Apple Pie Spice

This Apple Pie Spice Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream is the definition of cozy comfort in dessert form. With tender, caramelized apples tucked beneath a buttery, golden oat topping, every spoonful delivers a warm hug of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Whether you're embracing the chill of fall or just in the mood for something nostalgic and heartwarming, this dessert is your go-to for satisfaction and sweetness.

What truly sets this crumble apart is the aromatic depth of the apple pie spice blend—it amplifies the natural flavor of baked apples while adding a rich, spiced complexity that elevates the whole dish. Paired with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, the contrast of warm and cold creates a sensory experience that's both indulgent and unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Spice

• It’s incredibly easy to make with minimal prep time.
• Warm, spiced apples + crunchy oat topping = pure comfort.
• A perfect dessert for gatherings, holidays, or weeknight treats.
• Pairs beautifully with ice cream, whipped cream, or even yogurt.
• Adaptable for different fruits or gluten-free options.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create the perfect Apple Pie Spice Crumble, having the right tools makes a huge difference in both ease and final texture:

• Mixing bowls – essential for combining your apple filling and crumble topping separately without a mess.
• Peeler and corer – for peeling and coring the apples quickly and efficiently.
• Baking dish (8x8 or 9x9 inch) – this ensures even cooking and crisp topping.
• Pastry cutter or fork – to break down the butter into the oat mixture until it reaches that perfect crumbly texture.
• Oven – obviously key, but ensuring it’s preheated properly guarantees that golden finish on top.

Each tool plays a vital role in creating that luscious filling and irresistible crisp.

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Preparation Tips

Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp—they hold their shape and balance out the sweetness of the crumble topping. Slice the apples uniformly to ensure even baking. Don’t skip tossing them in a little lemon juice; it adds brightness and keeps them from browning too soon. For the crumble, cold butter is your best friend—it helps create those golden, crunchy bits on top. And always give the dish a few minutes to cool after baking; it allows the juices to settle and the flavors to meld.

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Ingredients for this Apple Pie Spice

For the Apple Filling:

• 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons apple pie spice (or 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg, ½ tsp allspice)
• Pinch of salt

For the Crumble Topping:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• Optional: ⅓ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch

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Step 1: Prep the Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and thinly slicing your apples. Toss them in lemon juice to prevent browning and to add a subtle brightness to the filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, apple pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the apples are well coated and set aside.

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Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, apple pie spice, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. If you're adding nuts, stir them in at the end.

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Step 3: Assemble the Crumble

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a square baking dish (8x8 or 9x9 inch). Pour the apple filling into the dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apples, making sure to cover them completely.

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Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges. If the topping is browning too quickly, tent with foil during the last 10 minutes.

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Step 5: Cool Slightly & Serve

Let the crumble sit for 10–15 minutes after removing it from the oven. This rest period helps the filling set and makes serving easier. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.

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Notes

This Apple Pie Spice crumble is a forgiving and flexible dessert—feel free to mix in other fruits like pears or berries for variation. Using fresh, firm apples ensures your filling isn’t too mushy. If you prefer a thicker filling, add a tablespoon more flour or a teaspoon of cornstarch to the apple mixture. For a richer flavor, try browning the butter before adding it to the crumble topping.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcrowding the dish: Too many apples can result in uneven baking. Stick to the suggested amount or use a larger pan.
• Using warm or melted butter in the crumble: This prevents a proper crumbly texture. Always use cold butter.
• Skipping the rest time: Cutting in too early leads to runny filling and less flavor development.
• Uneven apple slices: Thin, consistent slices ensure the apples bake evenly.
• Forgetting to taste your apples: If they're too tart, consider adding a touch more sugar.

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Storage Instructions

Store any leftover apple crumble covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual servings for 30–45 seconds or warm in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for 10–15 minutes to crisp the topping. If freezing, wrap the cooled crumble tightly and store for up to 2 months—reheat directly from frozen in the oven.

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Estimated Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate)

• Calories: 310
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Sugar: 26g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Cholesterol: 30mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s in apple pie spice?

It’s typically a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Some versions also include cloves or ginger.

Can I use store-bought apple pie spice?

Absolutely! A good quality pre-made spice blend works just fine for convenience.

What apples work best for this recipe?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are ideal due to their firmness and balance of tart and sweet.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble and store covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5–10 extra minutes to baking time if baking from cold.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can substitute gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats to make it so.

How do I make it vegan?

Swap the butter for a plant-based butter or coconut oil.

Can I add caramel to the filling?

Yes! A drizzle of caramel sauce over the apples before topping adds extra richness.

Should I peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a softer texture, but leaving them on adds a rustic feel and more fiber.

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Conclusion

Apple Pie Spice crumble is more than just a dessert—it’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat that brings seasonal flavors to life with minimal effort. The sweet-spiced aroma, crisp topping, and soft apple filling make it a go-to for any occasion. Whether you're baking for family, friends, or a simple night in, this crumble is sure to warm hearts and bring smiles.

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