Apple Streusel Pie

A classic buttery crust, with a warm apple filling, and topped with buttery streusel for the perfect fall apple streusel pie.

What’s the difference between Apple Crumble Pie and Apple Streusel Pie?

There is no difference, crumble and streusel can sometimes be different but in this case they are the same. The streusel or crumble is made from butter, flour, sugar, and vanilla.

How is this pie different from an American or Dutch Apple Pie?

The main difference between this German Apple Pie and an American one is the crust. The crust here is more of a crumbly shortcrust or torte crust rather than a flaky crust. I love it because I find it easier and there is no need to par-bake it. There also is no corn starch in the filling which prevents it from being gloopy.

Which apples should I bake with?

Really any apples will work in this recipe. However, I do recommend picking an apple that is more likely to hold its shape such as a granny smith or honey crisp! This article from Bon Appetit has a list of The 6 Best Apples for Baking!

Additional Recipes to try:

• Apfelringe – Fried Apple Rings
• Bratapfeln – German Baked Apples
• Gedeckter Apfelkuchen – German Apple Pie

Tips for making Apple Crumb Pie

• Be sure to cook the apples for at least 30 minutes but up to 1 hour until the apple slices are nice and soft. This will allow you to pack them into the crust so there aren’t any gaps.
• Don’t over mix the crust. Because you are going to press it into the springform pan, it does not need to hold together as a solid piece of dough – it just needs to be fully mixed.
• Allow the pie to cool for at least 20 minutes before removing the springform and then another 20 minutes before cutting into it.

Ingredients

• Butter: Room temperature butter is used in the crust of the pie, as well as the streusel and the apple filling..
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds flavor and enhances the sweetness of both the crust and the struesel.
• Egg: This recipe uses one standard large egg in the crust and it needs to be at room temperature to properly incorporate with the butter.
• AP Flour: All purpose flour is what most people consider to be “normal” flour it can be bleached or unbleached. The flour is used in both the crust and the streusel.
• Baking Powder: Baking powder adds a little lightness and tenderness to the crust.
• Bread Crumbs: Be sure to buy plain unseasoned bread crumbs. I often make my own with the ends of sourdough that I let dry out and then grind up in a food processor or blender and store in a jar until I’m ready to use them.
• Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar is white standard sugar and adds sweetness to the crust and the streusel.
• Brown Sugar: On the other hand, brown sugar is added to the apple filling for warmth, flavor, and sweetness.
• Cinnamon: Cinnamon is just meant to be with apples so I couldn’t not add a couple of teaspoons in with the apple filling.
• Apples: I LOVE using honey crisp apples for this filling but the tips section above gives a more in depth answer to the best type of apples to use.

How to make Apfel Streuselkuchen?

Apple Pie Filling

• Peel all the apples, core them and cut into 1/4″ slices.
• Add the butter into a large pot and melt over medium heat. Once melted add in the apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Stir to combine and cook over medium low heat for 30 minutes to 1 hour. The softer the better.
• Once cooked, transfer into a large shallow bowl to cool. This step can also be done up to the day before making the pie.

Make the Streusel

• Preheat the oven to 375 F and place a rack in the center of the oven.
• In a medium mixing bowl add in the flour and sugar and whisk together.
• Then, add in the butter and vanilla. Use a fork or your fingers to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until fully incorporated.

How to make the Apple Pie Crust

• In the bowl of a stand mixer, add in the butter, sugar, and vanilla. Use the paddle attachment to beat the ingredients together on medium speed until combined.
• Add in the egg and mix again. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and then add in the flour and baking powder.
• Mix once more until no more dry ingredients are visible.
• Pour the mixed crust into a springform pan. First press the crust into the sides of the pan and then into the bottom of the pan.
• Be sure that the corner where the sides and bottom meet isn’t too thick. You can do this by pressing the back of your pointer finger into the corner once the crust has been pressed into the whole pan.

Assemble and Bake the Apple Pie

• Sprinkle the bread crumbs over the base of the crust.
• Pour in half of the cooked and cooled apples and use a fork to really press them down. Add in the rest of the apples and press down again.
• Crumble the streusel over the top of the apples so that it goes all the way to the edges.
• Bake the pie for 45 minutes, rotating it after 30 minutes to ensure even baking.
• Once baked, remove the apple pie from the oven and leave to cool on a rack for 20 minutes. Then, remove the springform pan surround and let cool for at least another 20 minutes before cutting into it.