Indulge in the ultimate fall and holiday dessert with this simple, yet incredibly delicious, Apple Streusel Pie Recipe. This pie redefines comfort, starting with a rich pecan crust that offers a delightful buttery crunch, followed by a luscious, creamy apple filling, all crowned with a warmly spiced streusel topping, and finished with a sweet drizzle. It’s truly the perfect holiday pie – easy to make, yet impressive enough to be the star of any festive gathering!

Effortless Apple Streusel Pie: Your Go-To Holiday Dessert

The holiday season is a time for warmth, joy, and, of course, delicious food. Amidst the hustle and bustle, finding a recipe that delivers incredible flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen is a true gift. That’s exactly what this amazing and easy Apple Streusel Pie recipe offers! While the description of a pecan crust, creamy apple filling, and crunchy streusel topping might sound like a labor of love, we’re cleverly leveraging a few high-quality packaged shortcuts to save you significant time and effort, ensuring a stress-free baking experience.

We understand that the holidays can be demanding. Between family gatherings, gift shopping, and festive decorating, time is often a precious commodity. This year, more than ever, embracing smart shortcuts in the kitchen is not just convenient—it’s essential! Our recipe allows you to create a homemade-tasting pie that will impress everyone, leaving you more time to cherish moments with loved ones rather than being tethered to the stove.

Why This Apple Streusel Pie Stands Out

What makes this particular Apple Streusel Pie recipe truly special? It’s the harmonious blend of textures and flavors that come together in every bite. Imagine a delicate, buttery pecan crust that provides a rich foundation, giving way to a warm, tender, and subtly spiced apple filling. This isn’t just any apple filling; it’s creamy and perfectly balanced in sweetness. The star, of course, is the generous streusel topping—a golden, crumbly layer bursting with warm spices that adds an irresistible crunch. And for the grand finale, a delicate drizzle of sweetened condensed milk ties all the elements together, adding an extra touch of decadence. This pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, a slice of pure holiday bliss.

Essential Ingredients for Your Delicious Apple Streusel Pie

Crafting this delightful pie is straightforward, especially with our carefully selected ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this holiday masterpiece:

• Ready-Made Pie Crust: We highly recommend using a pecan pie crust for an added layer of nutty flavor and buttery texture that beautifully complements the apples and streusel. This choice elevates the pie from good to extraordinary. However, for versatility, feel free to use a classic graham cracker crust, a cookie crust, or even a pre-baked pastry crust if that’s what you have on hand or prefer. Each option provides a wonderful base for this incredible filling.
• Quality Apple Filling: The heart of this pie is its apple filling. For unparalleled convenience and consistent deliciousness, we adore Lucky Leaf® apple pie filling. What makes it a top choice? It boasts a fantastic apple flavor without any high-fructose corn syrup, ensuring a pure and wholesome taste. While you could prepare apple filling from scratch, a good quality canned option drastically cuts down on prep time without sacrificing flavor.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This magical ingredient is a simple blend of milk and sugar, but its role in this pie is anything but simple. It contributes to the creamy texture of the apple filling, binding it together perfectly, and its rich, sweet flavor enhances the overall profile. Plus, we save a little bit of this golden liquid to drizzle generously over the top of the baked pie, adding a beautiful sheen and an extra layer of sweetness.
• Homemade Streusel Topping: No streusel pie is complete without its signature crunchy crown. We’ll detail how to make this delightful topping below, ensuring it’s sweet, buttery, and perfectly spiced to contrast with the smooth apple filling.

Crafting the Perfect Streusel Topping

The streusel topping is a critical component of this pie, offering a beautiful contrast in texture and a burst of warm, inviting spices. This streusel is designed to be sweet, buttery, and wonderfully aromatic, creating a perfect marriage with the creamy, crisp apple filling beneath. Achieving that ideal crumbly texture is easier than you think with these expert tips:

Streusel Success Tips:

1. Cool the Melted Butter: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for a perfect streusel. While you’ll melt the butter, it’s vital to allow it to cool completely to room temperature before incorporating it with the dry ingredients. Using hot butter will cause the flour to absorb it too quickly and unevenly, resulting in a greasy, cake-like topping rather than a light, crumbly streusel. Patience here pays off in a perfectly textured topping.
2. Adjust Flour as Needed: The ideal streusel mixture should be crumbly, resembling coarse sand with some pea-sized clumps. If, after mixing, your streusel still seems too wet or pasty, don’t hesitate to add an extra 1–2 tablespoons of flour. This slight adjustment can make all the difference in achieving the desired crumbly consistency.
3. Do Not Press It Down: Once you’ve sprinkled the streusel over the apple filling, resist the urge to press it down into the pie. The goal is a light, airy, and textured topping. Gently sprinkling it evenly allows the streusel to bake into distinct crumbles, rather than forming a dense, hard crust.
4. A Generous Layer is Key: Don’t be alarmed if the amount of streusel seems substantial when you first add it to the pie. You will have a wonderfully thick layer, but rest assured, it bakes down beautifully and shrinks slightly as it cooks. This generous amount ensures every slice of pie gets a delightful portion of that irresistible crunchy topping.
5. Consider Adding Oats or Nuts: For an extra layer of texture and flavor, try incorporating 1/4 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats or finely chopped pecans/walnuts into your streusel mixture. This simple addition can enhance the pie’s overall appeal and provide an even richer experience.

