Dutch Apple Pie Recipe

We’re going Dutch! As in, Dutch apple pie. In some circles, Dutch apple pie goes by different names, like apple crumble pie. This is an easy variation of apple pie that trades a traditional flaky top crust for a buttery streusel. I like to bake mine with a traditional pie crust on the bottom and the crumb on top, with juicy cinnamon apple pie filling in between.

I know that there are Dutch apple pie recipes with a shortbread-type crust on the bottom, and some even bake the crumb topping inside the pie as well as on top. I wouldn’t say no to any of those options, and I even have a chai apple pie made with a Dutch-style topping! But for now, let’s dive into my favorite, original homemade Dutch apple pie recipe.

What’s So Great About This Dutch Apple Pie Recipe

• Irresistible crumb topping. The sweet, buttery crumb topping is my favorite part of this pie! It’s similar to the crumbly topping on an apple crisp, minus the oats.
• Easier than you think. This apple crumb pie is easy enough for even novice bakers to prepare. And you don’t have to worry about the perfect lattice pie crust topping either!
• Perfect the holidays. Dutch apple pie is a staple on all of our holiday dessert tables, from Thanksgiving to Christmas. It’s always one of the first pies to disappear, right alongside my pecan pie.

Recipe Ingredients

The ingredients in this homemade Dutch apple pie are found in most pantries, which makes it a great dessert for last-minute fall baking. I’ve included notes on what you’ll need below. Scroll to the recipe card after the post for the printable recipe with the full measurements and step-by-step instructions.

• Pie crust – My homemade pie crust recipe makes enough for two crusts, so you’ll have one leftover for another pie recipe (or you can always double this recipe and bake two pies!). You can also use your favorite store-bought refrigerated or frozen crust.
• Apples – See below for notes on the best apples for baking.
• Lemon juice – Helps prevent the apples from turning brown and balances out the sweetness.
• Sugar – Equal parts light brown sugar and granulated sugar are used in the pie filling. Additional sugar is also used in the crumb topping.
• Flour – Helps to thicken the apple crumb pie filling. It also acts as the base for the crumb topping.
• Cinnamon – Adds a warm flavor throughout the pie.
• Butter – Cold butter helps create the crumbly texture in the topping.

The Best Apples for Baking

The best apples for apple pie are firm, crisp-tart apples. My go-to apples for baking are Granny Smith, as they hold their texture and don’t release as much liquid as others. Other good choices include Honeycrisp, Fuji, Braeburn, Gala, and Pink Lady apples. You can also use a blend of different kinds of apples for more dimension and flavor.

The main thing when baking is to avoid mealy and floury apples, like McIntosh and Red Delicious.

How To Make Dutch Apple Pie

Unlike a traditional apple pie, I opted not to pre-cook the apple filling for this Dutch apple pie. This is because the apples release some of their liquid while they cook in the pie, and the crumb topping absorbs some of that juice. It creates a nice, thick crumb crust. If you’d prefer to cook your pie filling first, you may need to shorten the baking time slightly.

1. Prepare the crust. Roll your pie dough into a 12-inch circle. Then, place it into a 9-inch pie plate, crimping the edges. Chill the crust in the fridge until it’s time to fill it.
2. Make the filling. Next, combine the apples, lemon juice, both sugars, flour, and cinnamon for the pie filling. Stir so the apples are evenly coated.
3. Make the topping. Mix flour, sugar, and butter in a bowl to make a coarse crumb. After, use your fingers to squeeze the mixture together until all the butter is absorbed into the streusel.
4. Assemble. Now, drain the apple filling of any excess liquid. Spread the apples evenly in the crust. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples.
5. Bake. Bake this Dutch apple pie at 375ºF for 50 to 60 minutes, until the apples are bubbly and the crumb topping is golden. If the crust or topping bakes too quickly, cover it loosely with foil or a pie shield while the pie finishes baking.

Tips for Preventing a Soggy Pie Crust

The downside to baking with uncooked apples? The extra juice that makes a perfect top crust can, in turn, make the bottom crust a little soggy. Here are some tips to avoid a soggy bottom crust on your Dutch apple pie:

• Use a glass pan. This way, you can actually see when the bottom crust is golden brown and baked through. It seems obvious, but the simple answer is sometimes the best.
• Use the right apples. I love using Granny Smith Apples in my pies because I find they don’t release as much liquid as other varieties.
• Allow the fruit to sit a bit. There’s a reason I make the apple filling before the topping. The sugars naturally draw out the liquids in the apples, which can then be discarded instead of finding their way into the pie.
• Bake on the bottom rack. Bake your apple pie on the bottom rack of the oven, as it’s closest to the heating element. This allows the bottom of the pie to bake more quickly.
• Bake your pie for AT LEAST as long as the recipe calls for. It’s pretty hard to over-bake an apple pie, as long as you protect the exposed edges of the pie crust. You want the filling to be bubbly, and allow the filling to bubble for a while and evaporate some of the liquid.
• Shield the pie edges. If you notice the edges of the crust are browning quicker than the bottom of the crust is baking, cover the edges of your pie with a pie shield or aluminum foil.

How to Store Leftovers

• Fridge. Let your pie cool to room temperature, then wrap it in Saran Wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat. If you like your pie to be warm, you can also zap your slice in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds, depending on how warm you want it to be.
• Freezer. You can also freeze this apple crumble pie. Once it cools completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge.

More Apple Dessert Recipes

• Apple Cheesecake
• Mini Apple Pies
• Apple Brown Betty
• Apple Dump Cake
• Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars