Introduction
If fall had a flavor, I’m convinced it would taste like Dutch Apple Pie. Sweet, tender apples, warm spices, buttery crust, and that irresistible golden crumble topping — every bite feels like a warm hug.
I first fell in love with Dutch Apple Pie on a chilly autumn afternoon in a tiny café in Amsterdam. The smell of baked apples and cinnamon wafted through the air, and I couldn’t resist ordering a slice. It arrived still warm, with a generous dollop of whipped cream melting into the crumbly streusel topping. One bite, and I was hooked for life.
Unlike traditional apple pie with a double crust, Dutch Apple Pie is topped with a buttery streusel that bakes into a crisp, golden, slightly caramelized layer. It’s easier to make than it looks, and it gives the pie a rustic, bakery-worthy finish that wows everyone who sees it.
Whether you’re planning a holiday dessert table, a cozy weekend bake, or just craving the ultimate fall pie, this Dutch Apple Pie will make your kitchen smell like cinnamon heaven. Let’s get baking! 🍂
📝 Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious Dutch Apple Pie, plus some handy substitutions if you’re looking for gluten-free, vegan, or lighter options.
🧈 For the Pie Crust
(You can use homemade or store-bought.)
- 1 ¼ cups (160g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3–5 tablespoons ice water
👉 Shortcut: Store-bought refrigerated pie crust works beautifully if you’re short on time.
🍎 For the Apple Filling
- 6–7 medium apples (a mix of tart and sweet, like Granny Smith + Honeycrisp)
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
🍪 For the Streusel Topping
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup (115g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
🌿 Substitution & Variation Ideas
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend for both the crust and topping.
- Vegan: Substitute butter with plant-based butter and use a vegan pie crust.
- Low Sugar: Reduce sugar by 25% or use a sugar substitute like coconut sugar for a more natural sweetness.
- Flavor Boost: Add chopped toasted pecans to the streusel for extra crunch, or a drizzle of caramel on top before serving.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Dutch Apple Pie involves three simple parts: the crust, the filling, and the crumble topping. Each step is beginner-friendly, and I’ve included plenty of tips to make it foolproof.
Step 1: Make the Pie Crust (or Prepare Store-Bought)
If you’re making it from scratch:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, just until the dough comes together.
- Shape it into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges. Prick the base with a fork to prevent bubbles.
👉 Pro tip: Chill the crust in the pie dish while you prepare the filling to prevent shrinkage during baking.
Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prep Apples
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples. I like using a mix of Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness and structure. Place the slices in a large bowl.
Step 3: Mix the Apple Filling
To the bowl of apples, add granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Toss until every apple slice is evenly coated. The flour will help thicken the juices during baking, so your pie won’t end up soggy.
Step 4: Make the Streusel Topping
In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter cubes. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until you get a crumbly, sandy texture with some pea-sized bits. This is what creates that signature Dutch Apple Pie topping!
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
Pour the apple filling into the prepared crust, spreading it out evenly. Then sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the apples. It should completely cover the filling — don’t be shy with it!
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any bubbling juices) and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes. Then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 35–40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling up around the edges.
👉 Tip: If the topping or crust edges are browning too quickly, cover them loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This gives the filling time to set, so you’ll get clean, picture-perfect slices.
🌟 Extra Tips
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- Classic: A warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (melting into the crumb topping = heaven).
- Café Style: A dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon.
- Decadent Twist: Drizzle with warm caramel sauce and sprinkle toasted nuts for a fancy holiday dessert.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Room Temp: Cover and store for up to 1 day.
- Fridge: Keeps well for 4–5 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes to crisp the topping again.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven before serving.
🥧 Ingredient Swaps & Variations
- Try pear + apple for a fruity twist.
- Add a tablespoon of bourbon or rum to the apple filling for a grown-up flavor.
- Swap part of the flour in the streusel for oats for a heartier, crunchier topping.
🧮 Nutritional Information
(Adapted from NYT Cooking)
Per slice (1/8 of pie):
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Sugar: 35g
- Protein: 3g
❓ FAQ Section
Q: How long does it take to make Dutch Apple Pie?
A: The total time is about 1 hour 30 minutes, including baking. The hands-on prep takes around 25 minutes.
Q: Can I substitute a different fruit for apples?
A: Absolutely! Pears, peaches, or a combination of apples and cranberries work beautifully. Just adjust sugar slightly depending on sweetness.
Q: Can I freeze Dutch Apple Pie?
A: Yes! Bake it, cool it completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through and crisp.
🏁 Conclusion
There’s something timeless and comforting about pulling a golden Dutch Apple Pie out of the oven. The bubbling apple filling, the buttery crumble topping, the smell of cinnamon filling the house — it’s pure magic.
Whether you’re baking it for Thanksgiving, a weekend get-together, or just because, this pie never fails to impress. It’s rustic, cozy, and bursting with flavor. 🍏✨
If you make this Dutch Apple Pie, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below, share your baking tips, or tag your pie photos on social media. Happy baking, and may your kitchen always smell like warm apples and cinnamon. 🥧❤️