Costco Apple Pie Hack (Easy Twice-Baked Apple Pie Crumble)
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If you love Costco’s apple pie, wait until you try this Costco Apple Pie Hack! It takes that giant bakery apple pie and turns it into an amazing twice-baked dessert with a thick layer of homemade, buttery brown sugar crumble topping. The topping bakes up golden brown and crunchy, and the whole thing is absolutely delicious served warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream!
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The Best Costco Apple Pie Hack
I’ve been making this Costco apple pie hack for a couple of years now, and it’s one of my favorite shortcuts for an easy holiday dessert.
The idea is simple. You take one of those giant Costco apple pies, break it up, crust and all, and transfer it to a casserole dish. Then you cover everything with a very generous layer of homemade brown sugar crumble topping and bake it again.
The apple filling gets nice and warm, the pieces of pie crust mix in with the apples, and the fresh crumble topping bakes up golden brown and buttery.
And if you’re like me and think the crumble topping is the best part of an apple dessert, you’re going to love this recipe. I definitely don’t skimp on the topping!
It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, potlucks, or anytime you need an easy dessert that feeds a crowd.
Why Make This Costco Apple Pie Hack?
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Easy shortcut recipe – Since the apple pie is already baked, there’s no peeling apples, making pie crust, or cooking the filling from scratch.
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Extra-generous crumble topping – A thick layer of homemade brown sugar streusel adds the sweet, buttery crunch that makes this dessert so good.
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Perfect for feeding a crowd – One large Costco apple pie makes a generous casserole that’s great for holidays and family gatherings.
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Only five ingredients – All you need is the pie, flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon.
Ingredients and Substitutions
You only need a handful of ingredients to turn a Costco apple pie into this delicious apple pie hack with a buttery crumble topping.
- Costco apple pie: You’ll need one whole bakery apple pie. Use both the apple filling and the crust. Another store-bought apple pie will work, but you may need to adjust the amount of topping depending on the size of the pie.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the buttery crumble topping.
- Light brown sugar: Gives the topping its sweet flavor and helps it brown as it bakes. I prefer brown sugar for its slightly caramel-like flavor.
- Salted butter: I use softened salted butter for my crumble. Unsalted butter works, too. Just add ½ teaspoon of salt to the mixture.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a little extra warm cinnamon flavor to the topping.
Good to Know: Softened Butter vs. Melted Butter
For this recipe, I prefer using softened butter rather than melted butter.
Working softened butter into the flour and brown sugar makes it easy to create a mixture of small crumbs and larger buttery chunks. You don’t want a perfectly smooth mixture. Those uneven crumbs are what give the finished topping its delicious texture.
The butter should be soft enough to mix easily but not melted or greasy.
How to Make This Costco Apple Pie Hack
This Costco apple pie hack couldn’t be much simpler. You’re basically giving an already delicious apple pie a second bake with an extra-generous homemade crumble topping.
1 Prepare the apple pie: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Transfer the entire Costco apple pie, including the crust, into a 3-quart casserole dish. Use a sturdy spatula to break the pie into smaller pieces, mixing the crust and apples together. Spread everything evenly in the dish.
2 Make the crumble topping: Add the softened butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon to a large mixing bowl. Use a fork, pastry cutter, or your hands to work everything together until the mixture forms crumbs and buttery clumps.
3 Add the crumble: Sprinkle the topping generously over the apple pie mixture. Leave a combination of large and small crumbs, and don’t press the topping down. Depending on the size and shape of your dish, you may have a little topping left over.
4 Bake: Bake uncovered at 350°F for approximately 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is heated through. Rotate the dish during the last few minutes of baking if needed for even browning.
5 Cool slightly and serve: Let the casserole rest for 15 to 20 minutes so the crumble topping can firm up. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t worry if the crumble topping still feels a little soft when you first take it out of the oven. As it cools, the butter and sugar firm up, helping those buttery crumbs become crisp. Look for a golden-brown topping rather than expecting it to be completely crunchy straight from the oven.
Recipe Tips
- Make plenty of crumble topping. This recipe intentionally makes a generous amount because I think the topping is the best part! Since casserole dishes vary in size and shape, I’d much rather have a little topping left over than run short. If you have extra, freeze it for another day or use it to make a small fruit crisp.
- Leave some larger pieces. Don’t work the topping into fine crumbs. A mixture of smaller crumbs and larger chunks gives you the best texture. You can squeeze a handful together and gently break it apart to make those irregular pieces.
