The all-butter pie crust is flaky and delicious, and you can take pride in making it from scratch.
- Versatile: This pie is perfect for any occasion, be it a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or whenever you need a comforting dessert.
- Fruit-filled: With 5 to 6 apples in each pie, this is a dessert that helps you incorporate more fruit into your diet.
- Easy to make: With clear, step-by-step instructions, even an inexperienced baker can successfully make this pie.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (PIE CRUST): Provides the structure and framework for the pie crust.
- Salt (PIE CRUST): Enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.
- Unsalted butter (PIE CRUST): Adds flavor and creates flakiness in the pie crust.
- Margarine or chilled vegetable shortening (PIE CRUST): Contributes to the pie crust's tender texture.
- Ice water (PIE CRUST): Binds the dough without activating the gluten.
- Lemon juice (APPLE FILLING): Prevents apples from browning and adds a zesty flavor.
- Apples (APPLE FILLING): The main ingredient in the filling, providing sweet and tart flavor.
- Cornstarch (APPLE FILLING): Thickens the apple filling to prevent it from being too runny.
- Light brown sugar (APPLE FILLING): Adds sweetness to the apple filling.
- Butter (APPLE FILLING): Adds richness and depth to the flavor of the apple filling.
- Jam (APPLE FILLING): Adds an extra layer of fruitiness and sweetness to the filling.
- Ground cinnamon (APPLE FILLING & OAT STREUSEL): Adds warmth and sweet spice.
- Unbleached all-purpose flour (OAT STREUSEL): Helps bind the streusel ingredients together.
- Golden brown sugar (OAT STREUSEL): Provides sweetness and moisture to the streusel.
- Sugar (OAT STREUSEL): Adds sweetness to the streusel.
- Salt (OAT STREUSEL): Balances the sweetness of the streusel.
- Chilled unsalted butter (OAT STREUSEL): Helps form the crumbly texture of the streusel.
- Old-fashioned oats (OAT STREUSEL): Adds texture and a nutty flavor to the streusel.
Variations/Substitutions
- Apple Varieties: Different types of apples can produce different flavors and textures in your pie. For a sweeter pie, choose varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp. For a more tart flavor, Granny Smith apples are an excellent choice.
- Oats Substitution: If you don't have old-fashioned oats on hand, quick oats can be used in the streusel topping. However, the texture may be less chunky.
- Vegan Variation: To make this recipe vegan, use a plant-based butter substitute in both the crust and the streusel topping.
- Gluten-free Variation: For a gluten-free version of this pie, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour in the crust recipe. Also, ensure that the oats used are certified gluten-free.
- Adding Nuts: For an extra crunch in your streusel topping, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Spice Variations: You can experiment with spices to change the flavor profile of your apple pie. For example, adding a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom can give your pie a warm, spicy kick.
Now don't be too finicky and fret that you don't know how to make a pie crust. It's completely ok to buy a ready-made one. There will not be anyone judging your decision. But I will say, the homemade pie crust is not that difficult to make.
It's ok if it doesn't roll out perfectly. It ends up getting baked with all the incredible apples and cinnamon and oh, my gosh! That oat streusel topping. It's out of this world!
You will find yourself walking by and sneaking bites. You will have to push your husband out of the way to get to a bite because he will be there just getting a little taste. It's really that good! So, so good!!
How to make apple crumble
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Hand Method:
- Sift the flour and salt together in a large bowl.
- Cut the chilled butter and margarine into 1-tablespoon bits and add to the flour mixture.
- Use a pastry cutter to combine the ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
- Gradually add the ice water, pressing the pastry together into a ball.
- Wrap the dough and chill for at least 1 hour. Remember, the key to a light, flaky pastry is minimal handling, keeping the mixture cool, and adding as little water as possible.
Food Processor Method:
- Place the flour and salt in the bowl of a food processor.
- Cut the butter and margarine into the flour.
- Process for a few seconds until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
- Gradually add the water, processing very briefly.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a disc and wrap with plastic wrap.
- Chill the pastry for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
- Juice the lemons into a large mixing bowl.
- Core, peel, and thinly slice the apples, adding them to the lemon juice as you go. This prevents the apples from browning and adds flavor.
- Toss the apples in corn starch.
- Melt the brown sugar and butter in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat.
- Stir in the berry jam and toss in the prepared apples.
- Cook for around 5 minutes, then set aside to cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Oat Crumble Topping
- Blend the first 5 ingredients in a food processor.
- Add butter and blend using on/off turns until the dough starts to moisten and resemble wet sand.
- Add oats, mixing briefly and ensuring that half the oats remain whole.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
- If the pastry has been chilled for a long time, let it sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before rolling.
- Preheat the oven to 375 F.
- Lightly flour a pastry board, marble counter, or kitchen counter.
- Pat one pastry disc into a flat round and lightly flour the rolling pin.
- Roll the pastry in one direction only, turning continually to prevent sticking.
- Measure the rolled pastry—it should be slightly larger than the pie plate and 1/8-inch thick.
- Fold the rolled pastry circle in half so you can lift it more easily.
- Unfold the pastry and fit it gently into the pie plate, trimming any excess.
- Fill the pie with the apple filling and evenly sprinkle the streusel topping.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
- Place the pie on a baking sheet.
- Bake until the crust is golden brown and the juices bubble, approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour.
- Transfer the pie to a wire rack to cool.
This pie crust recipes makes two portions. I bet you will be using the other portion of the dough not too soon after this one quickly disappears!
