Dutch Apple Pie (with a Buttery Crumb Topping)

If you’re looking for a comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug, you’ve stumbled upon the right recipe! This Dutch Apple Pie (with a Buttery Crumb Topping) is one of my all-time favorites. It brings back memories of cozy family gatherings, where the sweet aroma of spiced apples fills the air and everyone gathers around the table to share stories. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this pie is sure to impress your loved ones.

What I adore about this Dutch Apple Pie is its delightful balance of tart and sweet flavors, plus that irresistible crumb topping that adds just the right amount of crunch. It’s perfect for making ahead of time, so you can enjoy more moments with your friends and family instead of being stuck in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: You don’t need to be a baking pro to whip up this delicious pie. The steps are simple and straightforward.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves apple pie! This recipe is sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare it in advance, making it a great option for busy days or gatherings.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples creates a wonderful taste that’s both sweet and tart.
• Customizable toppings: The buttery crumb topping is heavenly, but feel free to get creative with nuts or oats for added texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Dutch Apple Pie (with a Buttery Crumb Topping) is easy peasy! These simple, wholesome ingredients come together beautifully to create an unforgettable dessert.

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

One of the best parts about baking is how flexible recipes can be! Feel free to experiment with these fun variations for your Dutch Apple Pie.

• Add more spice: If you love warming spices, try adding some ground ginger or cloves for an extra kick.
• Change up the fruit: Mix in other fruits like pears or berries for a delightful twist on the traditional apple filling.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute regular flour with your favorite gluten-free blend or use cornstarch/tapioca as mentioned in the filling ingredients.
• Try different toppings: Switch out pecans for walnuts or include rolled oats in your crumb topping for added texture.

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

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your pie bakes evenly and perfectly when it’s ready to go in!

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Place your pie shell on a baking sheet. This little trick will catch any spills that happen while baking, so you don’t have to clean up your oven later!

Step 3: Toss Those Apples

In a large mixing bowl, toss together your sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour (or cornstarch/tapioca), lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla. Let it sit for about 10–15 minutes until syrup forms. This step helps draw out moisture from the apples while combining all those lovely flavors.

Step 4: Make the Crumb Topping

In another bowl, combine flour, sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until you achieve pea-sized crumbs. Stir in nuts or oats if you’re using them. Chill this mixture while you prepare the apples. The chilling helps keep it crumbly when baked!

Step 5: Fill Your Pie Shell

Pour that delicious apple filling into your prepared pie shell. Spread it out evenly—this ensures every slice has plenty of tasty filling.

Step 6: Add Your Topping

Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple filling without pressing down too hard. You want it nice and fluffy so each bite has that perfect crunch!

Step 7: Bake Away!

Bake your pie in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes until the topping turns golden brown and you see bubbly goodness peeking through. If it starts browning too quickly at the edges, tent them with foil.

Step 8: Cooling Time

Once baked, let your pie cool on a wire rack for about 2–3 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set properly—trust me; it’s worth the wait!

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve warm with options like vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce if you’re feeling indulgent. Enjoy every delightful bite of this Dutch Apple Pie (with a Buttery Crumb Topping)!

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

Baking the perfect Dutch Apple Pie is all about attention to detail, and these tips will ensure your pie is a delicious success!

• Use a mix of apples: Combining Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples gives you the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, creating a flavorful filling that everyone will love.

• Chill your butter: Starting with cold butter when making the crumb topping helps create that desirable flaky texture. It prevents the butter from melting too quickly, resulting in beautiful crumbs that hold their shape during baking.

• Let the apple mixture rest: Allowing your tossed apple filling to sit for 10-15 minutes helps release some juices, creating a syrup that enhances flavor and ensures your pie doesn’t turn out soggy.

• Cover edges while baking: If you notice the edges of your pie browning too quickly, tent them with aluminum foil. This simple trick prevents burning while ensuring the filling cooks through properly.

• Cool before slicing: Allowing your pie to cool for 2-3 hours on a wire rack post-baking helps set the filling. This means cleaner slices and a more enjoyable eating experience when served!

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

Serving your Dutch Apple Pie can be as delightful as making it! Here are some ideas to make your presentation stand out.

Garnishes

• Fresh whipped cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a luscious touch and complements the warmth of the pie beautifully.
• Caramel drizzle: Drizzling homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over each slice not only enhances visual appeal but also adds a rich, sweet flavor contrast.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light sprinkle of ground cinnamon over the top just before serving adds an aromatic touch that elevates each bite.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream paired with warm pie creates a comforting dessert experience that’s hard to resist.
• Yogurt parfaits: A refreshing yogurt parfait made with layers of Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit can serve as a light side dish or breakfast option alongside your pie.
• Cheese platter: A selection of mild cheeses such as Brie or Gouda can provide a savory contrast to the sweet flavors of the pie, making it an interesting combination for guests.
• Autumn salad: A crisp salad featuring mixed greens, nuts, and seasonal fruits (like pears or cranberries) offers freshness and balance against the richness of the pie.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in mind, you’re all set to enjoy your Dutch Apple Pie with Buttery Crumb Topping in style! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Dutch Apple Pie with Buttery Crumb Topping is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while saving you time on busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover pie in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap.
• Keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• If refrigerated, allow the pie to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze unbaked pies and bake them directly from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy!

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place slices of pie on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil.
• Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Have questions about making this delicious pie? Here are some common inquiries!

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

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their balance of tartness and sweetness, feel free to mix in other favorites like Fuji or Braeburn for added flavor.

How do I prevent my Dutch Apple Pie (with a Buttery Crumb Topping) from getting soggy?

To prevent a soggy crust, make sure to toss your apple filling with flour (or cornstarch/tapioca for gluten-free options) before placing it in the pie shell. This will help absorb excess moisture during baking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch/tapioca in the filling. The crumb topping can also be made gluten-free—just ensure you use certified gluten-free oats if you choose to add them.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Dutch Apple Pie with Buttery Crumb Topping finds a special place in your heart (and your kitchen)! Its delightful combination of sweet apples and buttery crumbs makes it a comforting dessert that brings joy to every gathering. Enjoy making this recipe, share it with loved ones, and savor each delicious bite! Happy baking!