- Don’t overmix the apples. Break the pie into smaller pieces, but don’t mash everything into applesauce. You want to keep some texture from the apples and pie crust.
- Watch the topping as it bakes. Ovens vary, so start checking around 30 minutes. The crumble should be golden brown, especially across the center.
- Rotate for even browning. If one side browns faster than the other, rotate the casserole during the last 5 to 10 minutes.
- Use a baking sheet underneath. Placing your casserole dish on a rimmed baking sheet helps catch any bubbling filling.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream. This is my favorite way to enjoy this Costco apple pie hack! The warm cinnamon apple filling, crunchy brown sugar topping, and cold, creamy vanilla ice cream are such a delicious combination.
Variations
I love this recipe just the way it is, with a simple brown sugar and cinnamon topping, but there are a few easy ways to change it.
- Add chopped pecans: Mix chopped pecans into the crumble for a little extra crunch.
- Try a different pie: The same idea could work with a store-bought cherry, peach, or blueberry pie. Adjust the amount of topping based on the size of your pie.
- Want more apples? If you prefer more noticeable apple pieces, you can mix in a cup or two of chopped, cooked apples before adding the topping. It’s completely optional. I usually make mine with just the Costco pie.
- Add caramel sauce: Drizzle a little caramel over individual servings for an extra-special dessert.
Storage Suggestions
Refrigerator: Store leftover apple pie crumble covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave until hot. The topping may soften in the microwave, so if you prefer a crispier topping, reheat portions in an oven-safe dish at 325°F until heated through.
Freezer: You can freeze portions of the finished crumble in airtight, freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. Keep in mind that the topping may not be quite as crisp after freezing.
Costco Apple Pie Hack FAQs
Can I use a different store-bought apple pie?
Absolutely! Costco’s apple pie is especially convenient because it’s so large, but you can use another bakery apple pie. Just keep in mind that smaller pies will need less crumble topping and may require a different baking dish.
Do I leave the crust on the Costco apple pie?
Yes! Use the entire pie, including the bottom and top crust. Break everything into pieces and mix the crust with the apple filling before adding the crumble topping.
Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes. I use salted butter, but unsalted butter works just as well. Add ½ teaspoon of salt to the crumble mixture if you’re using unsalted butter.
Why isn’t my crumble topping crunchy right out of the oven?
The crumble may feel slightly soft when it’s hot. As it cools, the butter and sugar firm up, helping the topping become crisp. Let the casserole rest for about 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
Can I make Costco apple pie crumble ahead of time?
You can prepare the crumble topping ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the casserole. For the best texture, I recommend baking the assembled dessert shortly before serving.
What can I do with leftover crumble topping?
Freeze the extra unbaked topping in an airtight container for up to 3 months. You can sprinkle it over apples, peaches, muffins, or a small coffee cake before baking. Remember that the topping contains raw flour, so it needs to be baked before eating.
More Apple Recipes You Might Like
If you love easy apple desserts, here are a few more recipes to try!
- Apple Pie Dump Cake – Another easy shortcut dessert for when you’re craving something sweet.
- Slow Cooker Apple Pear Crisp – A delicious fruit crisp made right in your slow cooker.
- Apple Pie Bars – All the flavor of apple pie in an easy-to-serve bar.
- Stovetop Cinnamon Apples – Sweet cinnamon apples that make a wonderful dessert or side dish.
Did You Make This Costco Apple Pie Hack?
Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating or a review in the comments below. If you share an image on Instagram or Facebook, be sure to tag me and use #scatteredmomrecipes!
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Costco Apple Pie Crumble
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 to 16 servings 1x
- Category: desserts
- Method: oven
Description
An easy twice-baked Costco apple pie with an extra-thick, buttery brown sugar crumble topping. Best served warm with vanilla ice cream!
Ingredients
- 1 whole Costco bakery apple pie
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) plus 1 generous tablespoon salted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Break up the entire pie, including the crust, in a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Combine flour, brown sugar, softened butter, and cinnamon until small and large crumbs form.
- Cover the pie generously with the crumble topping.
- Bake uncovered for approximately 40 minutes, until golden brown.
- Rest 15–20 minutes and serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
If using unsalted butter, add ½ teaspoon salt. You may have approximately ½ cup leftover crumble topping depending on dish dimensions.
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