Dutch Apple Pie

This easy Dutch apple pie recipe is a real winner, with its crumble pie topping and homemade pie filling! If you’re a beginner pie baker, this is a great one to start with as it’s super simple to make and is absolutely delicious.

In my family, the debate always rages on: Dutch apple pie or regular apple pie. The crumble topping in the Dutch version adds a satisfying crunch and a touch of extra sweetness, making it my personal favorite pie.

If you love apple-based desserts, check out my apple crisp recipe! Another delicious option is this apple coffee cake that’s moist and perfectly dense. For an old-fashioned favorite, try these apple dumplings!

Why I Love This Recipe

• Classic Flavors: While cherry pie is still my all-time favorite, this Dutch apple pie is a very, very close second. The combination of sweet apple filling and buttery crumble topping is a time-tested duo that never fails to impress.
• Family Favorite: This is the best Dutch apple pie recipe that has been passed down through generations in my family, and it’s always a hit at gatherings.
• Surprisingly Easy: Despite its impressive appearance, this pie is quite simple to make. The crumble topping saves time and effort compared to a traditional double crust.
• Unbeatable Pair: A slice of this pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a match made in dessert heaven. The warm pie and ice cream complement each other perfectly.

Key Ingredients

• Homemade Pie Crust: This will be the base of our Dutch apple pie, providing a buttery, flaky foundation for the sweet apple filling and crumble topping.
• Apples: The star of the show! Not any apple variety goes well in a pie. Make sure to use a good baking apple like Granny Smith or, even better, Jonagold apples!
• Granulated Sugar and Light Brown Sugar: These will sweeten the apple pie filling and add a hint of caramel flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: This ingredient will help to thicken the apple pie filling, guaranteeing that it’s not too runny.
• Ground Cinnamon: It will add a warm, spicy note that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the apples.
• Salted Butter: This will be used in the crumble topping to add a rich, buttery flavor and a crisp texture.

Equipment

• Pastry Blender – You’ll need this to blend the ingredients for the crumble topping, guaranteeing a perfect, crumbly texture that bakes up beautifully.
• Apple Peeler – This handy tool will make quick work of peeling your apples, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
• Pie Dish – You’ll use this to prepare and bake your Dutch apple pie. Make sure it’s deep enough to hold all the delicious filling.
• Wire Rack – After baking, you’ll need this to cool your pie, allowing the flavors to meld and the crumble topping to set.

How to Make Dutch Apple Pie

Preparation

To start, preheat your oven to 375° F. This will make sure that it’s at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake your pie. Prepare the unbaked pie shell and place it in your oven safe pie plate.

Step 1 – Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel your apples and slice them into a large bowl. Then, add sugar, flour, and cinnamon to the bowl and mix well. Once the ingredients are combined, place the mixture into your prepared pie crust.

Step 2 – Make the Crumble Pie Crust

For the crumble topping, blend flour, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar with salt, and then add butter. Use a pastry blender to achieve the perfect crumbly texture. Spread this mixture on top of your apples, and slightly pat it down to hold it in place.

Step 3 – Bake the Pie

Place your pie in the preheated oven and bake it for 25 minutes. After this time, add a pie crust shield and continue to bake for another 20-25 minutes. Your pie is ready when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Once baked, cool the pie on a wire rack.

Expert Tip

To prevent a soggy bottom crust, my great-grandma’s trick is to sprinkle about 2-3 teaspoons of flour onto the bottom of the pie crust before adding the apple pie filling. This helps to thicken the juices from the apples, allowing the bottom crust to cook completely and stay crisp.

Recipe Variations

• Spices: For a warm, cozy flavor, add a teaspoon of nutmeg or cardamom to your apple pie filling. These warm spices pair perfectly with the sweetness of the apples.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the top of your Dutch apple pie before serving for an extra touch of sweetness. It’s a delicious addition that everyone will love.
• Raisins: If you’re a fan of raisins, stir a cup of them into your apple pie filling. They’ll add a chewy texture and a hint of sweetness to your pie.

What to Serve With

• For a breakfast treat, serve a slice of Dutch apple pie with a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream.
• Hosting a dinner party? Pair this Dutch apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy, cool ice cream balances out the warm, cinnamon-spiced pie, making for a delicious dessert.
• If you’re a fan of warm beverages, enjoy a slice of this pie with a cup of coffee or tea. The robust flavors will bring out the cinnamon and apple flavors in the pie.
• Looking for a quick snack? Simply grab a slice of Dutch apple pie and enjoy it on its own. The sweet, crumbly topping and tender apple filling make for a satisfying treat any time of the day.

Recipe FAQs

Storing and Reheating

• Storing: Your delicious Dutch apple pie can be stored at room temperature if not sliced for up to 24 hours. Cover the pie only once it is completely cool. For longer storage and once the pie is sliced, refrigerate it for up to four days.
• Freezing: You can also easily freeze it for up to 1 month. Make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap, and then foil, and freeze it.
• Thawing and Reheating: If you’ve frozen your Dutch apple pie, let it thaw in the refrigerator. Once thawed, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes.

Serving Size

• What to Expect: This Dutch apple pie recipe yields one pie, enough for about eight generous slices.
• How to Scale: If you’re looking to serve a larger crowd, you can easily double this recipe. Make sure to use a larger bowl for mixing the apple pie filling and a deeper pie dish to accommodate the increased quantity. Follow the rest of the instructions as directed.