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Dutch Apple Pie

Featured in Sweet Treats for Every Occasion.

This Dutch Apple Pie recipe is absolute perfection - it starts with a flaky, buttery crust that cradles layers of tender spiced apples, all topped with this incredible golden crumb topping that adds the perfect crunch! The detailed steps ensure you'll get amazing results every time, from perfectly spiced filling to that signature crumbly top. What makes it extra special is how versatile it is - you can freeze it at different stages of preparation, making it perfect for planning ahead. The combination of tender apples, warm spices, and buttery streusel creates this amazing comfort food masterpiece!
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Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 20:58:04 GMT
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A golden-brown apple crumble dessert in a round dish. Pin it
A golden-brown apple crumble dessert in a round dish. | tastygusto.com

My Dutch Apple Pie recipe is pure comfort in every bite. I've spent years perfecting this beauty with its buttery crust gorgeous caramelized apples and that irresistible crumbly topping. It's like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen but even better because the streusel topping adds this amazing sweet crunch that everyone loves.

Why This Pie is Extra Special

You know what makes this pie stand out? It's got the best of everything a flaky bottom crust those perfectly cooked apples and that incredible streusel on top. The filling gets this amazing caramel flavor and when you add extra crumb topping it's absolutely heavenly. Plus it's actually easier to make than regular apple pie no fussy top crust to worry about.

What You'll Need

  • Apples: I use 5 pounds of mixed apples Granny Smith for tartness Honeycrisp and Golden Delicious for sweetness they're just perfect together.
  • Brown Sugar: Makes everything taste like caramel magic.
  • Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Just enough to make your kitchen smell amazing.
  • Cardamom: My secret ingredient it adds such lovely flavor.
  • Butter: Don't skimp here it makes everything better.
  • Lemon Juice: Keeps those apples pretty and adds brightness.
  • Flour: For thickening and that perfect crumbly top.

Let's Make Your Pie

Start With The Apples
Peel core and slice them nice and thin then toss with some lemon to keep them fresh.
Cook That Filling
Get those apples in a big skillet with sugar spices and flour cook them until they're tender and starting to caramelize about 20 minutes then let them cool completely.
Make Your Crust
Roll out that buttery crust pop it in your pie plate and make it pretty around the edges then let it chill.
Fill It Up
Once your filling is cool spread it evenly in that chilled crust.
Add The Best Part
Mix up your streusel ingredients until they're nice and crumbly chill it then pile it on generously.
Time to Bake
Start hot at 425°F for 15 minutes then lower to 375°F and bake until it's golden and bubbly about 45 minutes more.
A bowl of apple crisp featuring chopped apples topped with a crumbly streusel topping. Pin it
A bowl of apple crisp featuring chopped apples topped with a crumbly streusel topping. | tastygusto.com

My Secret Tips

I've learned a few tricks over the years. Using different kinds of apples gives you the best flavor some tart some sweet. Always cook your filling first it makes such a difference. Keep everything cold while you're assembling your pie and bake it on a hot baking sheet or pizza stone the bottom crust turns out perfectly crispy every time.

No More Soggy Bottom

Nobody likes a soggy pie crust. My trick is keeping everything nice and cold before it goes in the oven. I always preheat my pizza stone too it helps cook the bottom evenly. Whatever you do don't put warm filling in your crust or all that butter will melt and ruin your day.

Choosing Your Apples

I love using a mix of apples in my pie. Granny Smiths give you that nice tartness Honeycrisps are just perfect for balance and Golden Delicious add sweetness. Skip the Red Delicious though they turn to mush in the oven. When you mix different apples you get this amazing depth of flavor in every bite.

Keeping Your Pie Fresh

Your pie will stay fresh for a couple days on the counter just cover it loosely with foil. Want to save it longer? You can freeze it either before or after baking. Just wrap it really well in plastic and foil it'll keep for about 3 months. When you're ready to eat it let it thaw in the fridge overnight.

A close-up of a slice of apple crumble dessert, showing a buttery, crumbly topping over soft, baked apple pieces. Pin it
A close-up of a slice of apple crumble dessert, showing a buttery, crumbly topping over soft, baked apple pieces. | tastygusto.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of apples work best for this pie?
A mix of apples gives the best flavor. The recipe recommends using Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious. This combination provides both tart and sweet notes with good texture.
→ Why do we need to cool the filling before baking?
Cooling the filling prevents the butter in the pie crust from melting before baking, which ensures a flaky crust. It also helps the filling set properly during baking.
→ Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, there are three methods: freeze components separately, freeze assembled unbaked pie, or freeze after baking. Each method works well when following the detailed freezing instructions provided.
→ Why wait 4 hours before cutting?
The waiting period allows the filling to set properly and prevents the crumb topping from getting soggy. Cutting too soon results in runny filling and compromised texture.
→ Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the cooled filling can be frozen in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Perfect for preparing ahead or having ready for other apple desserts.

Conclusion

This Dutch Apple Pie combines a flaky crust with tender spiced apples and a golden buttery crumb topping. With detailed steps for preparation and multiple methods for freezing, you'll get perfect results every time.

Dutch Apple Pie

A classic Dutch Apple Pie with flaky crust, spiced apple filling, and golden buttery crumb topping. Perfect for holidays or any special occasion.

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Cook Time
80 Minutes
Total Time
125 Minutes

Category: Desserts & Sweets

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (1 9-inch pie)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 homemade single pie crust.
02 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest.
03 2 tablespoons lemon juice.
04 5 pounds apples (before peeling/coring).
05 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed.
06 1/2 cup granulated sugar.
07 1/3 cup all-purpose flour.
08 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
09 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon.
10 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg.
11 1/2 teaspoon cardamom (optional).
12 1 teaspoon vanilla.
13 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (for crumble).
14 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for crumble).
15 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed (for crumble).
16 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (for crumble).
17 3/4 cup butter, melted.

Instructions

Step 01

Peel and slice 5 pounds of apples into 1/8 inch pieces. Mix with lemon zest and juice to prevent browning.

Step 02

Cook apples with sugars, flour, salt, and spices over medium heat for 20 minutes until tender but holding shape. Add vanilla and cool completely.

Step 03

Roll out pie dough, place in 9-inch pie dish, crimp edges. Chill for 30 minutes.

Step 04

Mix flour, sugars, and salt. Pour in melted butter and stir to form wet sandy mixture with clumps. Chill.

Step 05

Fill chilled crust with cooled apple mixture. Top with first layer of crumble.

Step 06

Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, reduce to 350°F for 10 minutes, add remaining crumble and bake 25-35 more minutes until golden.

Step 07

Cool completely on wire rack for 4 hours before slicing.

Notes

  1. Can be frozen before or after baking.
  2. Mix of apple varieties gives best flavor.
  3. Stores 2 days at room temperature, longer in fridge.

Tools You'll Need

  • 12 inch high sided skillet.
  • Microplane grater.
  • 9-inch pie pan.
  • Baking sheet or pizza stone.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 574
  • Total Fat: 19 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 101 g
  • Protein: 4 g