Brown Butter Apple Pie
This isn't just any apple pie – it's THE apple pie. The brown butter adds an incredible nutty depth that takes the classic to a whole new level. Topped with a buttery streusel that gets perfectly crispy, this is the pie that disappears first at every gathering.
📝 Ingredients
- 6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter for browning
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust
- Streusel: 1/2 cup flour + 1/4 cup brown sugar + 3 tbsp cold butter
👨🍳 Instructions
1
Make the brown butter: Melt butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Swirl occasionally and watch carefully until it turns golden amber and smells nutty, about 5-7 minutes. Pour into a bowl and cool completely (this is essential!).
2
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch any drips.
3
Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick slices. A mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works beautifully for balance of tart and sweet.
4
In a large bowl, combine apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Toss well to coat every slice.
5
Drizzle the cooled brown butter over the apples and fold gently to distribute. The brown butter is the secret ingredient that makes this pie unforgettable.
6
Pour the apple mixture into the pie crust, mounding the apples slightly higher in the center as they will settle during baking.
7
Make the streusel: Combine flour, brown sugar, and cold butter. Use your fingers to pinch and rub until you have pea-sized crumbles. Scatter evenly over the apples.
8
Bake for 55-65 minutes until the streusel is deeply golden and you see thick bubbles around the edges. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil.
9
Cool for at least 2 hours before slicing – patience is key! The filling needs time to set. Serve with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
🍎 Pro Tips for Perfect Pie
- Don't skip browning the butter – it's what makes this pie special!
- Use cold butter for streusel – this ensures crispy, not soggy, topping.
- Mix apple varieties for complex flavor and texture.
- Let it cool completely – a warm pie will have runny filling.
Nutrition Per Serving
420Calories
4gProtein
58gCarbs
20gFat