Apple Cinnamon Streusel Pie

Ingredients

For the crust:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into small cubes)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the filling:

  • 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the streusel topping:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into small cubes)

For finishing:

  • 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust:

    1. In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
    2. Add the cold butter cubes. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
    3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough starts to come together. Avoid overmixing.
    4. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  2. Prepare the Filling:

    1. Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges.
    2. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Ensure the apples are evenly coated with the mixture.
  3. Prepare the Streusel Topping:

    1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
    2. Add the cold butter cubes. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
  4. Assemble the Pie:

    1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, trimming any excess dough. Press the dough into the bottom and sides of the dish.
    3. Pour the apple filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.
    4. Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the apple filling. You can cut it into strips to make a lattice pattern or leave it whole for a classic top crust. Trim, tuck, and crimp the edges to seal.
    5. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the top of the pie.
  5. Finish and Bake:

    1. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar for a nice finish.
    2. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
    3. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
  6. Cool and Serve:

    1. Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes for easier cutting.
    2. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.