Apple Pie with Crumb Topping

Cinnamon and sugar spiced apple filling. Covered with a crumb topping and baked in a buttery and flakey homemade crust.

Overview

A golden flaky crust filled with warmed spiced apples and covered in a crumb topping. What’s not to love? This vegan apple pie recipe is sure to turn some heads at your next family gathering.

Although nothing beats a homemade pie crust it is possible to truncate the process to homemade apple pie. If you are in a pinch then a premade crust can save the day. Otherwise there are some equipment considerations to be aware of for this recipe.

You will need a 9 inch pie plate (very grateful for the one I was gifted recently) and a rolling pin. A food processor will also make life easier for this recipe. It is possible to make the crust by hand but the butter might not be as evenly distributed as when using one.

Apple Selection

When selecting apples for your pie, consider a variety that is known for their tartness and ability to maintain their shape when baked. For this recipe we used Granny Smith apples but Honeycrisp are also great for apple pies. If you are feeling adventurous you can combine both types or if you have a favorite go-to apple in mind you can try experimenting for this recipe.

Baking Notes

Make the Crust

Place the flour, salt, and butter in a food processor bowl. Pulse the ingredients until they are combined. Then add the ice water and pulse again until a dough starts to form. If the dough for the crust looks dry then add a tablespoon of water and repeat until the desired consistency is achieved.

Flour your works surface and empty the contents of the food processor bowl on the work surface. Form the dough into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap. Place the dough in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

While the dough is resting measure the dry ingredients for the pie filling and crumb topping. Set those ingredients off to the side until they are needed.

Shape the Pie Shell

After the dough for the crust has rested for an hour in the refrigerator it is ready to be shaped. Place a sheet of parchment paper down on your work surface and unwrap the dough. Loosely place the plastic wrap over the dough and begin rolling it flat with a rolling pin. Roll the crust to about 1/8 inch flat and then remove the plastic wrap.

Carefully flip the parchment paper over the 9 inch pie plate. Shape the edges of the pie shell and patch any sections of the pie shell that may have torn. Place the pie shell in the refrigerator and move on to make the filling.

Prepare the Filling

Peel the skin off the apples and place them in a bowl of water. Then remove the core and thinly slice the apples. Place the sliced apple in a mixing bowl and then add the dry ingredients. Use a silicone spatula to combine the ingredients so that the apples are evenly coated. Place the filling in the refrigerator and then make the crumb topping.

Crumb Topping

Add the dry ingredients to a mixing bowl followed by the vegan butter. Use a fork to stir to combine the ingredients. Alternatively, you can add all the ingredients to a food processor and pulse to combine.

Assembly and Bake

Preheat the oven to 450ºF. Remove the pie shell and filling from the refrigerator. Use your hands to place the filling in the pie shell and even out the layers as best as possible. Then cover the pie shell with the crumb topping.

Bake the pie on the center rack and set a timer for 10 minutes. When the time elapses drop the temperature to 350ºF and bake for another 50 – 60 minutes. The pie is finished cooking when the topping and crust start to turn golden brown.

When the pie is finished baking remove it from the oven with pot holders or oven mitts. Place the pie on a wire rack and allow it to cool to room temperature. Once it has cooled sufficiently place the pie in the refrigerator and allow it to set for several hours before serving.

Storage

Wrap the top of the pie plate in a sheet of aluminum foil or plastic wrap. In between servings cover the pie and store in the refrigerator. The pie should store nicely for up to a week before the freshness starts to taper off.

If you like this recipe be sure to check out our other recipes below:

• Sweet Potato Pie
• Blueberry Coffee Cake
• Pumpkin Pie
• Caramel Chip Cheesecake
• Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake