When it comes to classic fall desserts, nothing hits the mark quite like a warm slice of Dutch Apple Pie. Unlike traditional apple pie, which features a top pastry crust, Dutch apple pie stands out with a buttery, crunchy streusel topping. It’s the perfect combination of tender spiced apples and a rich crumbly layer, all nestled inside a flaky pie crust.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday dinner, potluck, or just because you love pie, this version of apple pie offers deep flavor, gorgeous texture, and an irresistible sweet aroma. Let’s walk through everything you need to know to bake the perfect Dutch apple pie from scratch.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Crumb Topping Perfection – The brown sugar streusel topping adds a crunchy, buttery layer that pairs beautifully with baked apples.
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Easier Than a Double-Crust Pie – No need to fuss with rolling a top crust—just sprinkle and bake.
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Make-Ahead Friendly – Bake it a day in advance and reheat with no loss of flavor.
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Crowd-Pleaser – A surefire hit at holiday tables, family gatherings, or weekend baking adventures.
What is Dutch Apple Pie?
Dutch Apple Pie (also known as Apple Crumb Pie) is a single-crust pie filled with sliced apples, warm spices, and sugar, topped with a golden-brown streusel made of flour, butter, and brown sugar.
This pie is especially popular in the United States, where it’s often confused with its cousin, the French apple tart, or a traditional double-crust apple pie. The “Dutch” in the name refers to Pennsylvania Dutch (German immigrants), who popularized this streusel-topped version.
Ingredients List
For the Filling:
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6 cups apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced – use a mix of tart and sweet)
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
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¼ teaspoon salt
For the Streusel Topping:
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¾ cup all-purpose flour
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⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
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⅓ cup granulated sugar
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½ teaspoon cinnamon
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6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)
For the Crust:
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1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 25 minutes
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Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
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Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
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Servings: 8 slices
Step-by-Step Instructions for Dutch Apple Pie
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a rack in the center of the oven.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust
If using store-bought crust, fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Crimp or flute the edges. Chill in the fridge while preparing the filling.
Step 3: Make the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until the apples are well coated. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to draw out juices.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Spoon the apple mixture into the pie crust and spread evenly.
Step 5: Make the Streusel Topping
In another bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 6: Top the Pie
Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apples, covering them completely.
Step 7: Bake
Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake for 50–60 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Step 8: Cool
Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set properly.
Best Apples for Dutch Apple Pie
Use a mix of apples for the best flavor and texture:
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Tart Apples: Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Jonathan
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Sweet Apples: Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Golden Delicious
Combining tart and sweet apples ensures a balanced pie that’s not overly sugary or too sour.
Tips for Perfect Dutch Apple Pie
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Use cold butter for the streusel topping to keep it crumbly, not greasy.
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Blind bake the crust if you want a crisper base (optional but helpful for juicy fillings).
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Cover with foil if the topping browns too quickly before the apples soften.
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Let it rest after baking for clean slices and better texture.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Can You Make It in Advance?
Yes! Dutch apple pie can be baked 1–2 days in advance and stored covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
How to Store:
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Room Temperature: 1 day (loosely covered)
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Refrigerator: 3–4 days (wrapped tightly)
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Freezer: Freeze the whole baked pie for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 325°F for 15–20 minutes.
Dutch Apple Pie vs Classic Apple Pie
Feature Dutch Apple Pie Classic Apple Pie Top Layer Streusel crumb topping Pastry crust Texture Crunchy and buttery Flaky and sealed Sweetness Often slightly sweeter More balanced Prep Work Easier (no top crust) Requires rolling and shaping
Serving Suggestions
Dutch apple pie tastes amazing on its own, but these pairings elevate it:
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A scoop of vanilla ice cream (classic combination)
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A dollop of whipped cream
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A drizzle of caramel sauce
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A sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving
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Paired with coffee, tea, or mulled cider
Flavor Variations
1. Caramel Dutch Apple Pie
Add a layer of caramel sauce over the apples before adding the streusel.
2. Nutty Topping
Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel for extra crunch.
3. Apple-Pear Dutch Pie
Use half apples and half ripe pears for a softer, slightly floral pie.
4. Gluten-Free Option
Use a gluten-free crust and substitute gluten-free flour in the topping.
How to Reheat Dutch Apple Pie
You can reheat slices or the whole pie easily:
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Oven: Warm at 325°F (160°C) for 15 minutes for whole pie or 8–10 minutes for slices.
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Microwave: Heat individual slices for 30–45 seconds.
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Toaster Oven: Ideal for crisping the topping without overcooking the crust.
FAQs
Can I use canned apple pie filling?
You can, but fresh apples are highly recommended for texture and flavor. If using canned filling, reduce added sugar.
Why is my streusel topping sinking?
If the butter is too soft, the topping can melt instead of staying crumbly. Always use cold butter.
Can I make Dutch apple pie without a crust?
Yes, you can bake it crustless in a pie dish or baking pan as a Dutch apple crisp.
What if my pie is too watery?
Be sure to use firm apples and let them sit with sugar before baking. Adding a little extra flour or cornstarch helps absorb excess juice.
Conclusion
Dutch Apple Pie is one of those cozy desserts that always feels like home. The contrast of tart apples, warm spices, and sweet, buttery streusel topping makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dessert yet special enough for a holiday table.