Name: Dutch Apple Pie Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced; 1 tablespoon Lemon juice; 3/4 cup White sugar; 1/4 cup Brown sugar; 1/4 cup Flour; 1 teaspoon Cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg; 1 cup Flour; 1/2 cup Brown sugar; 1/2 cup White sugar; 1 tablespoon Cinnamon; 1/2 cup Butter, cold; Store bought pie crust or homemade pie crust (enough for bottom crust)

If you’re hunting for that cozy, comforting dessert that never fails to impress, you’re in for a treat with this Dutch Apple Pie Recipe. I absolutely love how it brings together the sweetness of apples, warm spices, and a buttery crumb topping that’s just out of this world. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just indulging yourself, this classic pie recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simplicity Meets Flavor: Easy ingredients with classic flavors that create a pie everyone raves about.
Perfect Texture: Juicy apple filling balanced by a crisp, buttery crumb topping.
Versatile and Adaptable: Great as is or easily tweaked to suit seasonal tastes or dietary needs.
Loved By All Ages: From kids to grandparents, this recipe always brings smiles to the table.

A slice of apple crumble pie is placed on a round white plate with a metal fork beside it. The pie slice has three visible layers: at the bottom, a golden-brown crust; in the middle, soft apple pieces coated with a glossy syrup; on top, a crumbly, brown sugar and cinnamon topping. A scoop of vanilla ice cream, creamy and slightly melting, rests on the crumble layer. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with a whole pie in a clear dish and green apples, some whole and one cut in half, scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Dutch Apple Pie, Apple Pie Recipe, Classic Apple Pie, Easy Apple Pie, Homemade Apple Pie

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in this Dutch Apple Pie Recipe is in the balance of tart Granny Smith apples, warm spices, and the buttery crumb topping. You’ll want fresh, crisp apples and just the right mix of sugars to get that perfect caramelized sweetness.

Flat lay of thinly sliced green Granny Smith apples scattered beside small piles of light and dark brown sugar crystals, a heap of warm cinnamon powder and a pinch of nutmeg, chunks of cold pale butter nestled near a mound of soft white flour, a fresh lemon sliced in half with droplets of juice glistening on the surface, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Dutch Apple Pie, Apple Pie Recipe, Classic Apple Pie, Easy Apple Pie, Homemade Apple Pie

Granny Smith apples: I prefer these for their tartness and how well they hold their shape when baked.
Lemon juice: This keeps the apples from browning and adds a subtle tang that brightens the filling.
White sugar: Adds classic sweetness to your filling and topping.
Brown sugar: My secret to that deep, molasses-like flavor in both filling and topping.
Flour (for filling and topping): Helps thicken the filling and creates the crumbly topping texture.
Cinnamon: The warming spice that’s essential for apple pie perfection.
Nutmeg: Adds subtle complexity—just a pinch goes a long way!
Butter (cold): The key to a tender, flaky crumb topping—don’t skip the cold butter!
Pie crust: You can use store-bought for convenience or your favorite homemade crust for that personal touch.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Dutch Apple Pie Recipe my own depending on the season or how fancy I’m feeling. Don’t be shy about swapping ingredients or adding extras—you’ll enjoy the variety!

Spiced Up: Sometimes I add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the apple filling for a little extra warmth and depth.
Nutty Topping: Mixing chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumb topping amps up the crunch and richness.
Gluten-Free: I’ve successfully used gluten-free flour blends for both filling and topping when my friends visit—still delicious!
Mix of Apples: Combining Granny Smith with softer apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp adds a lovely texture contrast.

How to Make Dutch Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Crust and Apples

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While that’s heating up, roll out your pie crust and place it gently into your pie pan. I find that letting the crust chill for 10 minutes before filling helps prevent shrinking. For the apples, peel, core, and slice about 8 cups of Granny Smith apples. Toss them with the lemon juice, white sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Letting this mixture sit for at least 5 minutes really allows the flavors to meld and the apples to release some juice.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Add cold butter cut into small cubes. Here’s a trick I discovered: use your fingers to pinch the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This hands-on method helps the butter stay cold and creates that perfect crumbly texture.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Now, spoon the apple filling evenly into the pie crust. Don’t be afraid to mound it slightly—it will settle as it bakes. Then sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the apples, covering them completely. Place the pie on the middle rack and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling. If you notice the crust edges browning too fast, cover with foil halfway through baking.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let your Dutch Apple Pie cool for at least an hour to allow the filling to thicken up. I promise it’s almost impossible to wait, but serving it warm or at room temperature makes the flavors truly shine. Top it with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that extra indulgence.

