Nordic Apple Crumble Pie (Easy Autumn Dessert)

Soft, spiced apples nestled in a tender crust and topped with a buttery, crispy oat crumble. This Nordic Apple Crumble Pie is an absolute classic.

Published: 7/24/2026

Nordic Apple Crumble Pie

When autumn arrives in the Nordic countries, this pie is baked in almost every home. It combines the best of two worlds: a soft, cake-like base that holds the spiced apples perfectly, and a buttery, crispy crumble on top that adds incredible texture.

Ingredients (8 servings)

The Pie Base

• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder

The Apple Filling

• 3 medium tart apples (like Granny Smith)
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar

The Crumble Topping

• 3.5 tbsp (50 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup (50 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a standard 9-inch (22 cm) pie dish.
2. Make the base: In a bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until fluffy. Beat in the egg. In a separate small bowl, whisk the flour and baking powder, then fold it into the butter mixture to form a thick batter. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the greased pie dish.
3. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples. Toss them in a bowl with the cinnamon and sugar. Arrange the spiced apple slices in an even layer over the pie base.
4. Make the crumble: In a bowl, combine the cold cubed butter, oats, and sugar. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until it forms a coarse, crumbly texture. Sprinkle this evenly over the apples.
5. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the crumble is golden brown and the apples are tender.
6. Let the pie cool slightly before slicing.

Serving

This pie is traditionally served warm with a generous pour of vanilla custard (creme anglaise) or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Categories: baking, desserts