Who doesn’t love the sweet, comforting aroma of apple pie baking in the oven? Now, imagine that classic treat with a delightful twist: a crunchy almond crumble topping that adds an irresistible nutty flavor.
Sounds amazing, right? Whether you’re planning a summer picnic or just craving a slice of pie, this Almond Crumble Summer Apple Pie recipe is the perfect choice. Let’s dive in and make this delicious dessert together!
Why Almond Crumble?
Adding a Nutty Twist
Almonds bring a rich, buttery flavor that complements the tartness of the apples.
The crumble topping provides a delightful contrast to the soft apple filling, making each bite a perfect blend of textures and tastes.
Perfect for Summer
Summer apples are at their peak, offering the best flavors and juiciness.
Combining them with almonds, which are light and summery, makes for a dessert that’s both seasonal and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pie Crust
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Apple Filling
- 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the Almond Crumble Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 3/4 cup sliced almonds
Preparing the Pie Crust
Making the Dough
First, combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together.
Chilling the Dough
Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour.
This chilling process is crucial as it helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to roll out.
Rolling Out the Dough
Once chilled, roll out the dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
Gently transfer the dough to the dish, trim any excess, and crimp the edges.
Place the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
Making the Apple Filling
Choosing the Right Apples
For the best pie, use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
This combination provides a balanced flavor and texture.
Prepping the Apples
Peel, core, and slice the apples uniformly. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture in every bite.
Mixing the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour.
Toss until the apples are well-coated. The flour helps to thicken the juices released by the apples as they bake.
Creating the Almond Crumble Topping
Combining the Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the sliced almonds.
Chilling the Crumble
Refrigerate the crumble topping for about 30 minutes.
This step helps the topping stay crisp and crumbly during baking.
Assembling the Pie
Filling the Crust
Remove the pie crust from the refrigerator and fill it with the apple mixture.
Make sure the apples are evenly distributed.
Adding the Crumble Topping
Generously sprinkle the almond crumble topping over the apples, ensuring it covers the filling completely.
Baking the Pie
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the crust and topping are golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
Tips for the Perfect Pie
Blind Baking the Crust
For an extra-crispy crust, you can blind bake it before adding the filling.
Simply bake the crust at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes with pie weights, then remove the weights and bake for another 5 minutes.
Preventing a Soggy Bottom
To avoid a soggy bottom crust, you can brush the inside of the crust with a beaten egg white before adding the filling.
This creates a barrier that helps keep the crust crisp.
Adjusting Sweetness
Depending on the sweetness of your apples, you might want to adjust the amount of sugar in the filling.
Taste your apples before adding the sugar and adjust accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
A La Mode
Serve a warm slice of pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
The cold, creamy ice cream melting over the warm pie is a match made in heaven.
Whipped Cream
A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the rich pie.
You can even flavor the whipped cream with a hint of cinnamon or vanilla.
Caramel Sauce
Drizzle some caramel sauce over the pie for an extra touch of sweetness and indulgence.
It’s perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
Storing Your Pie
Room Temperature
You can store the pie at room temperature, covered, for up to two days.
This keeps the crust from getting too soft.
Refrigeration
For longer storage, keep the pie in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Just let it come to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
Conclusion
Creating the perfect Almond Crumble Summer Apple Pie at home is easier than you think.
With its buttery crust, juicy apple filling, and crunchy almond topping, this pie is sure to become a family favorite.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these detailed steps and tips will guide you to baking success. So, what are you waiting for? Grab those apples and get baking!
FAQs
1. Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Yes, you can use a store-bought pie crust to save time.
However, homemade crusts usually offer a better texture and flavor.
2. What if I don’t have almonds?
You can substitute almonds with other nuts like pecans or walnuts.
Each will add its unique flavor and crunch to the crumble topping.
3. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the pie a day in advance.
Just store it at room temperature or in the refrigerator and reheat it before serving.
4. What apples are best for this pie?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices.
Granny Smith apples add a tartness that balances the sweetness, while Honeycrisp adds a nice texture.
5. How do I prevent my pie from becoming too watery?
Mixing the apples with flour helps to thicken the filling.
Also, letting the pie cool completely before cutting allows the filling to set properly.