Make your own homemade Apple Pie with Streusel Topping using a store bought pie crust, fresh apples, and other pantry staples. The buttery crumb topping compliments the sweet apple filling. This is a pie recipe your family will be requesting on repeat.
I’ve been making this same apple pie for over 15 years now. My mother in-law taught me how to make this pie recipe. Prior to her teaching me this recipe I had never made a homemade pie. You’ll notice in the recipe I use a store bought pie crust as the base. This has been my saving grace and what has helped me throughout the years over come my fear for baking pies.
Since publishing this recipe 12 years ago this Apple Pie with Streusel Topping has been a staple at our Thanksgiving day table. I typically have to make two pies. One for my house and one for my parents to bring to their home.
Let’s talk a little bit about where this recipe really comes from. My mother in-law got this recipe from an issue of Family Circle that dates back to January 13, 1981!!! The best part is that it breaks down the cost, and back in 1981 it would have cost .42 cents per slice (not so much now a days)! If I had to guess it is probably double if not triple that price now, but still so worth it! Over the years of making this recipe I’ve altered ingredients that has pretty much made it my own. I use my own homemade apple pie spice vs measuring out cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices. I also use more apples then the original recipe required.
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Why this Recipe Works
This is a semi-homemade pie recipe that any cooking level can execute.
No one will know you used store bought pie crust, which will ultimately save you time in the kitchen.
Fresh apples are the star of this pie.
Ingredients
- Pie Crust – I have never made my own pie crust. I always lean in and use the store bought to save time and money.
- Spices – I love to use apple pie spice for the filling. I stick with just cinnamon for the streusel topping.
- Apples – I prefer to use Granny Smith apples as they are tart and not overly sweet. The sugar mixture they are tossed in will sweeten them up plenty.
- Dry Goods – A mix of granulated sugar, brown sugar, and all purpose flour is needed for both the filling and topping.
- Dairy – A stick of butter is needed to make the delicious streusel topping.
How to Pre-Bake a Pie Crust
First, Preheat oven to 400°. Place the baking rack at the lowest level of the oven.
Press pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate, crimp or pleat crust edges). Using the tines of a fork, prick the bottom of the pie crust 4-6 times. 1 prepared Refrigerated pie crust
Place on a baking sheet and bake 15 minutes. Remove and set to the side once done cooking.
How to Make a Streusel Topping
In a large bowl combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. place cubed cold butter into flour mixture. Using the tines of a fork (or a pastry cutter). Mix until pea-shape pieces of flour appear. Place in the refrigerator until ready to top pie.
How to Make Apple Pie Filling
Combine the sugar, brown sugar, flour, and apple pie spice in a separate large bowl. Press out lumps and mix well.
Peel, core, and slice the apples. Place in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Toss to coat all apples with mixture.
How to Assemble an Apple Pie
Fill the apple mixture into the pie crust. Top evenly with the crumb mixture.
Bake for 50 minutes. Cool the pie on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. Dust with powder sugar before serving.
Recipe FAQs
I think this is mainly a personal preference. However, most pies you’ll taste from the store or a bakery take the time to peel the apples. If you do not peel the apples it will give the pie a different texture. It’s best to take the time to peel your apples for a fruit pie!
Traditionally Granny Smith apples are best for making pie. They are firm and slightly sour which gives a good balance when mixing with sugar. They also hold their shape well since they are a firmer apple.
How do you make apple pie not runny?
This is one of the most common problems when making a pie. To prevent the pie from being runny or even mushy here are a few tips I have for you.
- Experiment with different thickeners. I use flour in my pie and it seems to do the job well.
- You can precook the filling if you choose, but to be honest I’ve never done this before. It will definitely help with the runny liquid.
- Make sure you cook your pie until it’s done.
- Let your pie cool completely. This step is important so it will congeal and thicken as it cools.
- Refrigerate your pie! This helps everything thicken and will make for perfect cuts once your ready to serve.
If you’ve been nervous to make your own pie I hope you’ll give this recipe a try for apple pie. It has a delicious easy to make streusel topping that will have everyone asking for seconds and thirds!
Recipes Tips & Tricks
If you want to make this apple crumble pie, here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks.
- Topping – You will have about ⅓ cup of topping left from this recipe.
- Apples – After you place all the apples in the pie crust you will notice a lot of juice in the bowl. This is water that was removed from the apples while sitting in the brown sugar mixture. Do not pour the extra sugar syrup on top of the pie. This will result in a soggy pie.
- Raisins – If you like raisins you can add a quarter cup to the apple mixture before filling the pie.
- Pie Crust – This recipe also works with a homemade pie crust. To save time, I always use a store bought.
Apple Recipes
If you make this Dutch Apple Pie, I would be honored and love for you to take the time to leave a ⭐ star rating and comment! I spend hours developing and testing these recipes, and always love to hear feedback and user experience!
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Apple Pie with Streusel Topping
Equipment
- Oven
- 1 9-inch Pie Plate
Ingredients
- 1 prepared Refrigerated pie crust from a 15 oz package
For the Streusel Topping
- 1 cup All Purpose Flour
- ½ cup Brown Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 stick Salted butter cubed and cold
For the Apple Pie Filling
- ⅓ cup Brown Sugar firmly packed
- ⅓ cup Granulated Sugar
- 3 tablespoons All Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 6 Granny Smith Apples peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¼ cup Powdered Sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°. Place the baking rack at the lowest level of the oven.
