This easy Dutch Apple Pie recipe has everything I love in an apple pie AND MORE! And by more, I mean a thick layer of buttery crumb topping. If you’ve ever wondered how to make Dutch Apple Pie – also known as an Apple Crumble Pie – you’ll love this simple recipe.
Looking for an apple pie recipe with a crust topping? Try my Classic Apple Pie recipe. It’s seriously good and includes easy step-by-step instructions for how to make the best apple pie ever!
The Best Dutch Apple Pie Ever
I am FULLY into Fall Baking this year. It’s barely September and I feel like I’ve held out so long, so get ready for apple, pumpkin, and cozy coming at you in a major way. I want to make sure you are completely ready with options for the holidays, game day, or just a cozy Autumn Sunday.
So I’m following up the Classic Apple Pie Recipe that I shared a few weeks ago with this similar but different apple pie recipe, my Dutch Apple Pie! Also known as an Apple Crumble Pie, this delicious Autumn dessert is not to be missed.
Dutch Apple Pie is For All You Crumb Topping Lovers!
The thing with Dutch Apple Pie that sets it apart is the crumb/streusel topping. There are tons of variations on this recipe out there in the universe, but today I’m sharing my method, which I find to be the easiest!
Plus, I’m breaking down a few common mistakes and issue you might have when baking apple pie (or any fruit pie). So let’s get started!
What IS Dutch Apple Pie?
Here’s the thing, I am not a food historian, but after a little research it just looks like a Dutch Apple Pie is an apple pie with a crumb/streusel topping as opposed to a pie crust on top. I am not quite sure the authenticity of this recipe, but I do know it’s delicious!
I like to bake mine with a traditional pie crust on the bottom, and the crumb on top, but I know that there are versions with a shortbread-type crust on the bottom, and even some with crumb topping baked inside the pie as well as on top! I wouldn’t say no to any of those options!
What Are the Best Apples for Pie?
There are tons of varieties of apples to choose from, and really there aren’t a lot of bad choices, however I prefer Granny Smith, as they hold their texture and don’t release as much liquid as others.
Other varieties that work well are:
- Honeycrisp
- Fuji
- Braeburn
- Winesap
- Gala
Should You Use Raw Apples in Pie?
So this recipe, unlike my classic apple pie recipe is baked with the apples still raw, as opposed to cooking them before baking.
I like baking the raw apples in this recipe because as the apples cook they release liquid, and the crumb topping absorbs some of that juice, which creates a nice, thick crumb crust. The DOWNSIDE to this, is because they release liquid the bottom crust can get a little soggy.
How To Prevent A Soggy Apple Pie Crust
So like I said, baking with raw fruit is great because it’s quick and easy, but fruits release liquid as they bake, creating a lot of juice! Here are some tips on how to prevent that from happening:
- Use a glass pan! This way you can actually SEE when the bottom crust is golden brown! It seems obvious, but the simple answer is sometimes the best!
- If your recipe doesn’t call for you to precook your fruit, toss them in a sugar mixture (like this recipe) and allow the fruit to sit for a bit. The sugars with draw out the liquids naturally and can be discarded when ready to fill your pie crust.
- Certain fruits, and apples, have a higher liquid content than others. I love using Granny Smith Apples in my pies because I find they don’t release as much liquid.
- Place the pie plate on the bottom rack of the oven closest to the heating element!
- Bake your pie for AT LEAST as long as the recipe calls for! Honestly it’s pretty hard to over-bake an apple pie, as long as you protect the crust. You want the filling to be bubbly, and allow the filling to bubble for a while! The bubbling is boiling the filling, which is when your fruit liquid evaporate!
Feel free to make your own pie crust, or use a store bought pie dough for this recipe. Whatever you prefer! If you use my recipe for my All Butter Crust, note it makes enough dough for 2 crusts.
Looking For More Pie Recipes? Try These:
PrintDutch Apple Pie (Apple Crumble Pie)
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Prep Time: 20 minutes -
Cook Time: 50 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
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Yield: serves 10 1x
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Category: Pie
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Method: Oven
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Cuisine: Dessert
Prep Time:
Yield:
Category:
Method:
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Print Recipe
PinDescription:
This Dutch Apple Pie recipe is made with a tender crust filled with juicy, spiced apples and topped with a thick, buttery crumb topping.
Ingredients:
- 1 pie crust (my recipe will create enough for two crusts)
- 5–6 cups Granny Smith Apples, peeled and sliced into 1/4– inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Topping
- 1 cup flour, plus 2 tablespoons
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Adjust your oven rack to the lowest position.
- Roll out your pie dough to a 12- inch circle and fit it into a 9- inch pie plate, crimping the edges. Place the pie plate in the refrigerator while you do the next steps.
