Dutch Apple Pie Recipe

If you’re searching for a homestyle, cozy dessert that’s packed with flavor and brings that perfect balance of tart and sweet, you’re going to absolutely adore this Dutch Apple Pie Recipe. This pie is one of those classic comfort foods that makes any day feel special, and trust me, once you try it, it’s going to become your go-to for apple pie cravings. Stick with me here—I’ll walk you through everything you need to nail this pie and get that crumbly, buttery topping just right.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Dutch Apple Pie Recipe work beautifully together to give you that classic pie flavor with an irresistibly crumbly topping. I usually lean on Granny Smith apples because they hold up well during baking and bring a lovely tartness that balances the sugars perfectly.

• Granny Smith Apples: Tart and firm apples that hold their shape nicely instead of turning mushy.
• Lemon Juice: A small touch brightens the apple flavor and keeps them from browning.
• White Sugar: Adds sweetness without overpowering the natural apple taste.
• Brown Sugar: Gives that warm, caramel undertone which is essential for a Dutch apple pie.
• Flour (for filling and topping): Helps thicken the apple juices and provides structure to the crumble.
• Cinnamon: Classic spice that pairs perfectly with apples and adds warmth.
• Nutmeg: Just a pinch gives a subtle depth to the spice profile.
• Butter (cold): The key to that deliciously crumbly topping that melts in your mouth.
• Pie Crust: You can either use store-bought or make your own—both work fine here!

Variations

I love that this Dutch Apple Pie Recipe is super adaptable depending on what you have on hand or the flavor twist you want to introduce. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—I’ve tried a few variations and I think you’ll enjoy experimenting too!

• Use Different Apples: I’ve swapped Granny Smith for Honeycrisp with great success; it makes the pie sweeter and less tart.
• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans to your topping for a delightful crunch that my family adores.
• Spice it Up: A dash of ground cloves or allspice can deepen the warming spices, perfect for holiday dinners.
• Gluten-Free Crust: If you prefer gluten-free, I’ve had good results using almond flour pie crusts with this filling and topping.

How to Make Dutch Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Crust

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F. Roll out your pie crust and gently place it in a pie pan. I find that letting the crust rest in the pan for a few minutes helps prevent shrinking during baking. Don’t forget to crimp the edges a bit to give it that classic look.

Step 2: Mix the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, toss together the peeled, cored, and sliced Granny Smith apples with lemon juice, both sugars, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Be sure to coat the apples well. I like to let the mixture sit for at least 5 minutes—it thickens slightly and lets those flavors meld beautifully before filling your crust.

Step 3: Make the Crumb Topping

While your filling rests, grab another bowl and mix the topping ingredients—flour, brown and white sugars, cinnamon, and cold butter. Here’s a trick: use your fingers to pinch the butter into the dry ingredients until you get a sandy, crumbly texture with pea-sized bits of butter; this is exactly what gives the topping that amazing crumbly finish. I’ve tried a fork, but getting hands-on yields better results every time.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spoon the apple filling evenly into the prepared crust, then sprinkle the buttery crumble topping all over. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until the topping is golden and the apple filling is bubbly. If you see the edges browning too fast, tent the pie with foil—it’s saved me more than once!

How to Serve Dutch Apple Pie Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of serving this pie warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream—total game changers. Sometimes, I sprinkle a tiny bit of cinnamon on top of the whipped cream for that extra little touch that makes it look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

While this pie is a dessert star on its own, I love pairing it with a simple cup of coffee or a spiced chai tea. For holiday dinners, it pairs wonderfully with a light salad or roasted vegetables to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served individual Dutch apple pies in mini mason jars—super charming and great for portion control. Another fun idea is to drizzle a caramel sauce over each slice just before serving to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Dutch apple pie keeps well covered at room temperature for up to two days. Beyond that, I recommend storing it in the fridge, tightly wrapped or in an airtight container, which keeps it fresh for about 4-5 days—though it rarely lasts that long in my house!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pie successfully several times. After baking, I let the pie cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before popping it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm a bit before serving.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I usually place a slice on a baking sheet in a 325°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This keeps the crust crisp and the filling bubbly, unlike microwaving which can make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Dutch Apple Pie Recipe is honestly one of my favorite desserts to make and share. It carries with it that perfect balance of sweet and tart, tender but textured, with a topping that melts in your mouth. Whether you bake it for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or just because you deserve a treat, it never disappoints. I truly hope you enjoy making and eating this pie as much as I do—there’s something so comforting about slicing into a warm, homemade apple pie that just feels like a hug. Go ahead, give it a try, and don’t forget to save me a slice!

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