This Easy Green Tomato Crumble Pie is a fun twist on a classic dessert! It combines tangy green tomatoes with a sweet, buttery crumble topping that’ll make you smile.
I love how this pie is a great way to use up those green tomatoes. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up! Your friends will think you’re a baking pro when they taste it! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Tomatoes: The star of this pie! Use firm green tomatoes for the best result. If you can’t find them, unripe (but not spoiled) tomatoes can work as a substitute.
Sugars: A mix of granulated and brown sugar gives depth to the filling’s sweetness. You could swap the brown sugar for coconut sugar for a different flavor profile if you prefer.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices add warmth to the filling. If you’re out of nutmeg, you can increase the cinnamon a bit or use allspice as an alternative.
Butter: Cold butter is essential for crumbly topping. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or vegan butter.
How Do I Make Sure My Crumble Topping Is Perfect?
Getting the crumble topping right can be tricky, but it’s key to a delicious pie! The goal is to achieve a nice, crumbly texture that holds together without being too dry.
- Start with very cold butter and cut it into the dry ingredients. The quicker you work, the flakier your topping will be!
- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Avoid overworking it as this can make it dense.
- If the crumble feels too dry, add a teaspoon of cold water to help it clump better.
Easy Green Tomato Crumble Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 5 cups green tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, diced
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Crust:
- 1 prepared 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 45-50 minutes of baking time. Plus, it’s best to let it cool for at least 2 hours before slicing, allowing the filling to set properly. In total, you’re looking at about 3 hours from start to finish, but don’t worry—the hands-on time is minimal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your pie bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden brown!
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, mix the sliced green tomatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, flour, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Stir until the tomatoes are well-coated in the mixture. This filling will be a wonderful balance of sweet and tangy!
3. Set Up the Crust:
Place the prepared pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan, gently pressing it against the bottom and sides. This will be the cozy home for your delicious filling!
4. Assemble the Pie:
Pour the green tomato filling into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly so that every slice gets a taste of that tasty filling.
5. Make the Crumble Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This combination will create a delightful crunchy topping!
6. Add the Butter:
Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work in the cold diced butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t overdo it; you want some nice chunks for that perfect crumble!
7. Top the Pie:
Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the green tomato filling, ensuring it covers all parts of the pie for even baking.
8. Bake the Pie:
Bake in your preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and you can see the filling bubbling up around the edges. It’s okay if it gets a little messy—that just means it’s delicious!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours. This cooling period helps the filling to set so that you can slice into it beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, dig in and enjoy every sweet and tangy bite of your Easy Green Tomato Crumble Pie!
Enjoy your delicious Easy Green Tomato Crumble Pie!
FAQ for Easy Green Tomato Crumble Pie
Can I Use Ripe Tomatoes Instead of Green Tomatoes?
Yes, you can use slightly underripe tomatoes if green tomatoes are not available. Just note that the flavor will be sweeter and less tangy than green tomatoes provide.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To warm it up, simply place slices in the microwave or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pie a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just allow it to come to room temperature before baking, or bake it ahead and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
What Can I Use If I’m Out of Oats?
If you don’t have rolled oats, you can substitute with additional flour or crushed nuts for a crunchy topping. Just keep the total quantity of dry ingredients the same for the best texture!