- In a large bowl combine the apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Stir to coat evenly. Set aside.
- To prepare the topping, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and butter in a medium bowl. Using a pastry cutter or fork blend the mixture together until coarse crumbs form. Using your hands squeeze the mixture together until all the butter is absorbed and your crumb topping comes together.
- Remove the pie plate from the refrigerator and spread the apples evenly into the crust, discarding any liquid that has been released from the apples. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly on the apples.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the apple mixture is bubbly and the crumb and crust is golden. If the crust and/or crumb begins to brown too quickly cover the pie loosely with foil and/or pie shield. Make sure to bake the pie long enough that the mixture is bubbly to ensure that the bottom crust is cooked. Since you are baking the apples raw they will release juice which can make the bottom crust slightly soggy. Positioning the rack to the lowest position and baking the pie long enough will make sure that the bottom crust bakes properly.
- Remove the pie from the oven when done and allow to come to room temperature before slicing.
Notes:
Store airtight at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
*The recipe for my homemade pie crust makes enough for 2 dough rounds, however this recipe is for one pie. So you will only need one round for this recipe. You can cut the dough recipe in half, or divide it and save dough for later!
Nutrition Information:
Keywords: dutch apple pie, dutch apple pie recipe, topping for dutch apple pie, easy dutch apple pie, how to make dutch apple pie, apple crumble pie
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Hi! I’m Shelly and I’m an addict. Of the buttercream sort. I started this site a few years ago as a way to justify my sugary, buttery obsession with desserts. It has worked out well for me so far, because as it turns out you guys all love sugary, buttery desserts too! It feels good to know you're not alone, doesn’t it?
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The best apple pie ever!
★★★★★
I have probably made this recipe with your pie crust recipe about 8 times since I found it late 2019. I’ve never posted a comment/review of a recipe before, but this pie and this recipe was so good that I needed to. Every time I made it, I have had someone ask for the recipe or tell me it was the best apple pie they have ever had. I sent my boyfriend to work with a few slices to share with coworkers and was asked to make it again/for the recipe. I’ve been told that this pie “changed their perspective… Read more »
This recipe is perfection. Made it this Thanksgiving and the family loved it. This will be my go to every year from here on out!! Thank you 🙂
★★★★★
Hi,
Can I bake this pie and then freeze and reheat?
Sure!!
This sounds wonderful! Planning to make the recipe tomorrow and it’ll be my first ever pie. Do I need to peel the skin off the apples?
I have made this recipe a multitude of times (10+ pies) and it is ALWAYS a hit to any function I bring it to. Its the perfect balance of sweetness and the crumble topping makes it even better. If anyone is thinking of making this recipe this is your sign to do so! Thanks for this great recipe, it is now a staple in my dessert repertoire!
★★★★★
I did drain the apples for at least 30 mins too
Recipe is delicious although I was disappointed that it caved in. I took out of oven and it was stunning!! Beautiful when it came out. 10 mins later I look over and it’s sunk in middle
★★★★
Shelly, first off I have your cookbook and have given it as gifts. I would like to serve this pie on T-Day. Planning on making it on Wednesday for obvious reasons. Could I heat this pie (so topping would be warm for the ice cream) an if so what temperature and for how long?
Thank you!!! You sure can! I would just heat it at 350 for 10-ish minutes!
I made this recipe today with my 5 and 2 year olds. It was so easy and tastes amazing!! One of the best apple pies I have ever tasted! Thank you for posting this great recipe!
★★★★★
Can this pie be frozen before baking?
Yes it can!
THANK YOU for this DELICIOUS recipe! It is THE BEST apple pie I’ve ever eaten. It was so easy to make, and it tastes heavenly. I used a Pillsbury crust, because I was in a hurry, but I’m sure your crust recipe is perfect, too. I will be making this pie frequently. THANK YOU!
★★★★★
So so glad you enjoyed!!
Great recipe, I’ve made it half a dozen times, I use a different recipe for the crust though
★★★★★
Hello! I made this recipe 2-3 times last year and my family loves it! I’m wondering, could I can this pie filling? And if so, would I still follow the recipe exactly or need to change it.
★★★★★
I don’t think you would need t alter this at all! It should can fine!
Thank you for the quick response Shelly!! I’m going to try it out. 🙂
★★★★★
I’ve made this recipe several times. I took it to Thanksgiving at my eldest child’s home and many other functions. Every potluck I attend now, I’m asked to bring apple pie. Today is my youngest son’s 24th birthday he asked for pie. I have 2 in the oven. I always follow this recipe to the letter and it never fails. Thank you so much for sharing this. It is truly a family favorite.
★★★★★
This makes me so happy to hear! Thank you for your review!