Dutch Apple Pie

Dutch Apple Pie Recipe | Homemade Easy and Tasty Dutch Apple Pie Recipe with Crumb Topping

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Introduction: What is Dutch Apple Pie?

Dutch Apple Pie Recipe: Dutch Apple Pie is a classic dessert that combines the natural sweetness of apples with a buttery, crumbly streusel topping instead of a traditional double crust. Unlike the American apple pie that has a pastry top, Dutch Apple Pie is topped with a crumbly mixture of flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon—creating a golden, crunchy, and delicious layer that melts in your mouth.

This pie is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or cozy weekends. Its warm, cinnamon-spiced aroma fills your kitchen and brings that homemade comfort everyone loves.

Dutch Apple Pie Recipe

Ingredients for Dutch Apple Pie

Let’s break down the ingredients into three parts: Pie crust, Apple filling, and Crumb topping.

1. For the Pie Crust:

You can use a homemade crust or store-bought pie shell.

  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
  • 3–4 tablespoons ice water

Tip: Keep everything cold while making the dough. Cold butter = flaky crust!

2. For the Apple Filling:

  • 6 medium apples (about 1.5 pounds) — preferably Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional: Add a pinch of ground cloves for a deeper aroma.

3. For the Crumb (Streusel) Topping:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ⅔ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (melted or softened)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • A pinch of salt

Mix until crumbly but not too dry.

Choosing the Best Apples

Apples are the heart of this pie, so choose wisely.
For best results, use a combination of tart and sweet apples:

Apple TypeFlavorTextureNotes
Granny SmithTartFirmHolds shape well
HoneycrispSweetCrispPerfect for baking
FujiSweetJuicyAdds natural sweetness
BraeburnBalancedFirmAdds depth of flavor

Using a mix of 2–3 types of apples gives the best taste and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
  2. Add the cold butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
  3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to come together.
  4. Shape into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  5. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
  6. Gently press the crust into the dish and trim the edges.

Tip: If you’re short on time, you can use a good-quality store-bought pie shell.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

  1. Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the apple slices, both sugars, lemon juice, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. Toss gently until all slices are evenly coated.
  4. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes so the flavors blend together.

Pro Tip: Lemon juice prevents apples from browning and balances sweetness.

Step 3: Prepare the Crumb Topping

  1. In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
  2. Add the melted butter and mix with a fork until you get a crumbly texture.
  3. Don’t overmix—the topping should have small clumps.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Pour the apple filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
  3. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples.
  4. Place the pie dish on a baking sheet (to catch any drips).

Step 5: Bake the Pie

  1. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  2. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
  3. Remove from the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Dutch Apple Pie tastes amazing when served:

  • Warm with vanilla ice cream
  • At room temperature with whipped cream
  • Cold with a cup of coffee

Each bite offers the perfect blend of soft apples, buttery crust, and crispy topping.

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Tips for the Perfect Dutch Apple Pie

  1. Use fresh, firm apples: Soft or overripe apples can make the filling mushy.
  2. Don’t skip chilling the dough: It prevents shrinking while baking.
  3. Let the pie cool before cutting: This allows the filling to set properly.
  4. Adjust sweetness: If your apples are very sweet, reduce sugar slightly.
  5. Add oats for crunch: Mix a few tablespoons of rolled oats into the topping for extra texture.
Dutch Apple Pie

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigerator: Keeps well for 4–5 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes.

Variations You Can Try

  1. Caramel Dutch Apple Pie: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before adding the topping.
  2. Nutty Dutch Apple Pie: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping.
  3. Oat Crumble Dutch Pie: Replace ½ cup of flour with oats for a hearty flavor.
  4. Mini Dutch Apple Pies: Make smaller versions using muffin tins — great for parties!
  5. Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour for both crust and topping.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What’s the difference between Dutch and American apple pie?
A: Dutch Apple Pie has a crumb (streusel) topping, while American Apple Pie has a double pastry crust — one at the bottom and one on top.

Q2: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the pie a day before baking, store it in the fridge, and bake it fresh when needed.

Q3: Can I use canned apple pie filling?
A: Fresh apples are best, but if you’re short on time, canned filling works in a pinch. Just reduce the sugar slightly.

Q4: Why is my topping soggy?
A: Overmixing the topping or not baking long enough can make it soggy. Bake until it turns golden and crisp.

Q5: What’s the best way to cut a neat slice?
A: Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean after each slice. Cooling completely before cutting also helps.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Dutch Apple Pie with:

  • A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream
  • Salted caramel drizzle
  • Warm custard sauce
  • A sprinkle of powdered sugar for a café-style look

For a festive touch, add a dollop of whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon before serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a freshly baked Dutch Apple Pie — the sweet aroma of cinnamon and apples, the golden crumb topping, and the buttery crust all come together for a dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Whether you’re baking it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy weekend treat, this recipe guarantees smiles and second servings.

So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and enjoy baking this classic Dutch delight that never goes out of style!

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