Best Dutch Apple Pie Recipe with Crumb Topping

There’s something undeniably comforting about a slice of Dutch Apple Pie. It’s a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. The flaky crust, caramelized apples, and buttery crumb topping create a trifecta of perfection that’s hard to resist. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a casual dinner, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this pie is a winner every single time.

I’ll admit, my first attempt at making Dutch Apple Pie wasn’t exactly picture-perfect. My crumb topping melted into the filling, and my crust ended up too soggy. But with a few tweaks and lots of practice, I’ve figured out how to make a pie that not only tastes amazing but looks like it belongs in a bakery window. Let’s get into all the details so you can achieve the same success!

What is Dutch Apple Pie?

A Dutch Apple Pie is characterized by its crumb topping instead of a traditional pie crust on top. The topping, often called streusel, is made from a mixture of butter, flour, and sugar, and sometimes includes rolled oats or nuts for added texture. This pie originates from the Netherlands and has become a beloved dessert worldwide for its simplicity and bold flavors.

The biggest difference between Dutch Apple Pie and traditional apple pie lies in the topping. While traditional apple pies are covered with a pie crust or lattice design, Dutch Apple Pies boast a golden, crispy crumb topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft apple filling below. It’s a texture lover’s dream.

The first time I made this pie, I went a little overboard with the cinnamon, and my filling ended up tasting more like a spice bomb than a balanced dessert. Lesson learned: moderation is key. Stick with the right spice blend, and you’ll achieve a filling that’s perfectly sweet, tangy, and spiced.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to a great Dutch Apple Pie lies in its high-quality ingredients. Using fresh apples and high-fat butter will make all the difference in flavor and texture.

• All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): Provides structure and stability.
• Unsalted butter (1 cup, cold and cubed): Creates that flaky, buttery texture everyone loves.
• Ice water (6-8 tablespoons): Helps bind the dough without overworking it.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.

• Granny Smith apples (5-6): Their tartness balances the sweetness of the pie.
• Brown sugar (½ cup): Adds a caramel-like depth to the filling.
• Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Balances the tartness of the apples.
• Cinnamon (2 teaspoons): The essential spice for a warm, comforting flavor.
• Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle hint of earthiness.
• Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Prevents the apples from browning and enhances their natural flavor.
• Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Thickens the filling, ensuring it doesn’t become runny.

• All-purpose flour (1 cup): The base for the crumbly topping.
• Brown sugar (½ cup): Sweetens and deepens the flavor.
• Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Helps the topping form clumps.
• Rolled oats (optional, ¼ cup): Adds texture to the crumb topping.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Start by mixing the flour and salt in a bowl. Add the cold butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix—it should feel slightly sticky but firm.

Roll out the dough and press it into your pie dish, trimming any excess. Chill the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling. Pro tip: Blind bake the crust for 10 minutes at 375°F to ensure it stays crisp under the filling.

Peel, core, and slice your apples into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Toss them in a large bowl with the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For an extra caramelized touch, you can sauté the apple mixture briefly in a pan before adding it to the crust.

Discover the best apples for pie to elevate your dessert with the perfect flavor combination.

Combine the flour, sugar, and oats in a mixing bowl. Pour in the melted butter and stir until clumps form. The topping should hold its shape when squeezed but crumble easily when handled. Spread this mixture evenly over the apple filling.

Learn how to make a perfect streusel topping for more tips on achieving that ideal texture.

Pour the apple mixture into the prepared crust, making sure to distribute the slices evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the apples, ensuring complete coverage.

Bake the pie in a preheated oven at 375°F for 45-55 minutes. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

Variations to Try

The beauty of Dutch Apple Pie is its adaptability. Here are some creative variations to make it your own:

Add ½ cup of fresh cranberries to the filling for a tart twist that pairs beautifully with the sweet apples.

Mix ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumb topping for added crunch and flavor.

Drizzle caramel sauce over the filling before adding the topping, or serve each slice with a generous drizzle.

Use a gluten-free flour blend for both the crust and the topping. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Swap out the apples for sliced pears and add a touch of cardamom for a unique flavor profile.

Substitute vegan butter for the crust and topping, and replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder for the filling.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

• Room Temperature: Keep the pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or foil to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: Assemble the pie but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

What’s the best type of apple to use in Dutch Apple Pie?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious are top choices due to their balance of sweetness and tartness.

Can I use store-bought crust?

Absolutely! While homemade crust provides a superior taste, store-bought options work in a pinch.

How do I prevent the crumb topping from burning?

Cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil if the topping starts to brown too quickly.

What can I use instead of cornstarch for the filling?

Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch are great substitutes.

Can I make Dutch Apple Pie vegan?

Yes! Use vegan butter for the crust and topping, and replace the cornstarch with arrowroot powder.

Why is my pie crust soggy?

Blind baking the crust before adding the filling and topping can prevent sogginess. Also, be sure to let the apples sit to release excess moisture before baking.

Can I make mini Dutch Apple Pies?

Yes! Use a muffin tin to create individual servings. Reduce baking time to 25-30 minutes.

How can I add extra flavor to the filling?

Consider adding a splash of vanilla extract, a tablespoon of maple syrup, or a pinch of ground ginger to the filling for a flavor boost.

Final Thoughts

Dutch Apple Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. The combination of warm spices, caramelized apples, and buttery streusel is a crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with creative variations, this pie is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

So, grab your rolling pin, gather your ingredients, and bake a pie that’s as delicious as it is comforting. And remember, even if it’s not perfect the first time, every bake is a step closer to mastery. Happy baking!