The classic apple pie elements are flawless as is, but we think this version topped with a thick layer of cinnamon crumble is pure genius. The buttery, brown sugar–infused topping crowns a generous mound of tart Granny Smith apples, while a traditional American-style pastry features equal parts butter and shortening, with a touch of cider vinegar to ensure tenderness.
Recipe information
Yield
makes 8 servings
Ingredients
for crust
for filling
for topping
Preparation
make crust
Step 1
Mix the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Add the butter and shortening; rub in with your fingertips until coarse meal forms. Mix 3 tablespoons ice water and the vinegar in a small bowl. Drizzle over the flour mixture; stir with fork until moist clumps form, adding more water by teaspoonfuls if dough is dry. Gather the dough into a ball; flatten into a disk. Wrap in plastic; refrigerate 30 minutes.
Step 2
Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 400°F. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a 12-inch round. Transfer to a 9-inch-diameter glass pie dish. Trim the overhang to 1/2 inch; turn the edge under and crimp decoratively. Refrigerate while preparing the filling and topping.
make filling and topping
Step 3
Mix the filling ingredients in large bowl to coat apples.
Step 4
Blend the flour, sugars, cinnamon, and salt in a processor. Add the chilled butter cubes; using on/off pulses, cut in until the mixture resembles wet sand.
assemble and bake pie
Step 5
Toss the filling to redistribute juices; transfer to the crust, mounding in the center. Pack the topping over and around the apples. Bake the pie on a baking sheet until the topping is golden, about 40 minutes (cover top with foil if browning too quickly).
Step 6
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. Bake until the apples in the center are tender when pierced and the filling is bubbling thickly at the edges, about 45 minutes longer. Cool until warm, about 1 hour. Serve with ice cream.
