Toffee Apple Crumble Pie is the perfect mix of sweet and tart with a crunchy, buttery topping that everyone loves. The combination of warm, cinnamon-spiced apples and gooey toffee gives it a rich flavor that feels like a cozy hug on a plate. The crumble topping adds that extra bit of crunch that makes each bite so satisfying.
I’m a big fan of making this pie when the weather starts to cool down and the apple season is in full swing. It’s one of those desserts that makes your whole kitchen smell amazing while baking, and I can’t resist sneaking a little piece when it’s still warm. My tip? Use a mix of tart and sweet apples to get the best flavor balance.
Serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is my favorite way to enjoy this pie. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together, perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. I always find that it sparks great conversation and lots of smiles.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Using a mix of tart and sweet apples gives a balanced flavor and texture. Granny Smiths add tartness while Fuji or Gala bring sweetness. If you can’t get these, Honeycrisp is a good all-around choice.
Toffee Bits: These add a sweet, chewy texture that makes this pie special. If unavailable, chopped soft caramel candies work well, or you can skip for a simpler apple crumble.
Butter: Cold, unsalted butter is key for flaky crust and crumble topping. You can substitute with margarine, but butter gives the best flavor and texture.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds moisture and rich flavor. Light or dark brown sugar can be used depending on how strong you want the molasses taste.
How Do You Make the Perfect Crumble Topping?
The crumble topping should be crispy but tender, with a nice balance of sugar and butter. Here’s my simple way to get it just right:
- Keep your butter cold and cut it into small cubes.
- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until pea-sized crumbs form.
- If you like texture, add oats—they give a lovely chewiness.
- Don’t overwork it; some floury bits are okay and help make it crumbly.
- Sprinkle evenly over the filling to cover completely, which helps keep the apples moist while baking.
This method gives a golden, crunchy topping that contrasts perfectly with soft apples and gooey toffee underneath—just like I like it!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9-inch pie dish – the perfect size to hold all the filling and crumble topping without spilling.
- Mixing bowls – at least two: one for the apple filling and one for the crumble topping.
- Pastry blender or fork – helps cut cold butter into the flour for a flaky crust and topping.
- Rolling pin – makes it easy to roll out your chilled pie dough evenly.
- Baking sheet – to catch any drips while the pie bakes in the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble for extra crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Mix in dried cranberries or raisins with the apples for a fruity twist and added texture.
- Swap the toffee bits for chocolate chips for a sweeter, more indulgent version.
- Try adding a pinch of ginger or ground cloves for a warm spice boost that complements the apples.
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) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 3-4 tbsp ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 5 medium apples (a mix of tart and sweet, e.g., Granny Smith and Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup toffee bits or chopped soft caramel toffee
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (optional, for texture)
For Serving (Optional):
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pie takes about 20 minutes to prepare plus at least 1 hour chilling time for the crust. Baking takes 45-55 minutes, and then you should let it cool for at least 2 hours before serving so the filling sets properly. Overall, plan about 4 hours from start to finish including chilling and cooling times.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Pie Crust:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter cubes using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water one tablespoon at a time and mix until a dough forms. Shape it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Gently fold in the toffee bits or chopped caramel pieces.
3. Prepare the Crumble Topping:
In a medium bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and oats if using. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Set this aside.
4. Assemble the Pie:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled pie dough on a lightly floured surface to fit your 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the dish and trim any excess edges. Pour the apple and toffee filling evenly into the crust.
5. Add the Crumble Topping:
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple filling, covering it completely.
6. Bake the Pie:
Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes. The crust should be golden brown, and the filling bubbly. If the crumble topping browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil halfway through baking to prevent burning.
7. Cool and Serve:
Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours so the filling can set nicely. Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce if you like.
Enjoy your delicious Toffee Apple Crumble Pie, packed with gooey toffee, spiced apples, and a lovely crumbly topping!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for This Pie?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that can make the pie soggy. Pat them dry with paper towels before mixing with the other filling ingredients.
Can I Prepare the Pie Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the pie completely, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy later, reheat slices gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
What’s the Best Way to Substitute the Toffee Bits?
If you don’t have toffee bits, chopped soft caramel candies or even chocolate chips work well. Just make sure any substitutions melt nicely to keep that gooey texture inside the pie.
