When it comes to delightful desserts, sometimes simplicity truly shines. While elaborate treats have their place, there’s an undeniable charm in recipes that are both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. This Pioneer Woman apple crumble recipe is a perfect example, proving that you don’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients to create a dessert that everyone will adore.
Imagine a warm, comforting dish filled with juicy, tender apples, topped with a golden, crunchy crumble. This apple crumble is bursting with flavor in every bite and boasts a wonderful texture that’s simply irresistible. Serve it warm, perhaps with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of homemade whipped cream, and you have a dessert that’s guaranteed to disappear quickly. It’s so delicious, you might just find yourself finishing the whole dish!
Why This Pioneer Woman Apple Crumble Recipe is a Winner
This recipe stands out because it takes humble ingredients and transforms them into something truly special. The tartness of Granny Smith apples is beautifully balanced with the sweetness of sugar and the warmth of cinnamon and spice. What’s even better? It requires minimal active preparation time, allowing the oven to do most of the work. This makes it an ideal choice for busy bakers who still want to create a homemade dessert that tastes like it took hours.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Apple Crumble
ingredients for pioneer woman apple crumble laid out on a dishcloth
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting Apple Crumble Pioneer Woman style:
For the Apple Filling:
- 8 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced – Granny Smiths are the classic choice for their tartness, which complements the sweet crumble.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – For perfect sweetness to balance the apples.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour – This helps to thicken the apple juices as it bakes.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – For that warm, comforting spice we all love in apple desserts.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to enhance all the other flavors.
- ½ cup water – To create a moist and juicy apple base.
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – The foundation of our crisp and crumbly topping.
- 1 cup quick-cooking oats – Oats add a wonderful texture and nutty flavor to the crumble.
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar – Brown sugar provides a richer sweetness and helps create a caramelized topping.
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder – For a little lift and lightness in the topping.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda – Works with baking powder to create the perfect texture.
- Pinch of salt – To balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
- 1 stick (½ cup) salted butter, melted – Melted butter brings everything together and creates that irresistible crispness.
Essential Tools for Your Apple Crumble
Pyrex Basics Clear Oblong Glass Baking Dishes
- 9×13 inch Baking Dish: A standard 9×13 inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe, ensuring even baking. Glass or ceramic dishes work wonderfully.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of mixing bowls – one for the apple filling and one for the crumble topping.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measuring is key in baking.
- Peeler and Slicer: For preparing the apples. A good peeler and knife or apple slicer will make this task easier.
- Whisk or Fork: For mixing the dry ingredients for both the filling and topping.
Oxo Good Grips 3 Piece Mixing Bowl Set
Mainstays Chrome Whisk Set Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Apple Crumble
Follow these simple steps to bake your own delicious Pioneer Woman apple crumble:
Step 1: Preparing the Apples
glass pan of sliced apples for pioneer woman apple crisp recipe
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Place the peeled and sliced Granny Smith apples in the prepared baking dish, arranging them in an even layer. In a separate small mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients together until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the sliced apples in the baking dish. Finally, pour ½ cup of water over the top of the apples. This water will create steam and help the apples become tender and juicy as they bake.
Step 2: Making the Crumble Topping
topping prep in a white bowl for pioneer woman
In a medium to large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, quick oats, dark brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Mix these dry ingredients together thoroughly. Pour the melted salted butter into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a fork to stir everything together. Continue mixing until the mixture starts to form clumps and is evenly moistened with the melted butter. The texture should resemble coarse crumbs, which will bake into a delightful crisp topping.
Step 3: Assembling and Baking
apple crisp topping sprinkled over sliced apples in a glass baking dish for pioneer woman apple crisp
Sprinkle the prepared crumble topping evenly over the layer of apples in the baking dish. Ensure that the topping is distributed as uniformly as possible to cover all the apples, creating a beautiful and consistent crumble crust.
Step 4: Time to Bake!
pioneer woman apple crisp served in a white bowl with ice cream
Place the apple crumble in the preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 40 to 45 minutes. Bake until the topping is beautifully golden brown and crisp, and the apple filling is bubbly and tender. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork into the apples; they should be easily pierced.
Once baked, carefully remove the Pioneer Woman apple crumble from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly before serving, as it will be very hot. Serve warm for the best experience. A classic serving suggestion is to top each portion with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm crumble and cold ice cream is simply divine.
Tips for the Perfect Pioneer Woman Apple Crumble
- Apple Choice: While Granny Smith apples are traditional, feel free to experiment with other apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a slightly sweeter crumble. A mix of apple types can also add complexity.
- Spice it Up: If you love spices, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the apple filling for extra warmth.
- Nutty Topping: For an even richer crumble topping, add ½ cup of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the dry ingredients before mixing in the melted butter.
- Serving Suggestions: Beyond vanilla ice cream, this apple crumble is also fantastic with whipped cream, caramel sauce, or even a dusting of powdered sugar.
What We Love About This Recipe
close up of serving spoon in the apple crisp pan with some pioneer woman apple crisp already served
There’s something undeniably comforting about a fruit crumble, especially as the seasons change and the air turns crisp. This Pioneer Woman apple crumble is the epitome of comfort dessert, especially when served warm with a scoop of melting ice cream. What makes this recipe particularly special is the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Initially, eight apples might seem like a lot, but it turns out to be just the right amount for a generous and satisfying dessert. The recipe is easy to follow and delivers perfect results with minimal adjustments. The focus isn’t just on the crumble topping, which is wonderfully crisp, but also on the flavorful apple base. Every bite is a delightful experience, combining the soft, warm apples with the crunchy, buttery topping. The warmth of the crumble paired with the coldness of ice cream creates a truly sensational dessert. And the best part? There’s plenty to share with family and friends, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
If you’re looking for a healthier twist, you might explore gluten-free apple crumble options, but for a classic, heartwarming dessert, this Pioneer Woman apple crumble recipe is a definite winner.
Enjoy the simple pleasure of this fantastic dessert!
