Cracker Barrel Apple Streusel Pie Recipe – Just Like the Restaurant!

Nothing says comfort like a warm slice of Cracker Barrel Apple Streusel Pie—a perfect blend of tender apples, rich spices, and a buttery, crumbly topping.

If you’ve ever dined at Cracker Barrel, you know their desserts have a homemade charm, and this apple streusel pie is no exception.

This copycat recipe brings that same bakery-fresh flavor straight to your kitchen.

The filling is sweet and spiced, the crust is perfectly flaky, and the streusel topping adds a delightful crunch.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family gathering, or simply indulging in a cozy dessert, this pie will satisfy every craving.

With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can recreate this classic at home.

Get ready for a warm, cinnamon-scented kitchen and a pie that disappears in minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures

This pie has everything—tender, spiced apples, a crisp and buttery streusel topping, and a golden, flaky crust. Every bite is a mix of sweet, tart, and crunchy perfection.

A Nostalgic, Restaurant-Quality Dessert

If you’ve ever enjoyed Cracker Barrel’s version, this homemade recipe will bring back memories.

It’s just as good (if not better) and made right in your own kitchen.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

You don’t need any fancy ingredients—just pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, and fresh apples.

It’s proof that simple baking can lead to something extraordinary.

Easy to Make and Customize

Whether you prefer a mix of apples, a touch of caramel, or extra cinnamon, this recipe is adaptable.

Plus, you can make it ahead of time, making it perfect for busy bakers.

The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser

This pie is perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or a simple after-dinner treat. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, and watch it disappear!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start baking, gather all the ingredients needed for each component of the pie.

This recipe is broken down into three key parts: the crust, the apple filling, and the streusel topping.

For the Pie Crust (Homemade or Store-Bought)

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – The base for a flaky, buttery crust.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed – Creates a tender, flaky texture.
• 2 to 4 tablespoons ice water – Helps bring the dough together.

(Shortcut: If you prefer, you can use a pre-made pie crust for convenience.)

For the Apple Filling

• 5 to 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix) – Peeled, cored, and sliced thin for the best texture.
• ½ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness.
• ¼ cup brown sugar – Provides a deep, caramel-like flavor.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Keeps the apples from browning and adds a slight tang.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon – The signature warm spice.
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg – Enhances the richness of the filling.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch – Thickens the filling to prevent a soggy pie.

For the Streusel Topping

• ½ cup all-purpose flour – Helps create the perfect crumbly texture.
• ⅓ cup brown sugar – Adds sweetness and caramel notes.
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon – Infuses warmth into the topping.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted – Binds the ingredients together.
• ¼ cup rolled oats (optional) – Adds extra crunch.

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of making this delicious Cracker Barrel Apple Streusel Pie!

How to Make Cracker Barrel Apple Streusel Pie

This pie comes together in a few simple steps—preparing the crust, making the filling, and adding the signature streusel topping before baking it to golden perfection.

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough holds together.
4. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim any excess and crimp the edges.

(Tip: For extra crispiness, blind-bake the crust for 10 minutes at 375°F before adding the filling.)

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, both sugars, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch.
2. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated.
3. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Prepare the Streusel Topping

1. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and oats (if using).
2. Pour in the melted butter and stir with a fork until crumbly.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading evenly.
3. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the apples.
4. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
5. Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Tips for the Best Apple Streusel Pie

1. Choose the Right Apples for the Perfect Flavor

Not all apples are created equal when it comes to baking. For the best balance of sweetness and tartness, use a mix of:

• Granny Smith (tart and firm)
• Honeycrisp (sweet with a crisp texture)
• Fuji or Gala (adds natural sweetness)

Avoid overly soft apples like Red Delicious, which can become mushy in the filling.

2. Prevent a Soggy Crust

• If you prefer a crispier crust, blind-bake it for 10 minutes before adding the apple filling.
• Lightly dust the bottom of the crust with cornstarch or flour to absorb excess moisture.
• Let the baked pie cool slightly before slicing to allow the filling to set properly.

3. Get the Streusel Topping Just Right

• The butter should be melted, not softened, to create a perfect crumbly texture.
• For extra crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
• If the streusel starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the pie with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

4. Enhance the Flavor with Extra Spices

While cinnamon and nutmeg are classic, you can add:

• A pinch of ground cloves for extra warmth.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) to the apple mixture for depth of flavor.

5. Let the Pie Cool Before Slicing

It’s tempting to dive right in, but allowing the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes helps the filling thicken, preventing a runny mess.

Serving Suggestions

1. Classic Pairings

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream – The cold creaminess complements the warm, spiced apples perfectly.
• Freshly whipped cream – Light, airy, and slightly sweet, it balances the richness of the pie.
• A drizzle of caramel sauce – For an extra indulgent touch, add a warm caramel drizzle before serving.

2. Creative Twists

• Turn leftovers into a breakfast treat – Reheat a slice and serve with Greek yogurt for a cozy morning dish.
• Make it à la mode – Try pairing with cinnamon or butter pecan ice cream instead of classic vanilla.
• Enjoy with coffee or tea – The warm spices in the pie pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea.

3. How to Store and Reheat

• Refrigerate leftovers – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat for fresh-baked flavor – Warm slices in the oven at 325°F for 10 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
• Freeze for later – Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a freshly baked Cracker Barrel Apple Streusel Pie filling your kitchen.

This homemade version captures the warm, spiced apple filling and crunchy, buttery streusel topping that makes the original so irresistible.

Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just indulging in a cozy treat, this pie is sure to impress.

The best part? It’s easy to customize with your favorite apples, add-ins like nuts or caramel, and serving options that take it to the next level.

With simple ingredients and a foolproof method, you’ll have a bakery-worthy dessert ready to enjoy in no time.

Give this recipe a try, and let us know how it turned out! Did you add your own twist? Leave a comment below—we’d love to hear from you. Happy baking! 🍏🥧

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the pie up to a day in advance.

Simply cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator before baking.

If baking ahead of time, let it cool completely and reheat slices in the oven before serving.

2. Can I use canned apples instead of fresh?

While fresh apples provide the best texture, you can use canned apple pie filling in a pinch.

Just reduce the sugar in the recipe since canned filling is already sweetened.

3. How do I keep my streusel topping from burning?

If the streusel starts browning too quickly, loosely cover the pie with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

This allows the apples to finish cooking without over-browning the topping.

4. Can I freeze this pie?

Absolutely! After baking and cooling, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.

To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes.

5. What are the best apples to use for this recipe?

A mix of Granny Smith (tart and firm) and Honeycrisp (sweet and crisp) works best.

If you prefer a sweeter pie, add Fuji or Gala apples to the mix.

Avoid Red Delicious, as they tend to become too soft when baked.