If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug, you’ve come to the right place! This Dutch Apple Pie (with a Buttery Crumb Topping) is my go-to recipe for cozy gatherings and special occasions. There’s something magical about the combination of sweet apples, fragrant spices, and that delicious crumb topping. It’s truly an irresistible treat that brings everyone together, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family celebration.

This pie is not just about the taste; it’s about creating memories in the kitchen. The aroma wafting through your home while it bakes is enough to make anyone feel nostalgic. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your friends and family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple to Make: With easy-to-follow steps, this pie comes together quickly, making it perfect for any occasion.
Family Favorite: The blend of sweet and tart apples makes this dessert appealing to both kids and adults alike!
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the pie ahead of time and simply bake when ready – it’s a lifesaver for busy schedules.
Deliciously Comforting: Each slice offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures, delivering pure comfort in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome items you likely have on hand or can easily find at your local store.

For the Pie 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 things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

Add Different Fruits: Try mixing in some berries or pears for a unique twist on classic apple flavor.
Switch Up the Nuts: Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different crunch.
Go Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free flour for those with dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor!
Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like ginger or cloves for added warmth.

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

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your pie will bake evenly and turn out perfectly golden brown.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Place your pie shell on a baking sheet. This small step is crucial as it catches any drips that might spill over during baking. Trust me; no one wants a messy oven!

Step 3: Toss the Apples

In a large bowl, toss together your sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour (or cornstarch/tapioca), lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Letting them sit for about 10-15 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully while forming a lovely syrup.

Step 4: Make the Crumb Topping

In another bowl, combine flour, sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until you have pea-sized crumbs. If you’re adding nuts or oats, stir them in now. Chilling this mixture until ready helps create that coveted crumbly texture!

Step 5: Assemble Your Pie

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

Step 6: Bake Away!

Pop your pie into the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye on it; if the edges start browning too quickly, tent them with foil. You want that topping golden brown while allowing the filling to bubble up delightfully.

Step 7: Cool Before Serving

Once baked to perfection, let your pie cool on a wire rack for about 2-3 hours before slicing. This waiting game helps set that delicious filling just right!

Step 8: Serve It Up!

Finally, serve your Dutch Apple Pie warm! It’s fantastic on its own but even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce!

Now you’re ready to enjoy this comforting treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!

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

Making the perfect Dutch Apple Pie is a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll be on your way to creating a pie that impresses everyone!

Choose the right apples: Using a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples gives you the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, ensuring your pie has great flavor and texture.
Let the filling rest: Allowing the tossed apple mixture to sit for 10-15 minutes helps draw out some moisture. This not only enhances the flavor but also allows for a thicker, less runny filling once baked.
Keep your butter cold: When making the crumb topping, using cold butter is key. It creates that lovely flaky texture by preventing the butter from melting into the flour before baking.
Don’t skip chilling: Chilling the crumb topping before adding it to the pie can help maintain its structure during baking, leading to a crunchier topping that doesn’t sink into the filling.
Use foil wisely: If you notice your pie browning too quickly, tenting the edges with foil will protect them from burning while giving the filling time to cook through.

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

Presenting your Dutch Apple Pie can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some fun ideas to elevate your serving experience.

Garnishes

Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, creamy contrast to the warm spices of the pie.
Caramel drizzle: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over each slice brings a sweet richness that perfectly complements the apple flavors.
Cinnamon sugar sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top before serving enhances both presentation and taste.

Side Dishes

Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing with warm apple pie, vanilla ice cream melts into every bite, providing rich creaminess that balances out the spices.
Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing side of seasonal fruits adds brightness and acidity to your meal, complementing the richness of the pie.
Cheese platter: Offering slices of sharp cheddar alongside your pie creates an interesting contrast. The savory notes of cheese pair beautifully with sweet apple flavors.
Hot chai tea: A steaming cup of chai tea spiced with cardamom and cinnamon makes for a cozy beverage that elevates dessert time with its aromatic warmth.

Enjoy every moment as you savor this deliciously comforting Dutch Apple Pie!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Dutch Apple Pie with a Buttery Crumb Topping is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it in advance, making it an ideal dessert for gatherings or cozy family dinners.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the pie to cool completely before storing.
Cover the pie loosely with foil or plastic wrap.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For best flavor, enjoy within the first 2 days.

Freezing

Allow the baked pie to cool completely.
Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Remove any plastic wrap from the pie and cover with foil.
Bake for about 20–25 minutes until heated through.
For a crisp topping, uncover during the last 5 minutes of baking.

FAQs

If you have questions about this lovely recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

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

Absolutely! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch/tapioca as a thickener for the filling.

How do I ensure my Dutch Apple Pie (with a Buttery Crumb Topping) has a flaky crust?

To achieve that perfectly flaky crust, use cold butter and handle the dough gently. Avoid overworking it to keep your crust light and airy!

What type of apples are best for this pie?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are excellent choices due to their balance of tartness and sweetness. Feel free to mix them up for added flavor!

Can I add other spices to my apple pie?

Definitely! While cinnamon and nutmeg are classic choices, feel free to experiment with ginger or allspice for an extra kick in flavor.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Dutch Apple Pie with a Buttery Crumb Topping as much as I do! It’s not just a dessert; it’s a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on your own. Remember, baking is all about joy, so let your creativity shine through! Happy baking!

Dutch Apple Pie with a Buttery Crumb Topping

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 8
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the comforting taste of homemade Dutch Apple Pie with a Buttery Crumb Topping. This delightful dessert features a perfect balance of sweet and tart apples, enhanced by warm spices and a crunchy crumb topping that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Ideal for cozy gatherings or special occasions, this pie fills your home with a nostalgic aroma as it bakes. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a delicious treat that brings everyone together. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness. Experience the joy of baking this classic dessert that feels just like a warm hug!

Ingredients

Scale

1 (9-inch) deep-dish pie shell
6–7 medium apples (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp)
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
1 cup all-purpose flour (for crumb topping)
½ cup packed brown sugar (for crumb topping)
¼ cup granulated sugar (for crumb topping)
½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed (for crumb topping)
½ tsp cinnamon (for crumb topping)
Pinch of salt (for crumb topping)
Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or old-fashioned oats (for crumb topping)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the pie shell on a baking sheet.
In a bowl, toss sliced apples with sugars, flour, lemon juice, spices, salt, and vanilla. Let sit for 10-15 minutes.
For the crumb topping, mix flour, sugars, cinnamon, and salt; cut in cold butter until pea-sized crumbs form.
Fill the pie shell with apple mixture and top with crumbs without pressing down.
Bake for 50–60 minutes until golden brown. Tent edges with foil if necessary.
Cool on a wire rack for 2–3 hours before slicing.