Dutch Apple Pie
A crumb topping makes this Dutch Apple Pie so easy to make. Full of sweet, autumnal spiced apples, this Homemade Apple Pie is destined to become a favorite!
Though the focus on apple desserts tends to be in autumn, they’re magnificent all year long! And who doesn’t love a slice of warm apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? This streusel topping on this Apple Crumb Pie makes this a must-make treat for any season!
What is a Dutch Apple Pie?
A Dutch Apple Pie recipe typically refers to an apple pie topped with a crumble topping. I found no history of this dessert having a connection to the Netherlands, though. Instead, it looks like the Pennsylvania Dutch settlers were influenced by both German and French, not the Dutch. Flaky crusted pies were topped with crumbles, which often contained walnuts.
But a kind reader of my blog, who lives in Amsterdam, brought this perspective: In Holland, we have “Appel Kruimel Taart”, which translates to “Apple Crumb Pie”. He said it’s been around for hundreds of years. I stand corrected!
For me, it’s a delight not to fiddle with a top crust. Though I’ve finally gotten to where my crusts are consistently flaky and tasty, they’re not always so pretty once they get transferred to the top of a pie.
Apple Crumb Pie
This homemade apple pie’s streusel topping, AKA crumble or crumb topping, solves that problem. I’d recommend covering the surface with foil about half-way through the baking time as this recipe requires a longer stint in the oven in order to cook the apples to perfection.
The last thing you want is a charred crust or topping. For another “easier than pie” recipe, this fabulous Maple Glazed Apple Galette is a terrific apple dessert that doesn’t need a top crust. And I make a Classic Apple Crisp at least once in the fall.
So if you have top crust phobia like I do, an apple crumble pie is a delicious solution. You’ll love it!
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Make the BEST Apple Pie:
What Apples Are Best for Apple Pie?
I find the tastiest apple pies are made with a variety of baking apples. This ensures that your homemade apple pie has a depth of flavor, a combination of textures and a balance of sweetness and tartness. My go-to selection is a couple each of Granny Smiths, golden delicious and Jonathans. Honeycrisp apples work well, too. Though, when I got a shipment of Northern Spys from Michigan, those alone made the best tasting pie ever---so if you have access to a spectacular pie apple, it's just fine to go for a solo variety. Otherwise, a nice mixture is your best bet.
How Long to Bake an Apple Pie?
Different apples soften at different rates in the oven. I will use a sharp knife to check 3 or 4 apples to make sure they're soft before pulling the pie out of the oven. If you need to add more time and are worried about your crust getting too dark, just cover the perimeter with aluminum foil or a pie crust shield. If the streusel topping of this apple crumb pie is browning too fast, cover the whole top of the pie with foil.
How Do You Store an Apple Pie?
You can store an apple pie at room temperature for up to 2 days. In a humid climate, you must watch the crumb topping for signs of spoiling. After two days, you can store your homemade apple pie in the refrigerator for up to 2 more days, lightly covered. If you still have leftovers after 4 days, consider freezing the rest. Wrap well in plastic, then aluminum foil and freeze up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator, then reheat slices in a 300º oven until warm.
More Apple (and Fall) Desserts:
Pumpkin and apple are my go-to flavors once autumn rolls around. Besides this apple crumb pie, here are a few more of my favorite fall dessert recipes.
- Pumpkin Cheesecake with Butterscotch Drizzle from Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
- Apple Galette – all the terrific flavors of an apple pie without all the work
- Pumpkin Bars – topped with cream cheese frosting, these bars always get rave reviews
- Best Apple Pie – a fabulous classic double crust apple pie
- Cream Cheese Filled Apple Cake – a surprise ribbon of cream cheese makes this a wonderful autumn cake
- Best Fall Recipes
- Fall Slow Cooker Recipes
- Plus, A Guide to Apples
- More of the Best Dessert Recipes
- More Pie Recipes
This recipe was first shared in September 2015. Photos and text were updated in 2020.
The Recipe: Dutch Apple Pie
A delectable apple pie topped with streusel
Ingredients
- 3 pounds baking apples (use different types like Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Jonathon), peeled and cut into slices
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- A few gratings of fresh nutmeg
- Pastry dough for 1 layer pie crust (your favorite recipe or pre-made crust)
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter, cool, not cold
Instructions
- Roll out pie dough and fit into a 9-inch pie plate. Place in refrigerator while preparing the filling. Preheat oven to 400º.
- Toss apple slices with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside, stirring once or twice to help dissolve sugar.
- In a medium bowl, using two knives or pastry blender, cut butter into flour and sugars. Then pinch with fingers till large crumbs form.
- Take crust out of the refrigerator and fill with apples. Sprinkle topping over top of apples. Bake for 40 minutes then reduce to 350º for 50 minutes or till filling is bubbling and apples are tender. Cover crust with foil if browning too quickly.
- Cool before slicing. Serve with vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1 sliceAmount Per Serving: Calories: 629Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 316mgCarbohydrates: 102gFiber: 6gSugar: 57gProtein: 5g
Even though apple pie is a traditional autumn dessert we would dive into this with no shame at all. That scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it way over the top and I love it!
v==I can’t believe my kids wouldn’t be all over this! But more for mommy then hehehe. my mouth is watering I found that to be very amusing! Does look fabulous. Happy Valentine’s Day
Just double checking the baking time – 40 minutes at 400, then 50 minutes at 350? Thank you!
Hi, Janet, yes, the times and temps are correct. It “may” be done early depending on the kind of apples you use. Just have some foil available to cover if the topping or crust starts getting too brown the last half hour or so and the filling still needs more time. Hope you enjoy!
Baking with apples is always the best! So cozy, sweet and delicious. I would have loved a big slice of this after Sunday supper!
Apple pies never fail to make our mouth water. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Your apple pie looks delicious!!! The recipe is very similar to my mom’s. The only thing she added was several tablespoons of cream drizzled over the top of the crumbs before baking. Now I’m so hungry for a good apple pie!
oh I have made your recipe several times and forgot about this, I must make it this weekend again its fabulous!
I mad this the last two years for Thanksgiving and I am making it again this year, as per my kids request 🙂