Nothing says “comfort” like a warm, Homemade Dutch apple pie.
Whether you’re preparing for the holidays or simply craving something sweet, this pie is the perfect combination of buttery crumble topping, fresh apple filling, and a flaky, golden crust.
The Dutch apple pie (also called “apple crumble pie) is a delicious twist on the traditional apple pie, with a crumbly topping that adds a satisfying crunch to every bite.
Let’s dive into this classic dessert and see how you can recreate it at home to impress family and friends.
With this foolproof recipe, baking the perfect pie will be easier than ever!
Ingredients for the Perfect Dutch Apple Pie
To make the best Dutch apple pie, you’ll need a few simple yet key ingredients to balance the flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crumble Topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or oats for extra crunch
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to make your own Dutch apple pie from scratch? Follow these simple steps to bake a pie that’s golden, crispy, and filled with flavor.
1. Prepare the Crust
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Make the Apple Filling
- While the dough is chilling, peel and core the apples. Slice them thinly and place them in a large bowl.
- Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated.
3. Create the Crumble Topping
- In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add the cold butter cubes and use a fork or your fingers to mix until the topping forms clumps. If you prefer extra texture, you can stir in chopped walnuts or oats.
4. Assemble the Pie
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Carefully transfer the dough into the pan, trimming any excess and crimping the edges.
- Pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples, covering them entirely.
5. Bake the Pie
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
- Once baked, allow the pie to cool for at least an hour before serving to let the filling set.
Baking Tips and Tricks
Baking a Dutch apple pie to perfection requires a few insider tips to avoid common pitfalls and ensure the best result every time:
- Prevent a Soggy Crust: To avoid a soggy bottom crust, try par-baking the crust for 10 minutes before adding the apple filling. You can also sprinkle a little flour or cornstarch over the crust before filling to absorb excess moisture.
- Even Baking: If you notice your crumble topping browning too fast, loosely cover the pie with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
- Oven Variation: Every oven is slightly different. If your pie doesn’t brown evenly, you can rotate the pie halfway through baking to ensure uniform cooking.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftover pie at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate it for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the pie for up to 3 months. Just be sure to reheat it in the oven to maintain the crisp topping.
Serving Suggestions
Dutch apple pie is a dessert that pairs perfectly with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some ways to serve it for an extra indulgent experience:
- Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Serve warm slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination.
- Holiday Presentation: Dutch apple pie is a favorite for Thanksgiving and Christmas. For a festive touch, add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Rustic Presentation: Want to keep it simple? Serve your pie on a wooden board or rustic dishware to bring out the traditional feel of this homemade dessert.
Dutch Apple Pie Variations
While the classic Dutch apple pie is hard to beat, there are a few fun variations you can try to suit different dietary needs or preferences:
- Gluten-Free Version: Replace the all-purpose flour in both the crust and topping with a gluten-free flour blend to make the pie celiac-friendly.
- Vegan Dutch Apple Pie: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan pie crust to create a dairy-free and egg-free version.
- Mini Pies: Create individual-sized Dutch apple pies by using muffin tins. These are perfect for parties or portion control.
Adding ingredients like oats or chopped walnuts to the crumble topping can also give your pie an extra crunch and enhance the overall texture.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned how to make the best homemade Dutch apple pie, it’s time to get baking!
This classic dessert never goes out of style, and with its crisp, buttery crumble and tender apples, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Whether you’re making it for a special holiday or just treating yourself, this recipe will guide you through every step of the process.
Don’t forget to experiment with the variations and make it your own. Happy baking – and enjoy every bite!
Recipe FAQ’s
What are the best apples to use for Dutch apple pie?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are the best choices. Granny Smith provides a tart flavor that balances the sweetness, while Honeycrisp offers a juicy and crisp texture.
How can I prevent the pie crust from becoming soggy?
To avoid a soggy crust, par-bake the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. Also, sprinkle a little flour or cornstarch at the bottom before adding the apples to absorb excess moisture.
Can I use store-bought crust?
Yes, you can save time by using a store-bought crust, but homemade crust tends to have a flakier texture and richer flavor.
Homemade Dutch Apple Pie
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- ¼ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 6-7 medium apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crumble Topping:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or oats for extra crunch
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Make the Apple Filling
- While the dough is chilling, peel and core the apples. Slice them thinly and place them in a large bowl.
- Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated.
Create the Crumble Topping
- In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add the cold butter cubes and use a fork or your fingers to mix until the topping forms clumps. If you prefer extra texture, you can stir in chopped walnuts or oats.
Assemble the Pie
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Carefully transfer the dough into the pan, trimming any excess and crimping the edges.
- Pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples, covering them entirely.
Bake the Pie
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
- Once baked, allow the pie to cool for at least an hour before serving to let the filling set.
Best apple pie I have made . Will be making it again
Thank you so much, Lesley! So happy to hear you loved it – hope it’s just as delicious the next time!😊
I will say this is the best pie I have made and my husband agrees! I did use walnuts with the topping and we do prefer it over a double crust pie.
Thanks so much for your kind review, Anna! I’m thrilled to hear it’s the best pie you’ve made! So glad you and your husband loved it😊