Betty Crocker Apple Pie Recipe With Crumb Topping: Cinnamon-Spiced Filling Beneath Buttery Oats

There’s something timeless about a warm apple pie with its spiced filling and buttery crumb topping. This version captures that classic comfort with every bite.

The cinnamon-kissed apples bake beneath a golden oat crust, creating a perfect balance of tender fruit and crisp texture. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like home.

Ingredients for Betty Crocker Apple Pie Recipe with Crumb Topping

Classic comfort starts with fresh apples, warm spices, and a buttery oat topping ready to bake.

The apples are the foundation here. Granny Smith gives you that perfect tart-sweet balance, but Honeycrisp or Braeburn work beautifully too. Look for firm fruit without bruises—Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods usually have great selections. The butter needs to be cold for the crumb topping to come together right (Land O’Lakes or store brand, both are fine). Don’t even think about using quick oats—they turn to mush.

Out of Granny Smiths? Jonathan or Rome apples hold their shape well when baked. Need to make this gluten-free? Swap the all-purpose flour for Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 in both the filling and topping. No old-fashioned oats? Quick oats in a pinch (but texture suffers). The brown sugar can be light or dark—dark gives a deeper molasses note that’s pretty great.

The unbaked pie keeps 1 day in the fridge before baking. Baked pie stays fresh 2-3 days at room temperature (covered). For longer storage, freeze baked pie for up to 2 months—reheat straight from frozen at 350°F for 20 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Betty Crocker Apple Pie With Crumb Topping

This method ensures a perfectly balanced pie with tender apples and a crisp topping every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust and Apple Filling

Press 1 package Refrigerated Pie Crust into a 9-inch pie dish, crimping the edges to form a decorative rim. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent air bubbles during baking.

In a large bowl, toss the 2.5 lb Granny Smith Apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced) with 0.5 cup Granulated Sugar, 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon, 0.25 tsp Ground Nutmeg, 0.25 cup All-Purpose Flour, 1 tbsp Lemon Juice, and 1 tsp Vanilla Extract. This coats the apples evenly and thickens the filling as it bakes.

Step 2: Assemble the Pie

Pour the apple mixture into the prepared crust, mounding slightly in the center. The apples will shrink as they cook, so don’t worry about overfilling. Sprinkle the remaining 0.25 cup Granulated Sugar and 0.5 tsp Ground Cinnamon over the filling for an extra layer of spiced sweetness.

Step 3: Prepare and Add the Crumb Topping

In a separate bowl, combine 1.5 cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats, 0.75 cup Light Brown Sugar, 0.75 cup Unsalted Butter (cold and cubed), and 0.25 tsp Salt. Use your fingers or a fork to work the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces visible.

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples, pressing down lightly to help it adhere. The butter will melt during baking, creating a crisp, golden-brown crust.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 45-50 minutes. Bake until the topping is deep golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges. If the topping browns too quickly, tent the pie loosely with foil.

Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set properly, ensuring clean slices with every forkful.

Dietary Considerations for This Recipe

Gluten-Free Adaptation

Swap the all-purpose flour with Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-Free Flour in both the filling and topping. This blend works beautifully without altering the texture. I’ve tested it myself and the results are indistinguishable from the original.

Dairy-Free Version

Replace the unsalted butter with Miyoko’s Cultured Vegan Butter or coconut oil for the crumb topping. The flavor remains rich and buttery. Just ensure your butter substitute is cold when mixing to maintain the perfect crumb texture.

Lower Sugar Option

Reduce the granulated sugar by half in the filling and use coconut sugar in the topping for a deeper flavor with a lower glycemic index. The natural sweetness of the apples will still shine through beautifully.

Nut-Free Variation

This recipe is naturally nut-free, but always check your oat packaging for cross-contamination warnings if serving to those with severe allergies. I recommend Quaker Old-Fashioned Oats for guaranteed nut-free facilities.

Vegan Modifications

Use a plant-based pie crust like Miracle Flour’s Vegan Pie Crust and the dairy-free butter mentioned above. The filling is already vegan, so you’ll have a completely plant-based dessert that’s just as comforting. 💛

Egg-Free Note

This creation contains no eggs, making it naturally safe for those with egg allergies. The crumb topping comes together perfectly without any egg binders, keeping the texture light and crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions