Dutch Apple Pie Recipe

Featured in Reliable Dessert Recipes.

This Dutch apple pie combines a flaky bottom crust with spiced apple filling and a buttery streusel topping. The filling uses the perfect balance of sugar and spices to enhance the natural apple flavor, while cornstarch ensures it sets properly. What makes this version special is the generous crumb topping made with cold butter for the perfect texture. The detailed cooling instructions are crucial - allowing the pie to rest for 3 hours ensures clean slices and prevents a runny filling.
Chef Zaho
Updated on Wed, 29 Jan 2025 23:53:02 GMT
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A Dutch Apple Pie combines the best of two worlds - the classic apple pie filling nestled in flaky crust, topped with a buttery, crumbly streusel that adds wonderful texture and rich flavor. This variation on traditional apple pie creates an irresistible contrast between the tender, spiced apples and crisp, sweet topping.

Through years of pie baking, I've found that the secret lies in choosing the right apples and keeping the streusel ingredients cold.

Essential Ingredients Selection

  • Apples: Mix of varieties for complex flavor
  • Butter: Cold for perfect streusel texture
  • Brown Sugar: Adds caramel notes to topping
  • Apple Pie Spice: Fresh spices ensure best flavor
  • Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning
  • Cornstarch: Creates perfect filling consistency

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:
Prepare foundation: Line pie dish with crust, crimp edges carefully
Step 2:
Create filling: Toss sliced apples with sugar, spices, and lemon juice
Step 3:
Build layers: Mound apples in crust, creating slight dome shape
Step 4:
Make topping: Work cold butter into flour mixture until crumbly
Step 5:
Finish assembly: Cover apples completely with streusel
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My grandmother always insisted on using at least two apple varieties - she said it made the pie more interesting with each bite.

Storage and Serving Tips

  • Let cool completely (3+ hours) before cutting
  • Store at room temperature up to 2 days
  • Freeze baked pie up to 3 months
  • Warm slightly before serving for best flavor

I've found that letting the pie cool overnight results in the cleanest slices and best-developed flavors.

Seasonal Variations

  • Add cranberries during holidays
  • Mix in pears for fall flavor
  • Include caramel drizzle
  • Add chopped nuts to streusel

Each variation maintains the classic appeal while offering something new.

Apple Selection Tips

  • Choose firm, crisp apples
  • Mix tart and sweet varieties
  • Avoid Red Delicious - they become mushy
  • Look for apples with no soft spots

The right apple mixture makes all the difference in the final result.

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Best Dutch Apple Pie with Crumb Topping | alicesrecipes.com

This recipe has become my go-to for holiday gatherings, earning a permanent spot in my collection of trusted desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What apples work best?
Use firm baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. Mix varieties for best flavor.
→ Why use cold butter for topping?
Cold butter creates distinct crumbs that stay separate and crispy rather than melting into a solid mass.
→ Can I skip the cooling time?
The 3-hour cooling is crucial for the filling to set. Cutting too soon results in runny filling.
→ Can I make this ahead?
Yes, bake up to 2 days ahead and store at room temperature. Reheat if desired.
→ Why cover with foil while baking?
The topping browns quickly. Foil prevents burning while allowing filling to cook completely.

Classic Dutch Apple Pie

A delicious twist on classic apple pie with a sweet apple filling and buttery brown sugar crumb topping instead of a double crust.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
75 Minutes
By: Fati Zaho

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Base

01 1 pie crust for 9-inch pan (homemade or store bought)

→ Filling

02 6 cups apples, sliced and peeled
03 2 tablespoons lemon juice
04 1/2 cup sugar
05 2 tablespoons cornstarch
06 1 1/2 teaspoons apple pie spice
07 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Crumb Topping

08 1/3 cup cold butter, cut into cubes
09 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
10 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
11 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Step 01

Place pie crust in deep 9-inch pie pan and flute edges. Preheat oven to 400°F.

Step 02

Combine filling ingredients in large bowl and toss until evenly coated. Spoon into crust, mounding apples toward center.

Step 03

Combine topping ingredients and mix with pastry blender or fork until crumbs form. Sprinkle over apples.

Step 04

Bake 45-55 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Cover with foil after 20 minutes to prevent over-browning.

Step 05

Cool on wire rack for at least 3 hours before slicing to allow juices to settle.

Notes

  1. Can make apple pie spice substitute with cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice

Tools You'll Need

  • 9-inch deep pie pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Pastry blender or fork
  • Aluminum foil
  • Wire cooling rack

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains wheat (crust, topping)
  • Contains dairy (butter)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 393
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 67 g
  • Protein: 3 g