Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Dutch Apple Pie is a crowd-pleaser with its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The apple filling is sweet, tangy, and spiced just right with cinnamon and nutmeg, while the buttery streusel topping adds an irresistible crunch. This pie is not only delicious but also visually stunning, with its golden crust and crumbly topping. It’s a dessert that feels special, yet it’s easy to make with simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying it as a treat, this Dutch Apple Pie will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
6-8 tbsp ice water

For the Apple Filling:

6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix of tart and sweet apples work well)
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Streusel Topping:

¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
½ cup packed brown sugar
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Pie Crust:

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add 6 tablespoons of ice water, stirring with a fork until the dough begins to come together. Add more water, one tablespoon at a time, if necessary.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it a few times to bring it together. Shape it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Gently transfer the dough to the pan, trimming any excess dough. Set aside while you prepare the filling and topping.

For the Apple Filling:

Peel, core, and slice the apples into ¼-inch thick slices.
In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the apples are evenly coated.
Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, arranging the apples in a slightly mounded shape.

For the Streusel Topping:

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple filling, covering the apples completely.

Baking the Pie:

Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
If the crust or topping begins to brown too quickly, cover the edges of the pie with foil and continue baking until done.
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set before slicing.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Prep time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time for the dough)
Cook time: 50-60 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including cooling time)

Variations

Caramel Apple Dutch Pie: Drizzle caramel sauce over the streusel topping before baking for a rich, sweet addition.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the pie gluten-free. Be sure to use gluten-free oats for the streusel topping as well.
Spiced Apple Pie: Add other spices like ground ginger or allspice to the apple filling for extra warmth and complexity.
Nutty Streusel Topping: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel mixture for an added crunch and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust may lose some of its crispness, but the flavor will remain delicious.
Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked pie before adding the streusel topping. Once assembled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, add the streusel topping and bake as directed.
Reheating: To reheat, place slices of the pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of apple for this pie?

Granny Smith apples are a great choice for their tartness, but you can use any apples that bake well, like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Gala. A mix of tart and sweet apples creates the perfect balance of flavor.

2. How do I prevent the pie crust from getting soggy?

To prevent a soggy bottom, you can blind-bake the crust for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling. This step helps create a barrier between the filling and the crust.

3. Can I make the pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this pie the day before serving. Store it in the refrigerator and allow it to cool completely before refrigerating. When ready to serve, you can reheat it gently in the oven.

4. Can I use a store-bought pie crust?

Yes, you can use a store-bought pie crust to save time, but homemade crusts always yield the best results for flavor and texture.

5. Can I make Dutch Apple Pie without oats in the streusel topping?

Yes, you can omit the oats if you prefer a traditional, crumbly streusel topping. Just increase the flour and sugar slightly to compensate.

6. How do I know when the pie is done?

The pie is done when the crust is golden brown, the streusel is crispy, and the filling is bubbling. You should also be able to easily pierce the apples with a fork.

7. Can I make this pie with a lattice crust instead of streusel?

Yes, you can replace the streusel topping with a lattice crust for a more traditional apple pie look. Simply cut the top crust into strips and weave them over the pie.

8. How do I prevent the streusel from burning?

If the streusel topping is browning too quickly, cover the pie with foil and continue baking until the pie is fully cooked.

9. Can I add nuts to the filling?

Yes, you can add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling for extra crunch and flavor.

10. Is Dutch Apple Pie gluten-free?

Traditional Dutch Apple Pie contains gluten from the crust and topping. To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour in both the crust and streusel with a gluten-free flour blend.

Conclusion

Dutch Apple Pie is the perfect dessert to bring a touch of warmth and sweetness to any occasion. With its deliciously spiced apple filling and crunchy, buttery streusel topping, this pie offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday celebration or a casual family meal, this pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy a slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and savor the comforting, nostalgic flavors of this classic dessert.

Dutch Apple Pie

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Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Dutch Apple Pie is a comforting twist on the classic apple pie, featuring a sweet, spiced apple filling topped with a buttery, crunchy streusel. With its golden crust and warm, caramelized apple interior, this pie is the perfect dessert for any occasion, from holidays to family dinners. The balance of flavors and textures makes it an irresistible treat.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
6-8 tbsp ice water

For the Apple Filling:

6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix of tart and sweet apples)
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Streusel Topping:

¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
½ cup packed brown sugar
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

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Instructions

Make the Pie Crust:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the dough briefly, form it into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Apple Filling:
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into ¼-inch thick slices.
- In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until evenly coated.
Make the Streusel Topping:
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Add the apple filling, mounding the apples slightly in the center.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping over the apples evenly.
Bake the Pie:
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the crust is golden, the streusel is crispy, and the filling is bubbling.
- If the crust or topping browns too quickly, cover with foil and continue baking.
Cool and Serve:
- Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set. Slice and serve.

Notes

For a richer flavor, drizzle caramel sauce over the streusel topping before baking.For a gluten-free version, substitute a gluten-free flour blend in both the crust and streusel.Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch.