Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Homemade Dutch Apple Pie is a timeless dessert that combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples, a flaky, buttery crust, and a rich crumb topping that’s irresistibly crunchy and golden brown. This classic pie brings comfort and warmth to any occasion, from holiday feasts to cozy family dinners. With its balance of sweet and tart flavors and its delightful texture, it’s no surprise that this pie is a favorite across generations.

The beauty of a Dutch apple pie lies in its iconic streusel topping. Unlike traditional apple pie with a lattice or pastry top, the crumbly mixture of butter, sugar, and flour bakes into a crisp topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft, spiced apple filling. Every bite delivers a satisfying blend of crunch, creaminess, and flavor.

Making your own Dutch apple pie from scratch may seem like a challenge, but it’s more straightforward than you might think. With a few simple steps and the right techniques, you’ll be serving up a pie that looks as good as it tastes. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to craft this quintessential dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tartness of the apples and the sweetness of the streusel topping create a harmonious and delicious dessert.

Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like flour, butter, sugar, and apples, this pie is both budget-friendly and accessible.

Versatile Dessert: Ideal for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual get-togethers. It’s also perfect for breakfast with a hot cup of coffee!

Customizable: Swap out the apples, add spices, or include nuts in the topping to make it your own.

Impressive Yet Easy: The rustic look of a Dutch apple pie makes it visually appealing, while the recipe itself is beginner-friendly.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Serving Size: 1 slice

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 390 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 35g

Ingredients

For the Crust (or use store-bought):

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 3–4 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6 cups thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Streusel Topping:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, trim the edges, and flute as desired.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice until evenly coated.

Step 3: Prepare the Streusel Topping

1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs.
2. Stir in the chopped nuts, if using.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Fill the prepared pie crust with the apple filling, spreading it evenly.
2. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the apples, covering them completely.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

1. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
2. If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield halfway through baking.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set.
2. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Ingredient Background

Apples

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are ideal for this recipe. Granny Smith provides tartness, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness and a crisp texture. A mix of both creates a balanced flavor.

Streusel Topping

The crumb topping made from butter, sugar, and flour is what sets Dutch apple pie apart. Adding nuts like pecans or walnuts enhances the crunch and flavor.

Spices

Cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and depth to the pie, creating that signature fall-inspired flavor profile.

Technique Tips

Cold Butter for the Crust: Ensure the butter is chilled to achieve a flaky, tender crust. Handle the dough as little as possible to prevent it from becoming tough.

Slice Apples Thinly: Thin, even slices ensure the apples cook evenly and become perfectly tender in the pie.

Cover the Edges: Use aluminum foil or a pie shield to protect the crust edges from over-browning during baking.

Cool Completely: Allowing the pie to cool before slicing ensures the filling sets and doesn’t run when cut.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Mini Pies: Use muffin tins to create individual-sized Dutch apple pies for single servings.

Skillet Pie: Bake the pie in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic, farmhouse-style presentation.

Crust-Free Crumble: Skip the crust and bake the filling and topping in a casserole dish for a quick and easy dessert.

Layered Dessert: Serve the apple filling and streusel topping over vanilla yogurt or in a parfait glass for a deconstructed version.

Additional Tips for Success

Balance the Sweetness: Adjust the sugar in the filling and topping depending on the sweetness of your apples. Taste a slice beforehand to gauge their flavor.

Prevent Soggy Crust: Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or ground nuts on the crust before adding the filling to absorb excess moisture.

Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the crust, filling, and topping separately a day in advance. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.

Recipe Variations

Caramel Dutch Apple Pie: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before adding the streusel topping for an extra decadent treat.

Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust and topping to make the pie gluten-free.

Spiced Pear Pie: Replace apples with pears and add a pinch of cardamom for a unique twist.

Double Streusel: Double the topping recipe for an extra-thick, crumbly layer.

Freezing and Storing

Refrigeration: Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven before serving.

Freezing: Freeze the fully baked and cooled pie by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Holiday Dessert Table: Serve Dutch apple pie as the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert spread, accompanied by pumpkin pie and pecan pie.

Potluck Favorite: Bring the pie to a potluck or gathering in a decorative pie dish for an impressive presentation.

Afternoon Tea: Pair a slice of pie with hot tea or coffee for a cozy mid-afternoon treat.

Elegant Dinner Party: Serve warm pie with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an elegant finish to a special meal.

Special Equipment

Pie Dish: A 9-inch pie dish is the perfect size for this recipe, ensuring even baking and a beautiful presentation.

Pastry Cutter: Makes cutting butter into flour for the crust and topping easier and more efficient.

Apple Peeler/Corer/Slicer: Speeds up the process of prepping apples and ensures consistent slices.

Baking Sheet: Placing the pie dish on a baking sheet catches any overflow and prevents messes in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use store-bought pie crust?
   Absolutely! Store-bought crust saves time and still delivers delicious results.
2. What are the best apples for Dutch apple pie?
   Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are ideal for their tartness and firmness. A mix of sweet and tart apples works best.
3. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
   Yes, bake the pie a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
4. How do I keep the topping from over-browning?
   Cover the pie with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking if the topping starts to brown too quickly.
5. Can I freeze the unbaked pie?
   Yes, assemble the pie but don’t bake it. Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 15–20 minutes to the bake time.
6. Can I add other fruits to the pie?
   Yes! Pears, cranberries, or raspberries make excellent additions to the filling for a unique flavor.
7. What can I serve with this pie?
   Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce pair perfectly with Dutch apple pie.
8. How do I prevent the filling from being too runny?
   Adding a little flour or cornstarch to the filling helps thicken it as it bakes.

Conclusion

Homemade Dutch Apple Pie is the perfect combination of comforting flavors and satisfying textures, making it a standout dessert for any occasion. The warm, spiced apples, buttery crust, and crumbly streusel topping come together in every bite to create a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Whether you’re baking it for a holiday feast, a potluck, or simply to treat yourself, this pie delivers classic flavors with a touch of elegance. With easy-to-follow steps and customizable variations, this recipe ensures you’ll impress your family and friends every time.

Give this classic dessert a try and experience why Dutch Apple Pie has remained a beloved favorite through the generations. Don’t forget the scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for the ultimate indulgence!

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