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    Dutch Apple Pie

    Desserts September 9, 2023 | By Kristen Chidsey | 18 Comments | *This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe
    This is the very best recipe for Apple Pie! Made with a flaky pie crust, a combination of sweet and tart apples for a balanced apple pie filling, and a buttery streusel, this Dutch Apple Pie is everything you crave in apple pie.

    Made with a flaky pie crust, a combination of sweet and tart apples, and a buttery streusel topping, this Dutch Apple Pie is the VERY best version of homemade apple pie.

    Can't decide between classic apple pie and apple crisp for dessert? Don't settle! Instead, make Dutch Apple Pie and enjoy the best of both classic apple desserts.

    Slice of  Dutch Apple Pie on plate next to baked pie.


    What is Dutch Apple Pie?

    Dutch Apple Pie is very similar to a classic American apple pie, with one key difference. Instead of the apple pie filling being baked between two pie crusts, the top crust is replaced with a buttery streusel.

    And it is the buttery crumble topping that makes a Dutch Apple Pie the BEST apple pie ever, in my opinion.

    Why You Will Love Dutch Apple Pie

    • Easier to Prepare. One of the advantages of making a Dutch Apple Pie over a classic apple pie is that there is no need to mess with tedious latticework or perfectly crimping your pie crust. Instead, you just sprinkle the pie with an easy-to-make streusel, which gives this pie a beautiful presentation with minimal effort required.
    • Better Flavor and Texture. As the pie bakes, the butter from the streusel slightly melts into the apples, further flavoring the filling, while adding an outrageously amazing texture to the pie.
    • Two Desserts in One. Featuring a buttery pie crust, sweet apple pie filling, and a buttery streusel, this dessert features all the flavors you love and crave in both apple pie and apple crisp!

    Notes on Ingredients & Equipment

    Ingredients for Apple Pie labeled on counter.
    • Pie Crust: You need one 9-inch pie crust for this recipe. I use my recipe for homemade pie crust. My recipe makes 2 pie crusts, so you can either opt to prepare the full recipe and freeze half the dough to use in the future or cut the recipe in half. Alternatively, you can use a refrigerated pie dough sheet and shape as directed OR use a frozen 9-inch deep pie crust, and allow the crust to thaw for 15 minutes before proceeding with the recipe.
    • Apples: For the best apple pie filling, you want to use both Granny Smith and golden delicious apples. The granny smith apples are tart, while the golden delicious apples are sweet and the combination creates the most delicious, balanced apple pie filling. You really want to use both varieties of apples for the best pie.
    • Sugar: This recipe uses both granulated and brown sugar. Granulated sugar is the best choice for the apple pie filling as it will dissolve as it bakes. Brown sugar is the best sweetener for the streusel as it gives the crumble a nice caramel flavor.
    • Lemon Juice: Lemon juice will help to prevent the apples from browning and add a nice acidic balance to the sweet apple pie filling.
    • Flour: Use all-purpose flour for both the filling and streusel topping. The flour will help to thicken up the juices the apples release as they bake and bulk up the crumble topping.
    • Spices: Both cinnamon and nutmeg are used in both the filling and streusel. One thing I recommend is to grate whole nutmeg using a Microplane rather than using ground nutmeg. The flavor is really superior.
    • Butter: Use cold unsalted butter for the streusel. The cold butter will slowly melt into the flour and brown sugar as the pie bakes, allowing for a rich, buttery crumbly topping.
    • Pie Pan: This apple pie recipe is designed to be baked in a deep-dish 9-inch pie pan. You need that deep pan to give room for both the apple pie filling and streusel topping.

    Tips for Making the Best Dutch Apple Pie

    The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Tip #1: Chill the Pie Crust. Whether using store-bought or homemade pie dough, be sure it is fully chilled before rolling out the dough. This will help ensure your pie crust is flaky and light and that it will hold its shape. After shaping the pie crust, pop it into the freezer for 15 minutes, or refrigerate it for an hour, which will ensure the crust is thoroughly chilled.

    Apple Pie Crust in pie dish.

    Tip #2: Use two types of apples for the filling. Using both Granny Smith apples, which are tart, and golden delicious apples, which are sweet, ensures the apple pie filling is perfectly balanced and not overly sweet or overly tart.

    Tip #3: Evenly slice the apples. Make sure your apples are sliced evenly in ¼-inch thick slices, so the bake time is consistent and each and every apple slice becomes tender.

    Side by side photo of apple pie filling mixed in mixing bowl.

