Apple Streusel pie is a similar version of Apple Crumb or Dutch Apple pie. It has the same type of topping consisting of flour, brown sugar, and butter but is usually made with larger chunks. The streusel version appears to have evolved from German and Dutch traditions, while classic apple pie originated in England and was brought to America by early European settlers. Today, many bakers love streusel topping because it adds a rich buttery crunch that pairs perfectly with soft cinnamon apples. Served warm with vanilla ice cream, this comforting dessert is especially popular during the holidays and family gatherings.
This pie can be made with just about any type of crust. To make preparation quick and easy, we’ll be using a premade graham cracker crust. If you prefer a traditional flaky crust then use a store-bought refrigerated crust. Be sure to read the package because refrigerated crusts must sit at room temperature before being unrolled. I ran across a similar recipe that recommended a premade pecan pie crust. I looked online and the premade pecan crust wasn’t available anywhere in my area.
Streusel topping and crumb topping are closely related, but they’re not quite the same. Streusel is typically richer and more textured, made from a blend of flour, sugar, and butter that’s rubbed together until it forms soft, sandy clumps; many versions also include oats, nuts, or spices, giving it a chunkier, more rustic feel.
On the other hand, crumb topping is usually simpler and finer, often made from just flour, sugar, and butter in a tighter ratio that creates smaller, more uniform crumbs that bake into a sweet, slightly crunchy layer. In practice, streusel tends to be heartier and more varied, while crumb topping is more delicate and classic—but both add that irresistible sweet crunch to pies.
Apple streusel pie with canned filling and a refrigerated crust is easy to make because the two hardest steps—prepping the apples and making the dough—are already done for you. The canned filling comes perfectly sweetened, spiced, and thickened, so there’s no peeling, slicing, or cooking fruit on the stove. You simply open the can, pour the filling into the crust, and the base of your pie is ready in minutes. The refrigerated crust unrolls smoothly into the pie dish without any mixing or rolling, giving you a flaky, golden foundation with almost zero effort.
The streusel topping is just as simple, requiring only a quick mix of flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon to create those sweet, crumbly clusters that bake into a crisp, fragrant layer. There’s no need for precise technique—streusel is forgiving, and it browns beautifully while the filling warms underneath. With minimal prep, easy assembly, and reliable results, this pie delivers homemade flavor and texture without the usual time or labor, making it one of the easiest apple pies you can make.
What You’ll Need To Make This Pie
Tools & Utensils
- Large bowl
- Baking or cookie sheet
- Wire cooling rack
- Medium bowls
- Wire whisk
- Spatula or spoon
- Measuring cup
- Set of measuring spoons
Key Ingredients
- Graham cracker crust
- Canned Apple Fruit Filling
- Sweetened, condensed milk
- All-purpose flour
- Light brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Apple pie spice (or make your own apple pie spice)
- Butter
Easy Apple Streusel Pie Recipe
Utensils & Equipment
- 1 large bowl
- 1 wire cooling rack
- 2 medium bowls
- 1 baking or cookie sheet
- 1 wire whisk
- 1 spoon or spatula
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 set of measuring spoons
Ingredients List
- 1 graham cracker crust
- 1 can Lucky Leaf Premium Apple Fruit Filling
- 12 ounces sweetened, condensed milk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar firmly packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp apple pie spice
- 4 Tbsp butter melted and cooled
Instructions
Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350℉.
- Place a sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom rack, directly under where you'll be placing the pie.
Melt The Butter
- Melt the butter in microwave or on the stove. Let stand at room temperature until cooled.
Prepare The Apple Filling
- In a large bowl add the apple filling. Using a knife slice some of the apples into smaller pieces.
- Pour 12 ounces of sweetened condensed milk into the apples and mix until well blended.
- Pour into the pie crust and smooth into one even layer.
Prepare The Streusel Topping
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and apple pie spice.
- Add the cooled melted butter and mix until the streusel is well combined and forms small clumps. Do not over mix.
- Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the filling. Do not push the streusel into the filling. Use all of the streusel, mixture even if it seems like it's too much!
Bake
- Place the pie on a cookie pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until firm and the streusel is lightly browned.
Cool
- Allow to sit on wire cooling rack for up to 2 hours or until the pie plate is cool to the touch..