- Press pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate, crimp or pleat crust edges). Using the tines of a fork, prick the bottom of the pie crust 4-6 times.1 prepared Refrigerated pie crust
- Place on a baking sheet and bake 15 minutes. Remove and set to the side once done cooking.
For the Streusel Topping:
- In a large bowl combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. place cubed cold butter into flour mixture. Using the tines of a fork (or a pastry cutter). Mix until pea-shape pieces of flour appear. Place in the refrigerator until ready to top pie.1 cup All Purpose Flour, ½ cup Brown Sugar, 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon, 1 stick Salted butter
For the Apple Pie Filling
- Combine the sugar, brown sugar, flour, and apple pie spice in a separate large bowl. Press out lumps and mix well.⅓ cup Brown Sugar, ⅓ cup Granulated Sugar, 3 tablespoons All Purpose Flour, 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- Peel, core, and slice the apples. Place in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Toss to coat all apples with mixture.6 Granny Smith Apples
- Fill the apple mixture into the pie crust. Top evenly with the crumb mixture.
- Bake for 50 minutes. Cool the pie on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. Dust with powder sugar before serving.¼ cup Powdered Sugar
Notes
- Topping – You will have about ⅓ cup of topping left from this recipe.
- Apples – After you place all the apples in the pie crust you will notice a lot of juice in the bowl. This is water that was removed from the apples while sitting in the brown sugar mixture. Do not pour the extra sugar syrup on top of the pie. This will result in a soggy pie.
- Raisins – If you like raisins you can add a quarter cup to the apple mixture before filling the pie.
- Pie Crust – This recipe also works with a homemade pie crust. To save time, I always use a store bought.
Nutrition
Original Publish Date 11/25/2010 // Republished with new photographs and information on 11/24/2019 // Further updates with additional info and step-by-step photos added 11/5/2022.
Rae Merritt
absolutely PHENOMENAL recipe. I made it for my family and it was gone before morning. I’m currently back screenshot the recipe again so I can make it for Easter dinner.
a new favorite in my household ❤️
Katie
Rae, glad you and your family enjoyed this recipe!
Sue
One time a friend had made a strussell topped pie. Her employer was having an Apple pie context. No one wanted her offering so she gave it to me and I enjoyed it immensely. Thank you for the ingredients here ; I will try to make my own
Katie
Sue, I hope you gave this recipe a try!
Galen
Can’t find the amounts of ingredients for making the pie … too much useless crap about technique and way the #$% too much click bait … put this domain in my browser blocked are so i never have to waste time here again.
Katie
Hi Galen, I’m sorry to hear you had a frustrating experience on my blog. I completely understand that finding a recipe quickly is important—that’s why I’ve added a “Jump to Recipe” button at the top of every post. One quick click will take you directly to the ingredient list and instructions!
As for the ads, they’re what allow me to provide free recipes for readers like you. Think of them as the sponsors for all the content I create (including the pie recipe you were looking for). Without them, I’d have to charge for access to the blog, and no one wants that!
Lastly, the “useless crap” you mentioned is there to help other readers who may want extra tips, techniques, or inspiration for their own cooking adventures. I strive to create content that serves everyone, even if we all enjoy it differently.
I hope you’ll give my blog another shot—if not, happy cooking wherever your journey takes you!
Audra
Hi Katie! I have tried to make apple pies for years and couldn’t find one that came out perfect, until this one! the pie set perfectly and tastes amazing! Im saving it as my go to apple pie recipe! Thank you!
Katie
Audra, this makes me so incredibly happy!!! It is my absolute favorite apple pie recipe. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review.
Lorene Howe
Made this a couple of weeks ago. Great recipe. Going to make it again today. Easy to make.
Katie
Lorene, I’m so happy to read that you loved this recipe. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review!
Christine
Just like my mom used to make
Katie
Hi Christine, glad you enjoyed this recipe!
Brandon
My son and I made this twice in one weekend! The first one we used honey crisp apples, the second we used Granny Smith. The recipe is super easy to follow and delicious, that’s why we made two in 3 days, the whole family loved it!
Katie
Brandon–I love that you made this pie twice in 3 days!!!! Makes my heart so happy. I make this apple pie every year and typically have to make 2 because 1 gets gobbled up and we like leftovers! If you have leftovers–try my apple pie milkshake recipe! Great way to use up the last slice or two! 🙂
Chrystal Rhen
This is by far the best apple pie I have ever had. I am not fond of apple pie to begin with. but my boyfriend loves them. I found this recipe and I decided to try it. I am in love with it. definitely making this for the holidays!
Katie
Chrystal, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment. I’m so happy you enjoyed this recipe as much as my family does.
Art R
Making this pie today with fresh picked apples. Took about 30 minutes prep.
Heading to the store now to pick up vanilla bean ice cream to top it off.
Guys can cook too!
Katie
Art — so jealous you got to make this with freshly picked apples. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does.
Katie
You ladies need to make this pie… super easy and beyond delicious!
Debbi Does Dinner Healthy
I don't think I've ever made an apple pie! Love the topping! Thanks!
Lisa
That pie looks lovely. I think crumb toppings are so much tastier on an apple pie.