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Pro Tips for Making Dutch Apple Pie Recipe

Use Tart Apples: Granny Smith apples hold their shape and provide the perfect balance of tartness that cuts through the sweetness.
Chill Your Butter and Crust: Keeping butter cold for the topping and the crust prevents greasiness and ensures flakiness and crumbly texture.
Don’t Skip the Rest Time: Allowing the apple filling to sit helps the flavors meld and softens the apples slightly, so they bake evenly.
Watch Your Oven: Place a foil shield around crust edges if they brown quickly to avoid burning while the filling cooks through.

How to Serve Dutch Apple Pie Recipe

A white plate holds a single slice of apple crumble pie showing three visible layers: a golden brown crinkled crust on the outside edge, a thick middle layer of soft apple pieces coated in sticky brown sugar sauce, and a crumbly cinnamon topping in light and dark brown tones. On top of the pie slice sits a round scoop of creamy off-white vanilla ice cream that is starting to melt slightly. A silver fork lies diagonally on the plate pointing toward the bottom right corner. The plate rests on a white marbled surface surrounded by four whole shiny green apples and one apple cut in half showing pale yellow flesh inside. A red and white checkered cloth sits near the plate's bottom left corner. In the upper right corner, a glass pie dish contains the remaining apple crumble pie with a missing slice. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Dutch Apple Pie, Apple Pie Recipe, Classic Apple Pie, Easy Apple Pie, Homemade Apple Pie

Garnishes

I’m a traditionalist when it comes to garnishes—vanilla ice cream is my absolute favorite for serving this pie, melting over those warm apples like a dream. If I don’t have ice cream on hand, whipped cream works beautifully, especially homemade. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little cinnamon or drizzle caramel sauce over the top for an elegant extra touch.

Side Dishes

This Dutch Apple Pie pairs wonderfully with a strong cup of coffee or a warm cup of chai tea, which complements the spices perfectly. For a festive dinner, I love serving it alongside roasted meats and autumnal vegetables, turning it into a full seasonally-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served individual Dutch apple pies in mini ramekins topped with the crumbly topping and a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s a charming way to impress guests without extra fuss. Another fun idea is drizzling warm caramel and finishing with toasted pecans for a decadent twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftover pie loosely with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, though it rarely lasts that long in my house! To keep the crumb topping crisp, I sometimes pop the pie in the oven for a few minutes before serving leftovers.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Dutch Apple Pie before with great results. Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the pie overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked flavor.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I avoid the microwave because the topping can get soggy. Instead, I gently warm slices in a preheated oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes. This keeps the crumb topping crisp and revives the pie’s delicious aroma.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples instead of Granny Smith?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well, you can mix in sweeter apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala for a more complex flavor and varied texture. Just keep in mind that softer apples may break down more during baking.
Is it okay to use store-bought pie crust?

Definitely. Using store-bought crust is a convenient shortcut and works perfectly with this Dutch Apple Pie Recipe. Just make sure to choose a good quality crust for better flavor and texture, and chill it before filling to prevent shrinking.
How do I prevent the topping from getting soggy?

Make sure your butter is cold when mixing the crumb topping, and crumble it well so it bakes up crisp. Also, avoid stirring the topping once it’s on the pie. Baking at the right temperature helps it set nicely without becoming mushy.
Can I prepare this pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the pie and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just keep it covered tightly, and bake straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Dutch Apple Pie Recipe feels like a warm hug from the oven every time I make it. There’s something so satisfying about pulling it out perfectly golden with bubbling apples and that irresistible crumb topping. I love sharing it with family because it brings everyone together, whether it’s a casual weeknight treat or part of a holiday celebration. I hope you give this recipe a try—you might discover a new signature dessert that brings joy for years to come.