There’s nothing quite like the smell of a Dutch Apple Pie baking in the oven—warm cinnamon, sweet apples, and that irresistible buttery crumb topping that makes this dessert so special. My love affair with this pie started years ago when I first tasted my neighbor’s version at a fall potluck. The moment I bit into that perfect balance of tender spiced apples and crunchy streusel, I knew I had to learn to make it myself. Now it’s my go-to dessert for cozy gatherings, and trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why Dutch Apple Pie deserves a permanent spot in your baking rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Dutch Apple Pie
This Dutch Apple Pie is the kind of dessert that makes everyone at the table happy. Here’s why it’s a keeper:
- Easy to make: No fancy techniques or tricky steps—just simple, straightforward baking that even beginners can nail.
- Perfectly balanced: Sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg create a flavor that’s just right—not too sugary, not too tart.
- That crumb topping: Oh, the topping! Buttery, crunchy, and downright addictive. It’s the star of the show.
- Comfort in every bite: It’s the ultimate cozy dessert, whether you’re serving it warm with ice cream or sneaking a slice for breakfast.
Trust me, this pie will have everyone asking for seconds—and the recipe.
Ingredients for Dutch Apple Pie
Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference in this Dutch Apple Pie. Here’s what you’ll need to create that perfect blend of spiced apples and buttery crumb topping:
- 6 cups thinly sliced apples (I love using a mix of Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness – peeled and cut about 1/4″ thick)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar + 1/4 cup brown sugar (this combo gives the best caramel notes)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (the more fragrant, the better!)
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (keeps those apples bright and prevents browning)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for thickening that luscious filling)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (this is crucial – leave it out for 30 minutes before baking)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour + 1/2 cup each granulated and brown sugar (for that glorious crumb topping)
Pro tip: Measure your apples after slicing – I learned this the hard way after coming up short mid-recipe!
How to Make Dutch Apple Pie
Preparing the Apple Filling
Start by tossing your thinly sliced apples into a large bowl. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Now, here’s the fun part—use your hands or a big spoon to mix it all together. You want every single apple slice to be coated in that sweet, spiced goodness. Don’t rush this step; take your time to make sure the flour and sugar are evenly distributed. This is what gives the filling that perfect texture—thick, gooey, and just the right amount of sweetness. Trust me, a well-mixed filling is the secret to a pie that slices beautifully without being too runny.
Making the Crumb Topping
For the crumb topping, grab a medium bowl and toss in the flour, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add the softened butter—this is key for getting that crumbly texture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients. You’re aiming for pea-sized crumbs that hold together when pressed but still feel light and sandy. Don’t overmix it, or you’ll end up with more of a dough than a crumb topping. This topping is what makes Dutch Apple Pie so special, so take your time to get it just right.
Assembling and Baking the Pie
Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Pour your apple filling into your prepared pie crust—spread it out evenly so every slice gets a good mix of apples. Next, sprinkle that glorious crumb topping over the apples. Don’t be shy; pile it on! Press it down gently so it sticks to the filling but still has that crumbly texture. Pop the pie into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Let it cool for at least an hour before slicing—I know it’s hard to wait, but it’s worth it for that perfect texture.
Tips for Perfect Dutch Apple Pie
Want to make sure your Dutch Apple Pie turns out absolutely perfect every time? Here are my tried-and-true tips:
- Choose the right apples: A mix of tart (like Granny Smith) and sweet (like Honeycrisp or Fuji) gives the best flavor balance.
- Prevent a soggy crust: If you’re using a homemade crust, blind bake it for 10 minutes before adding the filling. This creates a barrier and keeps it crisp.
- Watch the topping: If the crumbs start browning too fast, loosely cover the pie with foil halfway through baking. This keeps it golden without burning.
- Let it cool: I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting the pie cool for at least an hour ensures the filling sets properly.
These little tricks make all the difference—trust me, your pie will be a showstopper!
Serving Suggestions for Dutch Apple Pie
Oh, the joy of serving Dutch Apple Pie! My favorite way? Warm from the oven (but not piping hot—let it rest about 15 minutes first) with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over that crumbly topping. The contrast of cold cream against warm spiced apples is pure magic. For a lighter touch, freshly whipped cream with a hint of cinnamon works beautifully. And if you’re feeling fancy, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top—it takes this already incredible pie to new heights of deliciousness. Breakfast? Don’t judge—it’s amazing with coffee!
Storing and Reheating Dutch Apple Pie
Here’s the good news – Dutch Apple Pie keeps beautifully! At room temperature, it’ll stay fresh for about 2 days (just cover it loosely with foil or plastic wrap). For longer storage, pop it in the fridge where it’ll keep for up to 5 days. Want that just-baked taste? Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or warm the whole pie in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes. Pro tip: The topping stays crispier if you use the oven method. And honestly? Leftovers taste amazing cold straight from the fridge too!
Dutch Apple Pie Variations
One of the best things about Dutch Apple Pie is how easily you can make it your own! My favorite twist? Adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for extra crunch. If you’re feeling indulgent, drizzle warm caramel sauce over each slice before serving—it’s like apple pie meets caramel apple! For a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend (I’ve had great results with 1:1 substitutes). The possibilities are endless with this versatile pie!
Dutch Apple Pie FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! While homemade crust is wonderful, a quality store-bought crust works perfectly fine here. Just make sure it’s deep-dish if your pie plate requires it. My grandma would wink and say “Sometimes we all need shortcuts!”
How do I prevent a runny filling?
Two secrets: First, make sure your apples are sliced thin (about 1/4-inch) so they release moisture evenly. Second, don’t skip the flour in the filling—it’s what thickens those delicious juices. If your apples are extra juicy, you might add an extra tablespoon of flour.
Can I make this pie ahead?
You bet! Assemble the pie (without baking) and refrigerate overnight. The crumb topping might darken slightly, but the flavor will be just as amazing. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it’ll be going in cold.
Why is my topping not crumbly?
This usually means your butter was too soft or you overmixed. The butter should be just soft enough to leave a fingerprint when pressed—not melted. And mix just until you get those perfect pea-sized crumbs!
Nutritional Information
Just so you know—these numbers are estimates since apple sizes and ingredients can vary. But here’s the scoop per slice (based on cutting the pie into 8 generous portions): about 320 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated), 52g carbs (3g fiber), and 2g protein. It’s dessert, after all—so enjoy every delicious bite!
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Dutch Apple Pie with Crumb Topping
A classic Dutch Apple Pie with a crumbly topping and a sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling.
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 6 cups thinly sliced apples
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the sliced apples, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer the apple mixture into a pie crust.
- In a separate bowl, combine the butter, flour, and sugars to make the crumb topping. Mix until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping over the apple mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let the pie cool before serving.
Notes
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor.
- If the topping browns too quickly, cover the pie with foil.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Dutch
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
