Best Apple Butterscotch Crumb Pie Recipes

Apple butterscotch crumb pie is a delectable dessert that combines the warm flavors of apples and butterscotch with a crispy crumb topping. This pie is a perfect treat for any occasion or celebration. With its sweet and tangy filling and flaky crust, apple butterscotch crumb pie is a must-have dessert in every baker's recipe collection. In this article, we will explore the history, ingredients, and cooking techniques behind this mouthwatering dessert.

History

The history of apple butterscotch crumb pie is not well documented, but it is believed to have originated in the United States. The first written recipes for apple pies date back to the early 18th century. These early apple pies were made with a crust that was simply a mixture of flour and water, and they were filled with apples that were seasoned with cinnamon and sugar. It wasn't until the 19th century that the butterscotch flavor became popular in desserts. The first known recipe for butterscotch candy dates back to the early 1800s in Scotland. Eventually, butterscotch started to be used as a flavoring in desserts, including pies. The addition of a crumb topping to apple pie is believed to have originated in the 1920s. It became popular during the Great Depression when people were looking for ways to stretch their ingredients and make their desserts go further. Adding a crumb topping to a pie allowed bakers to use less pastry dough while still achieving a delicious dessert.

Ingredients

The ingredients for apple butterscotch crumb pie are simple, and most of them can be found in a typical pantry. Here are the ingredients required to make this delicious dessert:

Pie crust

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Butter or shortening
• Cold water

Apple filling

• Apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• Brown sugar
• Cornstarch
• Cinnamon
• Butterscotch chips
• Lemon juice

Crumb topping

• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Melted butter

Cooking Techniques

Making apple butterscotch crumb pie is relatively easy, and the steps are similar to making a traditional apple pie. Here is an overview of the cooking techniques:

Pie crust preparation

To make the pie crust, you first need to combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Cut in the butter or shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the water and stir until the mixture forms a dough. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish. Trim the edges and set aside.

Apple filling preparation

Next, prepare the apple filling by peeling and slicing the apples. In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Add the butterscotch chips and mix until combined. Add the lemon juice and stir. Add the apple slices to the mixture and coat thoroughly.

Crumb topping preparation

To prepare the crumb topping, combine the flour and brown sugar in a bowl. Drizzle in the melted butter and mix until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.

Pie assembly

Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the top of the apple filling. Bake the pie in a preheated oven at 375°F for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Conclusion

Apple butterscotch crumb pie is an irresistible dessert that combines the sweetness of apples with the richness of butterscotch and the crunchiness of a crumb topping. Whether you are serving it for a family gathering or a dinner party, this pie is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. With the right cooking techniques and ingredients, you can easily make this delicious dessert in your own kitchen. Try out different variations and experiment with new flavors to make your apple butterscotch crumb pie truly unique.

Apple butterscotch crumb pie is a delectable dessert that is perfect for any special occasion or family gathering. This pie is a classic favorite that combines the sweetness of ripe apples with the richness of butterscotch and the crumbly texture of a crumb topping. However, making this delicious pie might seem challenging for some, especially if you are new to baking. In this article, we will explore some valuable tips that can help you perfect your apple butterscotch crumb pie recipe.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the tips of making the perfect apple butterscotch crumb pie, let's first discuss the ingredients that you need to have on hand. For this recipe, you will need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• 1/4 cup butterscotch chips
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 large egg
• 3-4 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith works best)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup butterscotch chips

Tips to consider when making apple butterscotch crumb pie recipe

Now that you have all the ingredients, let's explore the essential tips that can help you make the perfect apple butterscotch crumb pie.

Tip 1: Use the right type of apples

Choosing the right type of apples for your apple butterscotch crumb pie is essential. You want to use apples that are firm, tart, and can hold up to the heat of the oven. Granny Smith apples are the best choice for this recipe as they have a tart flavor and will keep their shape when baked. Avoid using soft or mushy apples as they will turn runny and make the pie filling too liquidy.

Tip 2: Make the perfect crumb topping

The crumb topping is what gives this apple butterscotch crumb pie its unique texture and taste. To make the perfect crumb topping, use cold butter and mix it with flour and sugar until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overmix the crumbs as this will make the topping too dense. Add the butterscotch chips to the crumb mixture before sprinkling it over the apples.

Tip 3: Use a homemade pie crust

The crust is an essential part of any pie, and apple butterscotch crumb pie is no exception. While you can use a store-bought crust, using a homemade pie crust will take your pie to the next level. To make the perfect pie crust, use cold butter or shortening and mix it with flour and salt until it resembles coarse sand. Add a few tablespoons of ice water to the mixture until it comes together into a ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough, or it will become tough.

Tip 4: Precook the apple filling

Precooking the apple filling is an essential step in making a great apple butterscotch crumb pie. This step will help the apples release their juices and prevent the filling from being too runny. To precook the apples, mix them with some sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg and cook them on the stovetop until they are slightly softened. This step will also help you determine how much filling you need for the pie.

Tip 5: Use heavy cream in the butterscotch filling

The butterscotch filling in this pie is what gives it its rich flavor and creaminess. To make the perfect butterscotch filling, use heavy cream instead of milk or light cream. The heavy cream will give the filling a smooth, velvety texture and enhance the flavor of the butterscotch chips.

Tip 6: Bake the pie at the right temperature

Baking your apple butterscotch crumb pie at the right temperature is crucial to the success of the recipe. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Be sure to check the pie regularly as every oven is different and the baking time may vary.

Conclusion

Apple butterscotch crumb pie is a delightful dessert that combines the classic flavors of apples and butterscotch in a crumbly pie crust. Making this delicious pie may seem challenging, but with these valuable tips, you can make the perfect apple butterscotch crumb pie every time. Be sure to use the right type of apples, make the perfect crumb topping, use a homemade pie crust, precook the apple filling, use heavy cream in the butterscotch filling, and bake the pie at the right temperature. Enjoy your delicious apple butterscotch crumb pie with your family and friends!