Expert Tips
- Storing and Reheating: Classic apple crumble pie can be stored at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to five days. To reheat, place the slice in the oven at 350F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
- Freezing the Pie: This pie can be made ahead and frozen. Bake the pie fully, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze. To serve, reheat in the oven at 375F until warmed through and the crust is crispy again.
- Thickening Agents: While cornstarch is used in this recipe to help thicken the pie filling, you can also use other ingredients like flour or tapioca. These alternatives will alter the transparency and texture of the filling, so choose based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions:
Apple crisp pie is delicious served with a scoop of your favorite ice cream or topped with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. You can also top it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for an added touch of flavor.
For an extra special presentation, try serving the pie in slices with a chocolate drizzle and fresh berries on top!
FAQ'S
You could typically get 2 1/2 cups of sliced apples (approx 1 lb) from 3 medium apples.
First thing to do is peel the apples. Next, it's important to cut the apples not too thick for this apple pie recipe and remember they shrink while baking.
In order to make a really great pie it's important to use the right apples. You're looking for an apple that will stay a little crisp https://www.savoringitaly.com/apple-pie-coffee-cake/and won't become mushy in the pie. I usually use Golden Delicious (like we did for this apple pie with oat streusel) or Granny Smith apple.
Just remember you could use any apple you like, but some will apples will bake up softer and not have a little crispness in their texture.
Yes, you do.
A great apple pie filling has two key ingredients: pre-cooked apples and the perfect amount of sugar. This combination creates a delicious, consistent, and evenly sweet treat. Plus, it helps to avoid that pesky gap between the crust and the filling!
Apple crumble and apple crisp are similar desserts that both consist of baked apples with a type of streusel topping. The primary difference lies in the topping ingredients. A traditional apple crumble topping is made from a mixture of flour, sugar, and butter. Conversely, an apple crisp includes oats in the topping, which gives it a distinct, crispier texture.
The crumble on an apple crumble typically includes flour, sugar, and butter. Some recipes, like the one mentioned above, also incorporate oats for added texture. These ingredients are mixed together until they form a crumbly texture, which is then spread over the apple filling before baking. The result is a crunchy, sweet topping that perfectly complements the soft, tart apples underneath.
slightly updated from September 2023
Other recipes like this:
- Apple Orange Marmalade Crostata
- Salted Caramel Apple Pie
- Apple Limoncello Pie
- Grape and Apple Pie
- Apple Pie Coffee Cake
- Teresa’s Vegan Apple Cake
- Vegan Maple Apple Crisp
- Usha’s Apple Cake
- Caramel Apple Bundt Cake with Nutella Ganache
- Apple Tarte Tatin
- Cranberry Streusel Quick Bread
- Apple Crumb Coffee Cake
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Easy Apple Crumble with Oats
Equipment
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons margarine or chilled vegetable shortening
- 1/4 cup ice water
Apple Filling
- juice of 1 lemon
- 5 to 6 medium to large apples I used Golden apples
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons jam I use strawberry or apricot
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Oat Streusel
- 3/4 cup unbleached all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed golden brown sugar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 7 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
Instructions
Pie Crust
- Hand Method- In a large bowl, sift the flour and salt. Cut the chilled butter and margarine into 1-tablespoon bits and add to the flour. With a pastry cutter, work flour and shortening together until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add the ice water little by little pressing the pastry together into a ball. Wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
- It is very important to work the pastry as little as possible. Don’t over handle. A secret to light, flaky pastry is to keep the mixture cool, add as little water as possible, and mix only as much as necessary.
- Food Processor Method- Put flour and salt in bowl of machine. Cut butter and margarine into flour. Process a few seconds until mixture resembles coarse meal. Drop by drop add the water, processing very briefly. The whole process would take 20 to 30 seconds. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape into a disc and wrap with plastic wrap. Chill the pastry for at least 1 hour.
- While pastry is chilling, make apple filling and streusel topping.
Apple filling
- Juice the lemons into a large mixing bowl. Core, peel, and thinly slice the whole apples.
- Dredge all the apple slices in the freshly squeezed lemon juice to prevent browning and to add flavor. Toss the apples in the corn starch. Set the prepared apples aside.
- In a medium-sized skillet on medium heat, toss in the brown sugar and butter. When the butter has melted, add in the berry jam. Toss the apples into the brown sugar mixture. Cook them in the mixture for about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool and prepare the topping.
Oat Streusel
- Blend first 5 ingredients in processor. Add butter; using on/off turns, blend until moist dough forms (mixture will resemble wet sand). Add oats; using on/off turns, mix briefly, leaving half of oats whole. Set aside.
- If pastry has been chilled for a long time, let it sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before rolling.
- Preheat oven to 375 F.
- Lightly flour a pastry board, marble counter, or kitchen counter. Pat one pastry disc (save other portion for another pie)into a flat round. Lightly flour the rolling pin. Roll pastry in one direction only, turning pastry continually to prevent it from sticking to the surface.
- Using pie plate as a guide, measure rolled-out pastry — it should be slightly larger than the pie plate and 1/8-inch thick. Fold rolled pastry circle in half so you can lift it more easily. Unfold, gently fitting the pastry into the pie plate. There will be some of the pastry hanging over. You could trim a little around with scissors and leave enough to crimp.
- Fill with your apple filling.
- Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over filling.
- Place pie on baking sheet.
- Bake pie until crust is golden brown and juices bubble, 50 minutes–1 hour. *My pie was ready at 45 minutes. Every oven is different. I didn't want my topping to get too brown.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Nutrition Disclaimer
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information presented below is an approximation and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
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