Ah, the age-old debate: apple pie vs. crumble. It’s a showdown of sweetness and texture, with both desserts vying for the title of apple dessert champion.
On one side, you have the classic and beloved apple pie, with its flaky crust and warm, gooey filling.
On the other, there’s the crispy and crunchy apple crumble, loaded with a crumbly topping that’s just begging you to devour it. So grab a fork, some ice cream, and let’s settle this once and for all.
In this article, we’ll compare and contrast the two delicious desserts and see who comes out on top.
Apple Pie: Old-School
Apple pie is a timeless dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. It’s made of juicy apples, sugar, and flour. Usually, it’s baked until the filling is soft and spreadable.
Whether you like it warm, cold, or at room temperature, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Apple Crumble: The Sweet Treat
Crumble, also known as a pie topping, is a dessert made from a mixture of pie crust, sugar, butter, and flour. The mixture is first rolled out, cut into pieces, and baked into a dish.
Apple crumble pie, in particular, is made with diced apples. With its crisp crust and soft, cooked apples, no wonder it’s a favorite among dessert lovers.
What Makes Them Different?
Apple crumble is a dessert with cooked apples, usually topped with breadcrumbs and baked until golden brown.
On the other hand, apple pie has a layer of pastry cream or crème fraîche on top. That extra kick of smooth, creamy texture makes it a delight for those who prefer a denser dessert.
Breaking Down the Differences
So, what are the main differences between apple pie and crumble?
Apple pie is made with a pie crust and filled with juicy apples. Next, the pie is baked until the filling is soft and the crust is crispy.
On the other hand, apple crumble is made with cooked apples, a topping of breadcrumbs, and the rest of the lovey-dovey ingredients. Then it’s baked until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
Regarding the recipe, making apple pie is a little more complex than making an apple crumble. You need to make the pie crust, roll it out, then fill it with the apple mixture.
Apple crumble, alternatively, is much simpler to make, but that doesn’t make it any less delicious. Simply cook the apples with sugar or butter, mix them with breadcrumbs, and bake.
But the biggest similarity? They both leave you with a smile on your face and a happy belly!
Apple Pie vs Crumble: The Recipes
Apple crumble is a simpler mixture of mashed or diced apples, flour, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Apple pie, however, only contains apples.
Additionally, apple crumble is usually served cold or at room temperature, while apple pie is best chilled or frozen.
Apple Pie
Here’s how to make a classic apple pie:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F
- Wash and peel apples
- Mix with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg
- Pour into a 9-inch pie plate
- Bake for 50 minutes
- Let cool before serving
Apple Crumble
Here’s a popular recipe for apple crumble:
- Cook apples with sugar or butter in a saucepan.
- Crumble the bread and mix it with the apples.
- Put it in a baking dish, then throw it in the oven.
Tips For The Perfect Pies!
When it comes to making apple pies, you don’t have a lot of things going on with the recipe. Choosing the ingredient’s quality is what matters the most.
Making the Perfect Crumble
Here are some tips to keep an eye on when making crumble pies.
- Use fresh ingredients: This pie is all about flavor, and baking it with fresh ingredients will give you the right kick. Avoid using canned apples, which can result in a dry crumble. Instead, use a mix of tart and sweet apples.
- Don’t overmix the breadcrumbs: Too much mixing can result in a tough crumble. Just stir the ingredients until they’re combined, and don’t overdo it.
- Experiment with different spices: Each spice will add a different flavor, and each flavor will add a completely different mood to your pie!
- Serve it with ice cream or whipped cream: Discover which option suits your taste buds best.
Some Tips for a Delicious Apple Pie Crumble
- Stir, don’t shake!: Overmixing leads to a dough crumble, we don’t want that, do we?
- Don’t skimp on the butter: Because it’s the key to a delicious apple crumble, be generous with it. You’re sure to get that delicious, flaky texture.
- Serve warm: Apple crumble is best served warm, so make sure to bake it in a preheated oven. This will ensure that the crumble is nice and crispy.
- Pie toppings: There’s no wrong way to enjoy your pie, go nuts (pun intended)!
Who Wins The Battle
The answer is simple: It depends on your personal preferences, moods, and craving. Both dishes are delicious and worth trying.
If you’re looking for a dense, creamy textured dessert, go for apple pie. In case you prefer a lighter, crispier option, crumble is the way to go.
Final Thoughts
It’s time to end the debate! Apple pie vs. crumble, which will reign supreme as the ultimate sweet treat? It all comes down to personal preference. Do you like your dessert creamy and dense? Apple pie is the one for you.
But if you prefer something light and crumbly, apple crumble is your jam. And when the right ingredients are used, it gives you the yummiest results!
Sarah is the founder of Baking Kneads, LLC, a blog sharing guides, tips, and recipes for those learning how to bake. Growing up as the daughter of a baker, she spent much of her childhood learning the basics in a local bakery.