Expert Tips for Baking and Serving Your Apple Streusel Pie

To ensure your Apple Streusel Pie turns out perfectly every time, keep these essential tips in mind for baking, cooling, and serving:

• Allow Plenty of Time for the Pie to Set: This is perhaps the most critical step for achieving clean, beautiful slices. Once baked, the pie’s filling is not initially very firm. It absolutely needs a good 1-2 hours (or even longer) at room temperature to cool down and allow the filling to properly solidify and set up. Attempting to cut into a warm pie will likely result in a messy, collapsed slice, as the filling hasn’t had time to firm up. Patience is key for picture-perfect portions!
• Bake the Apple Streusel Pie on a Sheet Pan: This is a non-negotiable step for mess prevention. Apple pies, especially those with a generous filling and topping, can sometimes bubble over during baking. Placing your prepared pie on a sturdy sheet pan (a 15″ x 10″ is ideal) ensures that any potential overflow is neatly captured on the tray, saving your oven from a sticky, burnt mess and making cleanup a breeze.
• Use a Hot, Sharp Knife for Clean Slices: To achieve impeccably clean cuts and avoid dragging the filling or streusel, prepare your knife. Run a sharp knife under very hot water for about 30 seconds, then quickly dry it with a clean towel. The heat helps the blade glide smoothly through the filling and crust, preventing sticking. Reheat and wipe the knife between each slice for the best results. Serve your slices immediately, and ensure any leftovers are covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil before returning them to the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Storage: While this pie is truly exceptional when eaten the same day it is made, leftovers can be stored. Tightly cover any remaining pie and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For best flavor and texture, allow refrigerated slices to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving, or gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Variations & Serving Suggestions for Your Apple Streusel Pie

While this Apple Streusel Pie recipe is magnificent as is, don’t hesitate to experiment with variations to make it your own or to enhance the serving experience:

Creative Variations:

• Spice it Up: Besides cinnamon and apple pie spice, consider adding a pinch of ground nutmeg, cardamom, or even a tiny bit of cloves to your streusel or apple filling for a more complex flavor profile.
• Nutty Notes: If you love nuts, mix some finely chopped pecans or walnuts directly into the apple filling before pouring it into the crust, or toast them lightly and add to the streusel.
• Caramel Swirl: For an extra layer of decadence, gently swirl about 1/4 cup of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce into the apple filling before adding the streusel.
• Different Crusts: Beyond graham cracker, try a gingersnap crust for a spicy kick, or a shortbread crust for a more buttery, delicate base.
• Fruit Blends: Experiment with mixing in a small amount of pear or cranberry filling with the apple filling for a unique flavor combination.

Delightful Serving Suggestions:

• Classic À La Mode: A warm slice of Apple Streusel Pie served with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream is an unbeatable combination. The melting ice cream creates a luscious sauce that perfectly complements the warm pie.
• Whipped Cream Dream: A generous dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the rich pie, making for an elegant presentation.
• Extra Caramel Drizzle: If you enjoy extra sweetness, warm some caramel sauce and drizzle it over individual slices just before serving.
• Coffee or Tea Pairing: This pie pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, a spiced chai latte, or a comforting herbal tea, especially after a holiday meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Apple Streusel Pie

Here are answers to some common questions about making this delicious Apple Streusel Pie:

• Can I make this pie ahead of time? Yes, you can! This pie can be assembled and baked a day in advance. Store it, covered, in the refrigerator. For best results, allow it to come to room temperature for at least an hour before serving, or gently rewarm in a low oven (around 250°F / 120°C) for 15-20 minutes to refresh the crust and streusel.
• Can I use fresh apples instead of canned filling? Absolutely! If you prefer to use fresh apples, you will need about 6-8 medium baking apples (like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced. You would then mix them with about 1/2 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Keep in mind this will increase your prep time, but offers a different texture.
• How do I store leftover pie? Leftover pie should be covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. The streusel might soften slightly over time, but the flavor remains excellent.
• Can this pie be frozen? Yes, this pie freezes quite well. Once completely cooled, wrap the entire pie (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap, then an outer layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature or gently rewarm in the oven.
• What if my streusel isn’t clumpy enough? If your streusel mixture is too fine, it likely needs more butter (add a teaspoon at a time) or a bit more mixing. If it’s too wet and pasty, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches a crumbly consistency.

