Toffee Apple Crumble Pie is a perfect mix of sweet and tart, with tender apples and sticky toffee flavors all wrapped up in a crumbly, buttery topping. The warmth of cinnamon and the crunch of the crumble make every bite feel like a cozy, comforting hug. It’s a dessert that feels just right for sharing on a chilly day or brightening up any gathering.
I love making this pie when apples are in season because the natural sweetness of the fruit pairs so well with the rich toffee bits scattered throughout the filling. One little tip I always follow is to use a mix of apple types – it adds a nice balance of textures and flavors. Watching the golden crumble bubble up as it bakes is honestly one of my favorite parts!
When I serve Toffee Apple Crumble Pie, I usually add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold cream melts into the warm pie and makes it extra dreamy. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together and has everyone reaching for seconds – and thirds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: A mix of tart and sweet apples works best to balance flavors. I like Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness. If you can’t find these, Braeburn or Fuji apples are good options too.
Toffee bits: These add a rich, buttery sweetness. If you don’t have toffee bits, chopped soft caramel candies or butterscotch chips work well as substitutes.
Butter: Use cold unsalted butter for the crust and crumble. This helps create a flakey crust and a tender, crumbly topping. Margarine won’t give the same texture.
Brown sugar: This adds moisture and depth to the crumble topping. Dark brown sugar works well if you want a stronger molasses flavor.
How Do I Make the Perfect Crumble Topping?
The crumble topping is key for crunch and flavor. Here’s how to get it right:
- Keep your butter cold. Cut it into small pieces before mixing to make sure it blends evenly without melting.
- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix the butter into the dry ingredients until you get coarse crumbs with different sizes—this gives a nice texture.
- Don’t overwork the mixture. Stop as soon as you see small clumps. Too much mixing can make the topping tough.
- Scatter the topping evenly over your filling so it bakes uniformly and gets that golden, crispy crust.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9-inch pie dish – perfect size to hold the apple filling and crumble topping evenly.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need a few to mix the crust, filling, and crumble separately without mixing flavors.
- Pastry cutter or fork – great for cutting cold butter into flour for the crust and crumble.
- Rolling pin – helps roll out the pie dough flat and even for a perfect crust.
- Baking sheet – place under the pie to catch any drips and keep your oven clean.
- Measuring cups and spoons – essential for precise ingredient amounts to get the texture right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use pears or a mix of pears and apples for a softer, sweeter filling with a twist.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- Stir in a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the apple filling for warm, spicy notes.
- Swap toffee bits for chocolate chips to create a chocolate-apple crumble pie variation.
How to Make Toffee Apple Crumble Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
- 3-4 tbsp ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 large apples (a mix like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/3 cup toffee bits or chopped soft toffee candies
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the Crumble Topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced small
To Serve:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pie takes about 15 minutes to prepare the crust and filling, plus 50-60 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to chill the pie dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling. Overall, expect around 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Pie Crust:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring lightly, until the dough just comes together. Shape it into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a big bowl, mix the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, flour, and toffee bits. Toss everything gently to combine well. Set this aside as you get the crumble topping ready.
3. Make the Crumble Topping:
In a medium bowl, stir together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, diced butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend it in until the mixture forms crumbly clumps.
4. Assemble the Pie:
On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer it to the dish and press down gently. Trim off any extra dough around the edges. Pour the apple filling evenly over the crust, then sprinkle the crumble topping all over the apples.
5. Bake the Pie:
Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch drips and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes. The crumble should be golden brown, and the apples tender. If the topping browns too quickly, tent the pie with foil.
6. Serve:
Let the pie cool for a bit before slicing. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, drizzle with caramel sauce, and dust lightly with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Enjoy your delicious, cozy Toffee Apple Crumble Pie!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for the Filling?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could make the pie soggy. Pat them dry with paper towels before mixing with the other filling ingredients.
How Should I Store Leftover Pie?
Store any leftover pie covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy, warm slices slightly in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I Make the Pie Crust Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pie dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 1 month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling it out to assemble the pie.
What Can I Substitute for Toffee Bits?
If you don’t have toffee bits, chopped soft caramel candies or butterscotch chips make great replacements that keep the rich, buttery flavor in the filling.