The Best Dutch Apple Pie Recipe for your Fall Table

This Dutch apple pie is everything you love about a classic apple pie, but with an irresistible twist!

Instead of a traditional double crust or lattice crust, this pie has a buttery, crumbly topping that adds a slight crunch to every bite. 

Made with fresh apples, brown sugar, warm spices and a generous crumble topping, this homemade Dutch apple pie is a dessert everyone will love. Serve it slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic fall dessert that is perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners or anytime you’re craving a delicious homemade pie.

Why We Love This Recipe

• The best of both worlds: This pie combines the flavors of a traditional apple pie with the buttery, crunchy topping of an apple crisp. It’s like enjoying two favorite desserts in one!
• Easy to make: You don’t have to worry about rolling out a second crust or creating a lattice crust. The crumb topping is simple to prepare and adds a delicious finishing touch.
• Perfectly balanced flavors: Tangy apples, brown sugar, cinnamon and a little lemon juice create a sweet and slightly tart apple filling.
• A beautiful homemade dessert: The golden brown crumble topping makes this pie look just as good as it tastes.
• Great for entertaining: This is one of those delicious pies that everyone gets excited about, especially during the holiday season.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour
• Fresh apples 
• Cold butter
• Eggs
• Sugar
• Brown sugar
• Lemon juice
• Cornstarch
• Cinnamon
• Salt

How to Make Dutch Apple Pie

Make the Pie Crust

Start by whisking the flour, sugar and salt together in a large bowl. Then, work the cubed cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry blender, fork or your fingers. 

Next, stir in the eggs and lemon juice. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to work everything into a dough, then form it into a disc shape. Wrap the disc of pie dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge. 

Make the Pie Filling

​Peel, core and slice the apples. Place them into a mixing bowl and toss them with sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch and lemon juice. 

Make the Crumb Topping

Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Then, stir in the flour, white sugar, brown sugar and salt. Use a fork or your fingers to crumble the mixture. 

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Assemble the Pie

Roll out the chilled pie dough into a large circle and transfer it to a prepared pie plate. Then, fill it with the apple mixture and top it with the crumb mixture. 

Bake the Pie

​Bake the pie, first covered with foil, then uncovered to brown the crust and topping. It will be nice and golden brown when it comes out of the oven. Allow the pie to cool in the pan before slicing into it. 

Serving Suggestions

Dutch apple pie is delicious on its own, but adding a few simple toppings makes it even better!

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Caramel sauce
• Crushed pecans

Storage Instructions

Allow the baked pie to cool completely to room temperature before storing.

• Refrigerator: Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or transfer individual slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Dutch apple pie can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. For a crispier crumb topping, reheat slices in a warm oven for about 10-15 minutes.

Make Ahead Instructions

This homemade Dutch apple pie is a great dessert to prepare ahead of time, especially when you’re entertaining or planning a holiday meal.

You can prepare the pie dough up to 2 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble the pie.

The crumble topping can also be prepared ahead of time. Combine the dry ingredients with cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

You can even assemble the entire pie a few hours ahead of baking. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. For the best results, bake the pie on the day you plan to serve it so the crust stays flaky and the crumb topping stays crisp.

Tips for Success

• Slice the apples evenly: Use a sharp knife or apple slicer to cut the apples into uniform slices. This helps them cook evenly and prevents some pieces from becoming too soft while others remain firm.
• Don’t skip the lemon juice: Lemon juice adds brightness to the apple mixture and helps prevent the fresh apples from browning. It also balances the sweetness of the filling.
• Keep the butter cold: Cold butter is important for creating a flaky crust. 
• Don’t overwork the topping: Use a pastry blender, food processor, or your fingertips to combine the ingredients until coarse crumbs form.
• Bake on the lower oven rack: This helps the bottom crust cook properly and reduces the chance of a soggy bottom.
• Let the pie cool: This is an important step! Allow the baked pie to cool before slicing so the filling has time to set.

What Makes It “Dutch”?

Dutch apple pie is different from a regular apple pie because of its topping. A classic apple pie typically has a second crust covering the apple filling.

Dutch apple pie, on the other hand, features a buttery streusel crumb topping made with flour, sugar and butter. The topping bakes into a delicious golden, crumbly layer that adds texture and sweetness to the pie.

While a traditional apple pie has a more pastry-focused finish, Dutch apple pie has a topping similar to apple crisp. It’s sometimes called an apple crumb pie, and it’s one of the best things about this dessert!

The name is often associated with the Pennsylvania Dutch baking tradition, where crumb-topped pies are especially popular.

What Are the Best Apples to Use for Apple Pie?

The best apples for apple pie are firm varieties that hold their shape during baking. You want apples that become tender without turning into mush.

Here are some of my favorite apple varieties to use:

• Granny Smith: These apples have a tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar and crumb topping.
• Honeycrisp: Naturally sweet, crisp and juicy, these apples are a delicious option and my personal preference.
• Pink Lady: These apples have a sweet-tart flavor and hold up well when baked.
• Braeburn: A firm apple with a slightly spicy, sweet flavor that works beautifully in baked desserts.

Avoid using apples that are overly soft or mealy, like McIntosh, as they can break down too much during baking.

Can I Use a Store Bought Pie Crust?

Definitely! Store bought pie crust is a great shortcut during the busy holiday season. 

Use refrigerated pie dough the same way you would use scratch pie dough that has been chilled in the fridge. 

When you make this Dutch apple pie, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a rating or leave a comment below. Enjoy! 

For more apple dessert recipes, try these: 

• Apple Cinnamon Ice Cream Pie
• Puff Pastry Apple Dumplings with Streusel Topping
• Warm Apple Crostata