Dutch Apple Pie (with a Buttery Crumb Topping)

If you’re looking for a dessert that warms the heart and fills the home with delightful aromas, this Dutch Apple Pie (with a Buttery Crumb Topping) is just the ticket! This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family, and every bite is a sweet reminder of cozy gatherings and happy moments. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special family gathering, this pie is sure to bring smiles to everyone around the table.

What makes this Dutch Apple Pie really shine is its combination of tender, spiced apples topped with a buttery crumb that adds that perfect crunch. It’s not only delicious but also easy to whip up, making it ideal for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple preparation: You don’t need to be a baking expert to make this pie! The steps are straightforward and perfect for all skill levels.
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves apple pie! This classic dessert is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the filling or topping ahead of time, saving you precious minutes when it’s time to bake.
• Delicious flavor: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh apples creates an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for this delightful pie! With a mix of sweet apples and warm spices, you’ll have everything you need right in your kitchen.

For the 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 recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are a few fun ways to make it your own:

• Try different apples: Use a mix of your favorite apple varieties for unique flavors. Pink Lady or Fuji apples can add sweetness!
• Add spices: Experiment with additional spices like allspice or cloves for extra warmth in every bite.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute the flour in both the filling and crumb topping with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or coconut flour.
• Nutty topping: For added texture, mix in some chopped walnuts or almonds into the crumb topping.

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

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures that your pie bakes evenly from start to finish.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pie Shell

Place your pie shell on a baking sheet. This will catch any spills during baking and save you from messy cleanup later!

Step 3: Toss Those Apples

In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour (or cornstarch/tapioca), lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated. Let this mixture sit for 10–15 minutes; this step helps release their natural juices and creates a delicious syrup.

Step 4: Make the Crumb Topping

In another bowl, combine one cup of flour with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until you have pea-sized crumbs. If you’re adding nuts or oats for extra crunch, stir them in now. Chill this topping until you’re ready for it!

Step 5: Assemble Your Pie

Pour the apple filling into your prepared pie shell. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples without pressing it down—this allows it to bake up beautifully crispy.

Step 6: Bake Away!

Bake your pie in the preheated oven for about 50–60 minutes until the topping is golden brown and you see bubbling filling peeking through. Keep an eye on it; if edges get too dark too quickly, tent them with foil.

Step 7: Cool Before Serving

Once baked to perfection, let your Dutch Apple Pie cool on a wire rack for about 2–3 hours before slicing. This cooling time allows the filling to set up nicely—plus it gives you time to enjoy that mouth-watering smell!

Step 8: Enjoy!

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream drizzled with caramel sauce if you’d like! This comforting treat will surely be loved by all who share it.

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

Making a delicious Dutch Apple Pie is easier than you think! Here are some helpful tips to ensure your pie turns out perfectly every time.

• Choose the Right Apples: Using a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples offers the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. This combo provides depth to the flavor and ensures a well-rounded pie.

• Let the Filling Rest: Allowing your apple mixture to sit for 10–15 minutes helps draw out the juices, creating a natural syrup. This step prevents your pie from being too watery after baking.

• Use Cold Ingredients: For a flaky crumb topping, make sure your butter is cold when you cut it into the flour mixture. Cold butter creates steam during baking, resulting in that delightful crumbly texture.

• Don’t Skip Chilling the Topping: After preparing your crumb topping, chill it until you’re ready to bake. This helps maintain its structure, preventing it from melting into the filling before it bakes up golden brown.

• Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your pie as it bakes. If the edges of the crust start browning too quickly, tent them with foil to prevent burning while allowing the filling to cook through.

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

Serving your Dutch Apple Pie can be just as delightful as baking it! Here are some creative ideas to present this comforting dessert beautifully.

Garnishes

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds lightness and richness that complements the pie’s flavors.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over each slice enhances sweetness and brings a luxurious touch.
• Cinnamon Sugar Sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top of each slice elevates both taste and presentation.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing with warm apple pie, vanilla ice cream provides creamy contrast and enhances the overall experience.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances the richness of the pie with vibrant flavors and textures.
• Cheese Plate: Offering a selection of mild cheeses can create an intriguing pairing with sweet apple flavors; consider options like brie or gouda.
• Coffee or Tea: Serving hot beverages like coffee or herbal tea alongside your pie rounds out the meal and provides warmth for those cozy evenings.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to impress family and friends with your homemade Dutch Apple Pie! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Dutch Apple Pie with a Buttery Crumb Topping is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it, making your dessert planning a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pie to cool completely before storing.
• Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For best taste, consume within the first few days.

Freezing

• Once cooled, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze before baking if possible; bake from frozen when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove any plastic wrap and cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil.
• Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
• If frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe!

Can I use different types of apples for Dutch Apple Pie (with a Buttery Crumb Topping)?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, feel free to mix in other varieties like Fuji or Gala for additional sweetness or tartness.

How do I ensure my Dutch Apple Pie (with a Buttery Crumb Topping) doesn’t get soggy?

Make sure to let your apple filling sit for at least 10-15 minutes before placing it in the pie crust. This allows excess moisture to escape. Also, using a deep-dish crust helps prevent sogginess!

Can I make this pie gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap out all-purpose flour for gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend and use cornstarch or tapioca instead of regular flour in the filling.

What can I serve with Dutch Apple Pie?

This pie pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking this delightful Dutch Apple Pie with a Buttery Crumb Topping! It’s not just a treat; it’s a way to gather loved ones around the table. Enjoy creating this warm and comforting dessert that brings smiles all around. Happy baking!