Dutch Apple Pie (with a Buttery Crumb Topping)

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like home, let me introduce you to my favorite Dutch Apple Pie (with a Buttery Crumb Topping). This pie is the ultimate comfort food, bursting with sweet and tart apples, topped with a buttery, crumbly goodness that makes every bite a delight. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or just a weeknight treat, this pie will fill your kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon and baked apples.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up. You can have it in the oven in no time, making it perfect for busy days or special occasions. Plus, the combination of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples gives it a delicious flavor that everyone will adore!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll have this pie baking in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a classic apple pie! It’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the filling and topping ahead of time, saving you precious minutes when you’re ready to bake.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of spices and sweet apples creates an irresistible taste that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun! For this Dutch Apple Pie (with a Buttery Crumb Topping), you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that are likely in your pantry or easy to find at the store.

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! Feel free to get creative with the ingredients based on what you enjoy or have on hand.

• Try Different Apples: Use any combination of your favorite apples like Fuji or Braeburn for unique flavors.
• Add Spices: Experiment by adding ginger or allspice for an extra layer of warmth.
• Make It Nutty: Sprinkle in some chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds in the filling for added crunch.
• Go Gluten-Free: Swap out regular flour for your favorite gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs.

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 your pie bakes evenly and helps achieve that golden crust we all love.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pie Shell

Place your pie shell on a baking sheet. This little trick catches any spills during baking and saves you from messy oven clean-ups later!

Step 3: Mix the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, toss together sliced apples with sugars, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla. Letting them sit for about 10–15 minutes allows the juices to mingle and creates a delicious syrup that enhances the flavor.

Step 4: Make the Crumb Topping

In another bowl, combine flour, sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter until you see pea-sized crumbs forming. This step is crucial because it gives us that delightful crumbly texture on top. If you’re adding nuts or oats, now’s the time!

Step 5: Assemble Your Pie

Pour your apple filling into the prepared pie shell. Then sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over those luscious apples without pressing down—this keeps it nice and fluffy!

Step 6: Bake It Up!

Bake your pie in the oven for about 50–60 minutes until the topping turns golden brown and bubbling starts happening around the edges. Keep an eye on it; if it’s browning too quickly, tent those edges with foil.

Step 7: Cool Before Serving

Let your pie cool on a wire rack for about 2–3 hours before slicing. This waiting period lets all those delicious flavors set perfectly together.

Step 8: Enjoy!

Serve warm with your choice of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel for an extra special treat!

Now that you’ve got this delightful recipe down pat, I can’t wait for you to share this comforting dessert with family and friends! Happy baking!

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

Making the perfect Dutch Apple Pie is all about the details, and with a few helpful tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious dessert that everyone will love!

• Choose the Right Apples: Using a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples brings a wonderful balance of tartness and sweetness. This combination ensures your pie has a deep, rich flavor.
• Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: Adding fresh lemon juice not only brightens the apple filling but also helps prevent browning. It enhances the overall taste and keeps your apples looking fresh and vibrant.
• Keep Your Butter Cold: When making the crumb topping, ensure your butter is cold. This helps create that deliciously flaky texture we all crave. The colder the butter, the better your crumb topping will turn out!
• Let It Cool Before Slicing: Patience pays off! Allowing your pie to cool for 2–3 hours after baking helps set the filling, making it easier to slice without losing its shape.
• Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to add your own twist! Chopped pecans or old-fashioned oats can add extra crunch and flavor to the crumb topping. Try different combinations to find what you love!

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

Serving your Dutch Apple Pie is just as important as making it! With some thoughtful presentation ideas, this delightful dessert will shine at any gathering.

Garnishes

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds a light and airy touch that complements the richness of the pie.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzling caramel sauce over each slice enhances the sweetness and creates an elegant look.
• Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar can add warmth and visual appeal, making each slice even more inviting.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing! Creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over warm pie, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances out the richness of the pie.
• Spiced Nuts: Crunchy spiced nuts can offer a savory element that complements the sweet pie perfectly while adding extra texture.
• Hot Tea or Coffee: Serving warm beverages provides a comforting finish to your meal, enhancing flavors while creating a cozy atmosphere for enjoying dessert.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll not only create an incredible Dutch Apple Pie but also serve it in style, making every bite an unforgettable experience! Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Dutch Apple Pie with a Buttery Crumb Topping is an excellent choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious pie without the rush. Whether you’re making it ahead of time for a gathering or simply want to savor it throughout the week, here are some practical tips for storing and reheating your pie.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover pie in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
• Keep the pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Ensure that the crumb topping stays crispy by placing parchment paper between the pie and the wrap if possible.

Freezing

• Allow the pie to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap, then cover it with aluminum foil for added protection.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. It’s best to label it with the date so you know when to enjoy it!

Reheating

• To reheat frozen pie, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through. If the topping starts browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions people have about this delightful dessert:

Can I make Dutch Apple Pie (with a Buttery Crumb Topping) gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends or cornstarch/tapioca starch for the filling and crumb topping. Just ensure that your pie crust is also gluten-free.

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

To avoid a soggy crust, make sure your apples are not overly juicy by letting them sit with sugar and other ingredients before assembling. Additionally, pre-baking your crust slightly can help maintain its texture.

Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are perfect choices due to their balance of tartness and sweetness, feel free to mix in other apple varieties like Fuji or Braeburn for added flavor complexity.

How long does it take to make Dutch Apple Pie (with a Buttery Crumb Topping)?

The total time for this recipe is about 2 hours, including preparation and cooling time. It’s worth every minute for that delicious homemade taste!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking this Dutch Apple Pie with Buttery Crumb Topping! It’s a classic dessert that brings comfort and warmth, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. Enjoy every slice and feel free to share this recipe with friends and loved ones—I’m sure they’ll appreciate it just as much as you do! Happy baking!