If you’re craving a pie that combines the warm comfort of cinnamon-spiced apples with a buttery, crumbly crust, this Dutch Apple Pie Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This classic dessert showcases tender, tart apple slices enveloped in a perfect balance of sweet and spice, all topped with a satisfyingly golden streusel. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or treating yourself on a quiet evening, this pie brings that irresistible homemade charm that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together to build a pie full of texture and flavor that feels like a warm hug. Each element plays a vital role—from the cold butter creating that flaky crust to the tart apples bursting with juicy goodness, and the cinnamon-spiked topping adding just the right touch of sweetness and crunch.
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour (150 grams): The base for your flaky pie crust, providing structure and texture.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (4 grams): Just a touch to add subtle sweetness to the crust dough.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (57 grams, cold and cubed): Vital for creating tender, flaky layers in the crust.
- ¼ cup vegetable shortening (46 grams, cold and cubed): Helps maintain crispness and holds the crust together beautifully.
- ¼ cup ice water (57 grams): Brings the dough together without warming the fats, crucial for flakiness.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 grams): Used for the streusel topping, giving it a crumbly texture.
- ⅔ cup packed brown sugar (138 grams): Adds rich, caramel-like sweetness to the topping.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses that classic, cozy spice note in both filling and topping.
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt: Highlights the flavors without overpowering them.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (113 grams, cold and cubed): Creates the delightful crumbly texture in the streusel topping.
- 6 large apples (8 cups sliced, peeled, and cored): The star ingredient—choose tart varieties like Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture.
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams): Sweetens the apple filling just right.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (30 grams): Helps thicken the apple mixture so the filling sets beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (14 grams): Keeps the apples bright and adds a hint of tang.
How to Make Dutch Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by mixing the 1¼ cups of flour, granulated sugar, and salt together in a large bowl. Incorporate the cold butter and vegetable shortening using a pastry cutter or your fingers, working quickly until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the ice water tablespoon by tablespoon, just until the dough begins to hold together. Form it into a ball, flatten into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is key to ensuring a flaky, tender crust that holds its shape during baking.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
While the dough chills, toss your peeled and sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and toss gently to evenly coat every slice. This classic filling imparts just the right balance of sweetness, a little tartness, and a silky, spiced texture that bursts with every bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Streusel Topping
To create the crumbly streusel topping, blend the 1 cup of flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Add the cold butter cubes and use a fork or pastry cutter to work the mixture into coarse crumbs. The cold butter melts in the oven, leaving behind irresistible pockets of buttery crumbs that contrast perfectly with the tender apples beneath.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake Your Dutch Apple Pie Recipe
Roll out your chilled dough on a lightly floured surface and gently transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it into the corners. Pour in the apple filling, then sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 60 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crisp and the filling is bubbling. Let it cool so the filling can set before slicing. There it is—your homemade Dutch Apple Pie Recipe is ready to wow!
How to Serve Dutch Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra delicious touch, serve your Dutch Apple Pie Recipe with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy coolness perfectly balances the warm spices in the pie and makes every forkful feel like a celebration. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also elevate the flavor and presentation with ease.
Side Dishes
This pie shines beautifully on its own, but pairing it with a cup of hot coffee or a spiced chai tea creates a comforting autumnal experience. If you want to serve it alongside a meal, think about a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cleanse the palate or roasted nuts for a crunchy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Dutch Apple Pie Recipe into an eye-catching centerpiece by using mini pie dishes for individual servings. You can also sprinkle toasted nuts or add a lattice crust beneath the streusel for an elegant twist. Serving warm slices on rustic wooden boards garnished with fresh apple slices brings a cozy, homemade charm to any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your Dutch Apple Pie Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days, maintaining the perfect balance between tender filling and crisp topping.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked pie wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to two months. Bake straight from the freezer by adding extra baking time, ensuring your Dutch Apple Pie Recipe is ready whenever a craving strikes with no fuss.
Reheating
Warm leftover slices gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes to revive the crispness of the streusel and soften the filling. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the crust soggy. A warm slice served right out of the oven is simply irresistible!
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this Dutch Apple Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith are classic for this pie, mixing in sweeter varieties such as Honeycrisp or Fuji adds a lovely balance of flavor and texture. Just make sure to keep about 8 cups of sliced apples total.
Is it okay to substitute butter for all the shortening in the crust?
Yes, you can replace the vegetable shortening with butter if you prefer, but shortening helps keep the crust extra flaky and tender. Using all butter will give a richer flavor but might result in a slightly less crispy crust.
How can I prevent my crust from getting soggy?
Chilling your dough thoroughly and baking the pie on a lower oven rack helps avoid sogginess. You can also blind bake the crust for a few minutes before adding the filling, which creates a barrier to keep the crust crisp.
Can I make the Dutch Apple Pie Recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a high-quality dairy-free margarine or coconut oil in the crust and topping. The flavor might be slightly different but still delicious and close to the original.
How long should the pie cool before slicing?
Ideally, let the pie cool at room temperature for at least two hours. This resting time allows the apple filling to thicken and set, making neat slices that hold their shape beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about crafting a Dutch Apple Pie Recipe from scratch; it’s the kind of baking that fills your home with warmth and invites everyone to grow a little closer over shared slices. I hope this recipe inspires you to bring a slice of cozy comfort to your table and enjoy the simple joy of homemade pie!
Print
Dutch Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (8 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Dutch Apple Pie recipe features a buttery, flaky crust topped with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and a sweet, crumbly streusel topping. Perfectly balanced with a hint of lemon juice to brighten the apple filling, this pie is a comforting dessert ideal for fall or any time you crave a homemade apple treat.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour (150 grams)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (4 grams)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (57 grams, cold and cut into small cubes, ½ stick)
- ¼ cup vegetable shortening (46 grams, cold and cut into cubes, ¼ stick)
- ¼ cup ice water (57 grams)
For the Streusel Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 grams)
- ⅔ cup packed brown sugar (138 grams)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (113 grams, cold and cut into small cubes, 1 stick)
For the Apple Filling
- 6 large apples (sliced, cored, and peeled, about 8 cups)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (30 grams)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (14 grams)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust: In a large bowl, combine 1¼ cups flour, 1 teaspoon sugar, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Cut in the cold butter and vegetable shortening using a pastry blender or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, tossing with a fork until the dough holds together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the Streusel Topping: In another bowl, mix 1 cup flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture becomes crumbly and pea-sized. Set aside in the refrigerator to maintain its cold temperature.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, ¼ cup flour, and lemon juice until well coated. This mixture will add sweetness and help thicken the filling during baking.
- Assemble and Bake the Pie: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled pie dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the apples. Bake the pie for about 60 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling. If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning. Let the pie cool before serving to allow the filling to set.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or a mix with sweeter varieties for balanced flavor.
- Keeping the butter and shortening cold is critical for a flaky crust and crumbly topping.
- Chilling the dough before baking prevents shrinkage and makes handling easier.
- If the topping browns too fast, cover with foil halfway through baking.
- Allow the pie to cool completely for about 2 hours before slicing to ensure the filling is set.
