Dutch Apple Pie (with a Buttery Crumb Topping)

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, then this Dutch Apple Pie (with a Buttery Crumb Topping) is just what you need. This pie has been a cherished recipe in my family for years, and every time I make it, the delightful aroma of cinnamon and caramelized apples fills my kitchen, making it feel like home. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, this pie never fails to impress.

The combination of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp apples creates the perfect balance of flavors, while the buttery crumb topping adds that irresistible crunch. Trust me, once you serve this pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, your loved ones will be begging for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and ingredients, you’ll have this pie in the oven in no time!
• Family Favorite: The delicious blend of apples and spices makes it a treat everyone will enjoy.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake it ahead of time and simply warm it up when you’re ready to serve.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it with ice cream, whipped cream, or drizzled with caramel for an extra special touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how simple and wholesome these ingredients are! Gather them up and get ready to create something truly special.

For the Pie Filling

• 1 (9-inch) deep-dish pie shell (homemade or store-bought)
• 6–7 medium apples (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, sliced ¼-inch
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tbsp flour (or cornstarch/tapioca for GF)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Crumb Topping

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or old-fashioned oats

Variations

This Dutch Apple Pie recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add Some Spice: Mix in a pinch of ginger or allspice for an extra layer of flavor.
• Change Up the Apples: Experiment with different apple varieties like Fuji or Braeburn for unique taste profiles.
• Nutty Crunch: Throw in some chopped walnuts or almonds for added texture in the crumb topping.
• Oatmeal Delight: Use old-fashioned oats instead of nuts in the topping for a heartier crunch.

How to Make Dutch Apple Pie (with a Buttery Crumb Topping)

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your pie bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden brown.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pie Shell

Place your pie shell on a baking sheet. This little trick catches any spills that might occur during baking, saving you from messy cleanup later!

Step 3: Toss the Apples

In a large bowl, toss those beautiful apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla. Letting them sit for about 10-15 minutes allows the sugars to draw out some juice from the apples—this creates a lovely syrup that makes your filling oh-so-delicious!

Step 4: Make the Crumb Topping

In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until you see pea-sized crumbs forming. If you’re adding nuts or oats, stir them in now. Chilling this mixture while you prepare the filling keeps it nice and crumbly.

Step 5: Assemble Your Pie

Pour that luscious apple filling into your prepared pie shell. Now sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over those apples without pressing down—this way you’ll keep that delightful texture!

Step 6: Bake It to Perfection

Bake your pie for about 50–60 minutes until the topping is golden brown and bubbling starts to peek through. If edges brown too quickly, feel free to tent them with foil.

Step 7: Cool Before Slicing

Once baked to perfection, let your pie cool on a wire rack for about 2–3 hours. This helps set the filling so each slice looks as good as it tastes.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Cut yourself a generous slice and serve warm! Whether topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or drizzled with caramel sauce—you really can’t go wrong here!

Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Dutch Apple Pie (with a Buttery Crumb Topping)

Making a perfect Dutch Apple Pie is all about the details, and with a few handy tips, you can elevate your baking game. Here are some tried-and-true suggestions to ensure your pie turns out delightful:

• Choose the right apples: Using a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples gives your pie a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. A variety of textures also makes each bite interesting!

• Let the filling rest: Allowing the apple mixture to sit for 10–15 minutes helps draw out the juices. This not only enhances flavor but also ensures your filling is nice and syrupy when baked.

• Keep your butter cold: When making the crumb topping, it’s crucial that the butter remains cold. This will help create that coveted crumbly texture instead of a greasy topping.

• Don’t skip the foil tent: If you notice that the crumb topping is browning too quickly, lightly covering the edges with foil will prevent burning while allowing the filling to cook thoroughly.

• Cool before slicing: Allowing your pie to cool for 2–3 hours on a wire rack helps it set properly. This way, you’ll have beautifully clean slices when serving!

How to Serve Dutch Apple Pie (with a Buttery Crumb Topping)

Serving Dutch Apple Pie is just as fun as making it! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some ideas to present this scrumptious dessert.

Garnishes

• Scoop of vanilla ice cream: A classic pairing! The creamy texture complements the warm pie perfectly.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream adds lightness and an extra layer of flavor.
• Caramel drizzle: A sweet touch that enhances both presentation and taste—who can resist caramel?

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing side made with seasonal fruits can provide brightness to balance the richness of the pie.
• Cheese platter: A selection of cheeses like sharp cheddar or brie can contrast nicely with the sweetness of the pie, offering a savory touch.
• Warm spiced cider: Serve this comforting drink alongside your pie for an inviting fall-inspired experience.
• Savory roasted vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots can serve as a delightful contrast to the sweet flavors in your dessert, making for a well-rounded meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress your family and friends with this delicious Dutch Apple Pie! Enjoy every slice!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Dutch Apple Pie with a Buttery Crumb Topping is perfect for meal prep! Whether you’re planning for a special occasion or just want a comforting dessert on hand, this pie can be made in advance and stored for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pie to cool completely before storing.
• Cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Once cooled, slice the pie into individual portions.
• Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best quality, consume sooner.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the pie or slices on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
• You can also microwave slices for about 30 seconds to 1 minute if you’re short on time.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making this delightful Dutch Apple Pie!

Can I make Dutch Apple Pie (with a Buttery Crumb Topping) gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch/tapioca mix in both the filling and crumb topping.

How do I know when my Dutch Apple Pie (with a Buttery Crumb Topping) is done baking?

Your pie is ready when the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling. If you notice the edges browning too quickly, cover them with foil during baking.

What type of apples work best for Dutch Apple Pie?

A combination of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet varieties like Honeycrisp creates a perfect balance of flavors.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Dutch Apple Pie?

Consider adding spices like ginger or cardamom to your apple mixture. A splash of apple cider can also amplify that delicious apple flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings warmth and joy to your kitchen! There’s something truly special about sharing homemade treats with loved ones, and this Dutch Apple Pie with a Buttery Crumb Topping is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy making it, savoring every bite, and creating wonderful memories around the table. Happy baking!