If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, you’ve got to try this Dutch Apple Pie Recipe. It’s an irresistible blend of tart apples, cozy cinnamon, and a buttery crumble topping nestled in a flaky crust that’s simply sublime. Each bite delivers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that remind me of classic comfort food, perfect for gatherings or a quiet moment of indulgence. Trust me, once you master this Dutch Apple Pie Recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right for this Dutch Apple Pie Recipe is key, but don’t worry — they’re simple staples that combine to create a masterpiece. Each component plays an essential role in balancing sweetness, spice, and texture, making the final pie a symphony of flavors.
- 5 large tart apples: Peeled and thinly sliced, these bring the perfect tang and firmness for the filling.
- ⅔ cup sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to complement tart apples without overpowering them.
- 5 tsp all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the apple filling so it’s luscious and not runny.
- 1¼ tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses the filling with warm, cozy spice making every bite aromatic.
- 1 (9-in) deep dish frozen pie crust: The buttery, flaky base that supports all the pie goodness.
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour: Forms the foundation for the crumble topping, providing light structure.
- ⅓ cup sugar: Sweetens the crumb topping for a delightful crunch.
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar: Adds rich molasses notes to the crumble topping, deepening the flavor.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Sprinkles extra spice into the crumb, tying together the taste profile.
- 6 Tbsp cold butter: Cut into the topping to create that heavenly crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.
How to Make Dutch Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to a steady 350ºF. This will create the perfect gentle heat to slowly bake your pie until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles just right.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, toss together the peeled and thinly sliced tart apples with sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon. This mixture ensures the filling has a lovely balance of sweetness, thickness, and warmth from the spice—key to a classic Dutch Apple Pie Recipe taste.
Step 3: Arrange Apples in Pie Crust
Place the apple mixture into the frozen deep-dish pie crust. Using a frozen crust saves time and provides a sturdy, flaky base that crisps beautifully during baking.
Step 4: Make the Crumble Topping
In a medium bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, packed brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold unsalted butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This topping is the signature of the Dutch Apple Pie Recipe — a buttery, crunchy counterpart to the tender apples.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Gently spread the crumb topping evenly over your apple filling. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips during baking. Bake for 1 hour until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling bubbles enticingly around the edges. Finally, cool the pie on a wire rack to let all the flavors settle and the filling thicken further.
How to Serve Dutch Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance the Dutch Apple Pie Recipe experience, consider a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon can also elevate the presentation and add a touch of extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs beautifully with hot coffee or spiced cider. If you’re serving it for dessert at a dinner party, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance out the sweetness. For a brunch twist, serve alongside cheddar cheese slices for a delightful flavor contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic look, place the pie on a wooden board with some fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks scattered nearby. Alternatively, cut the pie into smaller portions in mini tart pans to create individual Dutch Apple Pie Recipe servings, perfect for sharing at gatherings or gifting to friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Dutch Apple Pie Recipe in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. It keeps best at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to five days, allowing the flavors to deepen even more while maintaining freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked pie by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen Dutch Apple Pie Recipe slices or whole pies last up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat your pie slices in a preheated 350ºF oven for 15–20 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crisp and the crumb topping crunchy, preserving the classic texture everyone loves from this Dutch Apple Pie Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of frozen?
Absolutely! A homemade pie crust can add an extra layer of flavor and flaky texture, but the frozen crust is a wonderful shortcut without sacrificing quality. Just make sure your homemade crust fits a 9-inch deep dish for even baking.
What type of apples work best?
Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith or Northern Spy are ideal for this Dutch Apple Pie Recipe because they hold their shape during baking and contrast beautifully with the sweet topping.
Can I make this pie vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan pie crust to make this Dutch Apple Pie Recipe vegan-friendly. Ensure the sugar used is also vegan certified if that’s a concern.
How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Using flour in the filling helps thicken juices, and baking the pie on a baking sheet helps catch spills and keeps the oven clean. Ensuring the pie is cooled properly before slicing also helps the crust stay crisp.
What can I add to the crumble topping for extra flavor?
Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts work beautifully when mixed into the crumble topping, adding an amazing crunch and a nutty depth that complements the classic Dutch Apple Pie Recipe beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Dutch Apple Pie Recipe is more than just dessert—it’s a timeless celebration of autumn’s best flavors baked into one spectacular dish. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe invites you to savor every moment and share a classic treat with those you love. So gather your ingredients, turn on your oven, and get ready to create a pie that will warm hearts and fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Print
Dutch Apple Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A classic Dutch Apple Pie featuring a tender, tart apple filling with a sweet cinnamon crumb topping baked to golden perfection in a flaky pie crust, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Filling
- 5 large tart apples (peeled and thinly sliced)
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 5 tsp all-purpose flour
- 1¼ tsp ground cinnamon
Crust
- 1 (9-in) deep dish frozen pie crust
Crumb Topping
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 6 Tbsp cold unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to ensure it’s hot enough when you’re ready to bake the pie.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss the peeled and thinly sliced tart apples with ⅔ cup sugar, 5 teaspoons of flour, and 1¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon to evenly coat the apples with sweetness and spice. Then, place this apple mixture into the frozen deep dish pie crust.
- Make Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, combine ⅔ cup flour, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, ⅓ cup packed brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Cut in 6 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble and Top: Spread the crumb topping evenly over the apple filling in the pie crust, ensuring full coverage for a delicious crunchy topping once baked.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling bubbles visibly.
- Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack to set the filling before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use tart apples such as Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
- Chilling the butter before cutting it into the topping helps create a better crumb texture.
- Baking the pie on a baking sheet prevents spillage of juicy filling onto the oven floor.
- Allow the pie to cool completely for best slicing results and to avoid a runny filling.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an added treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