    Tip #4: Use chilled, cubed butter. It is best that your butter is cubed and chilled before preparing your streusel topping. That will ensure that the butter won't immediately melt into the other ingredients, causing the streusel to disappear into the pie.

    Side by side bowl with streusel before and after mixing.

    Tip #5: Use a slotted spoon to add apples to the pie crust. After chilling the pie crust and preparing the apple pie filling and streusel, spoon the apple mixture into the pie crust using a slotted spoon. If there is any excess liquid left in the bowl that the apples released while sitting, discard it. Adding it to the pie crust along with the apples could result in a soggy crust.

    Side by side photo of the apple pie before and after adding the crumb topping.

    Tip #6: Bake the pie on a rimmed baking sheet. Placing your assembled Dutch Apple pie on a rimmed baking sheet prior to placing it into the oven. This will help keep any juices from spilling into your oven while the pie is baking.

    Tip #7: Watch the pie closely towards the end of the bake time. I highly suggest checking on the pie crust after 35-40 minutes of bake time. If the crust or crumb begins to brown too quickly cover the pie loosely with foil.

    Baked Dutch Apple Pie next to granny smith apples.

    Serving Suggestions

    While it is tempting to slice the pie immediately, it is best to cool the baked Dutch Apple Pie until just slightly warm or to to room temperature, as this make slicing the pie easier and allow for beautiful slices.

    This Dutch Apple Pie is so delicious, that it needs no adornment. However, it is never a bad idea to serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce, dollop with whipped cream, or top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

    Storage and Reheating Instructions

    • Store at Room Temperature: Once the pie has been cooled thoroughly to room temperature, cover the pie plate tightly with a layer of plastic wrap or foil. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
    • Refrigerate: Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the leftover pie to an airtight container after the pie is fully cooled. Store the pie in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
    • Reheat: I highly recommend gently warming individual slices of apple pie before serving, as nothing compares to a slice of warm Dutch apple pie. To warm a slice of pie, place it onto a heat-safe plate and microwave for 20-30 seconds, until just warmed through.

    More Apple Recipes

    • Baked Apples
    • Apple Crisp
    • Apple Cinnamon Bread
    • Healthy Applesauce Muffins
    • Instant Pot Applesauce

    If you enjoyed this Dutch Apple Pie, please be sure to leave a comment and review.

    Slice of Dutch Apple Pie on White plate next to baked apple pie.

    Dutch Apple Pie

    Made with a flaky pie crust, a perfectly sweet apple pie filling, and a buttery streusel, this Dutch Apple Pie is everything you crave in apple pie.
    5 from 11 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour hour
    Chill: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 2 hours hours
    Servings: 10
    Calories: 338kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    For the Pie:

    • 1 9-inch pie crust

    For the Apple Filling:

    • 4 cups golden delicious apples peeled, cored, and sliced into ¼ inch thick slices (about 4 small apples)
    • 4 cups granny smith apples peeled, cored, and sliced into ¼ inch thick slices (about 4 small apples)
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh is best
    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
    • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ⅛ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt

    For the Crumb Topping:

    • ½ cup light brown sugar
    • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
    • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
    • ½ cup cold butter cubed
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and position an oven rack to be in the bottom third of the oven.
    • Roll out the pie dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a 9-inch pie plate and fold under the overhanging crust so that the edge is even. Flute the edges if desired.
    • Place the pie crust into the freezer for 15 minutes, or refrigerate for an hour, to chill the crust thoroughly.
    • In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, lemon juice, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the flour, spices, and sugar evenly coat the apples. Set aside to prepare the crumb topping.
    • In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg together until evenly mixed. Add in the cold butter and use your fingers to mix the mixture together, until crumbs form and the butter is well distributed through the flour and sugar.
    • Remove the pie crust from the freezer or the refrigerator and spoon the apple mixture into the pie crust. If there is excess liquid the apples released while sitting, discard that liquid. Adding it to the pie crust could result in a soggy crust. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly on the apple mixture.
    • Place the assembled pie on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any liquid that may bubble up while baking. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the crumb topping is golden. Check on the pie after 35-40 minutes of bake time. If the crust or crumb begins to brown too quickly cover the pie loosely with foil and continue to bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the apples are fork-tender.
    • Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature before slicing and serving.

