Amish Vanilla Crumb Pie – A Sweet, Buttery Delight with a Rich Vanilla Base and Crumbly Topping

If you're in the mood for something sweet, rich, and comforting, then this Amish Vanilla Crumb Pie is a must-try. With a luscious vanilla-flavored filling paired with a buttery, crumbly topping, this pie will transport you to the cozy kitchens of Amish country. The rich molasses filling combined with the crumbly, slightly crisp top is simply a match made in heaven. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or just want a sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea, this pie will leave everyone asking for more.

Scroll to the bottom for recipe!

Photo bypinterest

The Inspiration Behind Amish Vanilla Crumb Pie

This humble but delicious dessert originates from traditional Amish and Mennonite communities, where pies are a staple at every family gathering. Like many Amish desserts, the Vanilla Crumb Pie features simple, wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. This pie’s appeal lies in its combination of textures—the gooey, sweet filling and the crunchy, buttery crumb topping work together to create an irresistible dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Amish Vanilla Crumb Pie

The beauty of this pie lies in its simplicity. The filling is rich and flavorful, with a deep sweetness that comes from using molasses or Karo syrup. The crumb topping adds the perfect contrast, giving the pie a pleasant crunch with every bite. Plus, it’s a perfect make-ahead dessert, allowing you to enjoy more time with family and friends rather than being stuck in the kitchen.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 3g
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 180mg

This pie is rich and indulgent enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special treat.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Amish Vanilla Crumb Pie is perfect as a standalone dessert, but if you want to elevate it further, serve it with a side of vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream. For a fun twist, drizzle a little warm caramel sauce on top, or pair it with a strong cup of coffee or tea to balance out the sweetness. Whether you serve it warm from the oven or chilled from the fridge, this pie will be a hit!

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (though it's hard to imagine!), simply store the pie loosely covered at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze the pie if needed. To do so, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and enjoy!

Fun Fact: The Amish Love for Pies

The Amish and Mennonite communities are known for their love of pies, with every meal or gathering often featuring a variety of homemade pies. Pies like Shoofly Pie and Vanilla Crumb Pie are favorites among these groups, providing a rich, sweet treat that showcases their traditional cooking methods and reliance on simple, quality ingredients.

Cooking Tips

• Get the Perfect Crumb Topping: When making the crumb topping, make sure your butter (or shortening) is cold and cut into small cubes. This will help create that perfect crumbly texture.
• Pre-Bake Your Crust (If Needed): If you're using a homemade pie crust or a particularly delicate store-bought one, consider blind-baking the crust for 5-10 minutes before adding the filling to prevent a soggy bottom.
• Add Some Spice: Want to elevate the flavor of your pie? Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumb topping for a warm, autumnal twist.

Optional Variations

• Nutty Crumble: Add ½ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
• Caramel Drizzle: After baking, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top of the pie for an extra layer of sweetness and indulgence.

Spiced Filling: Add a dash of cinnamon or cloves to the filling to complement the sweetness of the vanilla and molasses.

Photo bypinterest

Amish Vanilla Crumb Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

Bottom Part:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ½ cup Karo, King syrup, or light molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup water
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Top Part:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• ¼ cup butter, shortening, or lard
• 9-inch unbaked pie crust

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bottom Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar and flour. Slowly stir in the molasses, egg, and water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil while whisking constantly.
2. Add the Vanilla: Once the mixture has thickened slightly, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the filling cool while you prepare the crumb topping.
3. Make the Crumb Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Cut the butter into small cubes and use a pastry blender or fork to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it forms small crumbs.
4. Assemble the Pie: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Pour the slightly cooled vanilla filling into the unbaked pie crust. Spread the crumb topping evenly over the filling, covering the entire surface of the pie.
5. Bake the Pie: Place the pie on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown and the filling is set.
6. Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or chilled, and enjoy the rich, vanilla-sweet flavors!

Final Thoughts

This Amish Vanilla Crumb Pie is a simple yet satisfying dessert that combines a luscious, gooey filling with a buttery crumb topping. It’s perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family meal to a celebratory holiday gathering. The rich molasses and vanilla flavors paired with the crunch of the crumb topping will make this pie an instant favorite with everyone who tries it!