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5 from 1 vote

Apple Streusel Pie Recipe

By
Chelsea Lords

This easy Apple Streusel Pie Recipe features a pecan crust, creamy apple filling, crunchy streusel topping, and a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk. It’s the perfect holiday treat!

Prep Time:

10 minutes
minutes

Cook Time:

50 minutes
minutes

Resting Time:

2 hours
hours

Total Time:

3 hours
hours

Servings:

8
slices

Video

For a visual guide on making this delicious Apple Streusel Pie, please refer to the video tutorial available on our website. It walks you through each step for perfect results!

Equipment

• Sheet pan (15″ x 10″)
• Large Mixing Bowls
• Whisk
• Sharp Knife

Ingredients

• 1
  9-inch Pie Crust (pecan crust recommended)
• 1
  (21-ounce) can
  Apple Pie Filling (such as Lucky Leaf®)
• 1
  (14-ounce) can
  Sweetened Condensed Milk

Streusel Topping

• 8
  tablespoons
  All-Purpose Flour
• 1/3
  cup
  Light Brown Sugar
  packed
• 1
  teaspoon
  Ground Cinnamon
• 1/4
  teaspoon
  Apple Pie Spice
• 1/8
  teaspoon
  Salt
• 4
  tablespoons
  Unsalted Butter
  1/4 cup, melted and cooled to room temperature

Instructions

• Prepare the Filling: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully remove your chosen pie crust from its packaging and set it aside. In a large mixing bowl, pour the entire can of apple pie filling. Using a knife or a pastry blender, coarsely chop the apples directly in the bowl to achieve a desired consistency – some larger chunks are great for texture. Measure out 1/3 cup of the sweetened condensed milk and set it aside for later drizzling. Pour the remaining sweetened condensed milk into the bowl with the apples. Mix thoroughly until the apple filling is smooth and evenly combined with the milk. Finally, pour this delectable apple mixture into your prepared pie crust, smoothing it out into an even layer with a spatula.
• Cool the Butter for Streusel: Melt the 4 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Once melted, set it aside at room temperature and allow it to cool completely. This step is crucial: hot butter will result in a greasy, dense streusel rather than the desired light and crumbly texture. Ensure it’s cool before proceeding.
• Mix the Streusel Topping: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, light brown sugar (packed), ground cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt until they are well combined. Pour the cooled, melted butter into this dry mixture. Use a fork or your fingertips to mix until the streusel ingredients are evenly incorporated and form small, distinct clumps. If the mixture is too wet, add a teaspoon more flour; if too dry, a tiny bit more butter.
• Top the Pie: Generously sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the entire surface of the apple filling in the pie crust. It might look like a lot, but trust the process! Crucially, do not press the streusel down into the pie; simply let it rest lightly on top to ensure a crispy, crumbly texture after baking. Use all of the streusel for the best results.
• Bake and Cool: Carefully place the prepared pie on a large sheet pan (to catch any potential overflow) and transfer it to your preheated oven. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the apple filling is bubbly and set, and the streusel topping is beautifully golden brown and firm to the touch. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Let it stand at room temperature for a minimum of 1–2 hours. For optimal firmness and cleaner slices, allowing it to cool longer or even completely chill is recommended.
• Drizzle and Serve: Just before serving, take the reserved 1/3 cup of sweetened condensed milk and generously drizzle it over the top of the cooled pie. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and a beautiful finish. Slice with a hot, sharp knife and serve immediately. Enjoy every delightful bite!

Recipe Notes

Storage: This pie is best eaten the same day it is made for optimal crispness of the streusel and freshness of the filling. However, leftovers can be stored covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: If reheating, individual slices can be warmed gently in the microwave for 15-30 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1serving
|
Calories: 388kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 70g
|
Protein: 6g
|
Fat: 10g
|
Saturated Fat: 6g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
|
Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
|
Trans Fat: 1g
|
Cholesterol: 32mg
|
Sodium: 139mg
|
Potassium: 253mg
|
Fiber: 1g
|
Sugar: 46g
|
Vitamin A: 328IU
|
Vitamin C: 3mg
|
Calcium: 159mg
|
Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and is an estimate based on ingredients and cooking methods. It should only be used as an approximation.

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