What makes an apple pie a French apple pie? Simply, it is the topping. Traditionally fruit pies have flaky pastry tops not a buttery sugar crumble one. Since this topping does consist of brown sugar I tend to make the apple filling more spicy apple then a sugary sweet apple filling. It creates a fine balance between comforting spice and just a touch of sweetness. Make your favourite apple pie or fruit pie recipe however try this on top.
French Apple Pie Crumb Topping (for a 9" pie)
----------------------------------------------------------
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup rolled oats (optional)
Mix all ingredients together until crumbly. Sprinkle on top of filled pie. Bake at 400ºF for 45 to 55 minutes. Serve warm.
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup rolled oats (optional)
Mix all ingredients together until crumbly. Sprinkle on top of filled pie. Bake at 400ºF for 45 to 55 minutes. Serve warm.
Notes: I add about 1/2 cup of quick cooking oats to the crumble topping. To add a bit of a Canadian flavour you can toss the apple filling in some maple syrup along with whatever spices you may use: cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, cardamom, nutmeg... etc.