This Easy Green Tomato Crumble Pie brings a delightful twist to the classic dessert. With tangy green tomatoes, a sweet crumbly topping, and a hint of cinnamon, it’s totally unique!
You might be surprised at how good green tomatoes can taste in a pie! I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream—trust me, it’s a happy combination that’ll make you smile! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Tomatoes: These are the star of the pie! Their tartness gives the dish a unique flavor. If you can’t find green tomatoes, you can try using unripe regular tomatoes, though the taste will change a bit.
Sugars: I love using a mix of granulated and brown sugar. Brown sugar adds a slight caramel flavor. You can replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Pie Crust: A ready-made pie crust saves time, but making your own can be fun and delicious! You could also use a graham cracker crust for a twist.
Rolled Oats: These give the crumble a nice texture. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free oats or almond flour instead.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crumble Topping?
Making the crumble topping right is key for that crunchy texture. Here’s a simple way to get it perfect:
- Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl first—this combines the flavors.
- Add cold butter pieces and mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. Don’t over-mix; small chunks of butter help create that nice texture.
- Sprinkle it generously over the tomato mixture, ensuring even coverage.
Taking your time here will pay off, trust me!
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
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 ready-made pie crust (for a 9-inch pie)
For the Crumble Topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious pie takes about 15 minutes to prep and 45-50 minutes to bake, plus a cool-down period of about 1 hour before serving. So, you’ll need around 2 hours in total from start to finish! Perfect for an afternoon treat or dessert after dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your pie is ready to go in.
2. Prepare the Tomato Filling:
In a large bowl, mix together the sliced green tomatoes, granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, cornstarch, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Toss everything gently until the tomatoes are well coated. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This helps the tomatoes release some juices, making the filling even tastier!
3. Prepare the Pie Crust:
Roll out your ready-made pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Don’t forget to trim any excess crust that hangs over the edges!
4. Add the Tomato Filling:
Pour the seasoned tomato mixture into the prepared pie crust. Spread it out evenly, so every slice has that delicious filling.
5. Make the Crumble Topping:
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces. Now, using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix it all together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will create that yummy, crunchy topping!
6. Top the Pie:
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the green tomato filling. Make sure to cover it well—you want every bite to have that delicious crumble!
7. Bake the Pie:
Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’re looking for a golden-brown topping and bubbly filling.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once the pie is done, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool for at least 1 hour before serving. This cooling time helps everything set nicely. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature, and if you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Enjoy your delicious pie! It offers a delightful blend of sweet and slightly tangy flavors, topped off with a buttery crumb topping that’s sure to surprise and please your taste buds!
FAQ for Easy Green Tomato Crumble Pie
Can I Use Ripe Tomatoes Instead of Green Tomatoes?
While the recipe is specifically for green tomatoes due to their tangy flavor, you can use slightly unripe regular tomatoes if green tomatoes are not available. Keep in mind that the taste and texture will differ slightly but it should still turn out delicious!
Can I Make the Pie Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and the crumble topping in advance, then assemble the pie the day of baking. Alternatively, you can bake the pie and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven for best results when serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you prefer to freeze it, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it should last in the freezer for about 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I Substitute the Oats in the Crumble Topping?
Yes! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can replace the rolled oats with gluten-free oats or omit them entirely and use an extra 1/4 cup of flour instead. This will still give you a great crumble texture!
