Dutch Apple Pie Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort dessert, you’ve landed in the right place. This Dutch Apple Pie Recipe is genuinely one of my all-time favorites, and I can’t wait to share it with you. It’s the kind of pie that fills your kitchen with warm, cozy scents and delivers that perfect balance of tender apples, cinnamon-spiced sweetness, and that irresistible crumbly topping. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your dessert rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Dutch Apple Pie Recipe, you want fresh, crisp apples and simple, sweet spices that complement but never overpower. Granny Smith apples are my go-to because their tartness perfectly balances the sugary topping. Also, having cold butter is key for that crumbly topping texture — it really makes a difference!

• Granny Smith apples: Tart and firm, they hold their shape beautifully and balance the sweetness.
• Lemon juice: A little acidity prevents the apples from browning and adds brightness.
• White sugar: Adds clean, sweet flavor inside and on top of the pie.
• Brown sugar: Gives that deep, caramel-like richness to the filling and topping.
• Flour: A little goes into the filling to thicken those yummy juices and also mixes with the topping for structure.
• Cinnamon: The classic warming spice that sings in every bite.
• Nutmeg: Just a pinch to round out the spice profile beautifully.
• Butter (cold): The star for that melt-in-your-mouth crumb topping.
• Pie crust: You can use store-bought or my homemade crust recipe — either works well here.

Variations

I love to mix things up depending on the season or who I’m baking for — and you should totally make this recipe feel your own. It’s super forgiving, so feel free to experiment with add-ins or substitutions!

• Spiced Up: My family goes crazy when I add a dash of ground ginger or cardamom to the filling for a little warmth beyond the cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Gluten-Free Crust: If you have a gluten sensitivity, a store-bought or homemade gluten-free crust works beautifully with this pie.
• Less Sugar: You can dial back the sugars a bit if you prefer your pie less sweet — the tart apples still shine through.
• Adding Nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top of the crumb topping add a lovely crunch and depth.

How to Make Dutch Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Roll out your pie crust and carefully place it into your pie pan, crimping the edges as you like. I usually chill my crust for about 10 minutes before filling to help it hold its shape better and avoid a soggy bottom — a little trick I discovered that works wonders!

Step 2: Mix the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, toss your peeled, cored, and sliced Granny Smith apples with lemon juice to keep them fresh and bright. Then add both sugars, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg, stirring until every apple slice is coated in this delicious spiced mixture. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes — this helps the flavors meld and thickens the juices slightly, so your filling won’t be too runny.

Step 3: Make That Crumbly Topping

While your filling rests, combine the flour, brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon in another bowl. Add your cold butter in chunks and use a fork — or even better, your fingertips — to pinch it into the dry ingredients until you get a nice crumbly mixture. I find that using my hands here helps me control the size of the crumbs and makes the topping perfectly textured.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spoon the apple filling into your prepared crust, spreading it evenly. Then sprinkle your buttery crumb topping all over the filling. Pop the pie into your preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Pro tip: If the edges start browning too quickly, tent them with foil to keep things even.

Step 5: Let It Cool… Then Enjoy!

Once baked, let your pie cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This resting time lets the filling set, so you get those perfect slices that hold together. My family goes crazy when I serve this warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream — it’s pure magic.

How to Serve Dutch Apple Pie Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for serving my Dutch Apple Pie warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting on top — it’s the ultimate cozy combo. Whipped cream is another favorite; I like to sprinkle a tiny bit of cinnamon on it for extra flavor. Sometimes, a drizzle of caramel sauce takes this pie over the top, especially for special occasions.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with a fresh cup of coffee or a calming cup of chai tea. For a festive brunch, I like serving it alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon — a perfect sweet and savory balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I sometimes slice the pie into mini servings and present them in individual ramekins with whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted nuts on top — guests love the personal touch. Another fun idea is to serve it with warm custard or homemade caramel drizzle artfully plated on each slice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying this Dutch Apple Pie, wrap any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep them refrigerated. I’ve found it stays fresh and delicious for up to 4 days — the flavors deepen and the crust stays surprisingly crisp if you reheat it right.

Freezing

If you want to make this pie in advance, it freezes beautifully. Wrap it securely in foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm in the oven — it tastes just like freshly baked!

Reheating

To reheat your Dutch Apple Pie slices, pop them in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. This revives that crisp topping and brings the filling back to a perfect warm, gooey state. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the texture, but it’s a handy quick fix in a pinch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Dutch Apple Pie Recipe is one of those treasures that immediately makes your kitchen feel cozy and inviting, and your loved ones feel special. I love how straightforward it is, yet it produces a pie that tastes like you spent all day baking. If you’re ready for warm apples, that perfect crumbly top, and all those nostalgic flavors, I can’t recommend this pie enough. Bake it, share it, and watch it disappear — just like mine always does!

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