    Equipment Needed

    • 9-inch pie pan

    Notes

    Pie Crust: I highly recommend using my recipe for homemade pie crust. If you do opt for a store-bought crust, use a refrigerated pie dough sheet and shape as directed OR use a frozen 9-inch deep pie crust, and allow the crust to thaw for 15 minutes before proceeding with the recipe.
    Nutmeg: I always recommend using a Microplane and freshly grating nutmeg versus grated nutmeg. The flavor is superior. 
    Apples: This pie calls for a total of 8 cups of apples. 4 cups of Granny Smith apples and 4 cups of Golden Delicious. 
    Pie Plate: This apple pie recipe is designed to be baked in a deep-dish 9-inch pie dish. That will give room for the apple pie filling and streusel topping.
    Storage: Dutch Apple Pie can be stored in an airtight container for 2 days at room temperature or up to 5 days if stored in the refrigerator. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 338kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 184mg | Potassium: 157mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 338IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!
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    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

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    1. Melissa

      September 01, 2022 at 6:19 am

      5 stars
      Such a yummy recipe - I use your recipe often it is my sons favorite!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 01, 2022 at 6:53 am

        I love hearing this is your son's favorite 🙂

        Reply
    2. Jessica

      August 26, 2022 at 11:05 am

      5 stars
      I have never been good at making apple pies but I decided to give it another try because this one just looked so good. I'm so thankful that I did because it was fantastic. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 26, 2022 at 3:44 pm

        I love hearing this Jessica! For me, the streusel topping makes this pie so much easier to make.

        Reply
    3. Erin

      August 25, 2022 at 2:53 pm

      5 stars
      I'm not a fan of too much crust, so this recipe is perfect for me. Plus, it's tastes incredible!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 25, 2022 at 2:55 pm

        Thanks Erin! I am team crumble too! Just enough crust.

        Reply
    4. Kristyn

      February 25, 2022 at 5:12 pm

      5 stars
      Love the cozy, comforting flavors & layers of apples! Such a delicious dessert!

      Reply
    5. Judy Hazel

      November 07, 2021 at 6:09 pm

      Hi Kristen,
      I'm questioning the amount of apples called for in your Dutch Apple Pie. 4 small apples doesn't yield 4 cups of sliced apples. If I'm reading the recipe correctly, it's asking for 8 cups of apples total for a 9" pie? Thanks for clarification!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        November 08, 2021 at 6:38 am

        Hi Judy! The recipe calls for 4 golden delicious apples AND 4 granny smith, so that would be about 8 cups of apples total. And the # of apples is approximate, but ultimately you need 8 cups of sliced apples. I hope that helps. Some apples will yield a full cup of sliced apples.

        Reply
    6. Carmela Johanson

      October 31, 2021 at 1:05 pm

      This pie is AMAZING!!! Can I freeze it? My apple tree is bursting!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        October 31, 2021 at 3:29 pm

        I am so happy you enjoyed the pie. Yes, you can freeze the pie once baked, as long as you use a pan suitable for freezing (some glass pans can break when frozen.) I would place the cooled pie on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then wrap in foil and place in airtight freezer bag. Freeze for 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before using. Once defrosted warm the pie in the oven at 325 degrees or by the slice in the microwave.

        Reply
    7. Natasha

      September 28, 2021 at 10:54 am

      5 stars
      Everyone raved about how good this dutch apple pie was.This will certainly be my new go-to-recipe.

      Reply
    8. Kara

      September 24, 2021 at 12:20 pm

      5 stars
      We loved this so much better than apple pie with a double crust! Topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it is simply divine!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 24, 2021 at 1:39 pm

        Thanks for sharing Kara! I love the crisp topping myself. Adds so much texture to the pie.

        Reply
    9. Lisalia

      September 24, 2021 at 11:45 am

      5 stars
      So so yummy! And thank you for the crumble topping idea. I am not so good at making a pretty pie crust on top.. this was easy and SO SO yummy! Thanks for this perfect fall recipe!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 24, 2021 at 1:40 pm

        I am RIGHT there with you!!! I don't have the patience for a perfect pie crust. This solves the problem.

        Reply
    10. Lynda

      September 19, 2021 at 11:38 am

      5 stars
      Oh my goodness!! That was amazing! I used all Granny Smith as the store didn’t have golden delicious and it was yummy! The spices & sweetness was just right. Being British my husband wanted custard with it and it was a real treat!
      Thank you Kristen!!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 19, 2021 at 5:10 pm

        You are so welcome Lynda! Thank you for sharing!

        Reply

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    This is the very best recipe for Apple Pie! Made with a flaky pie crust, a combination of sweet and tart apples for a balanced apple pie filling, and a buttery streusel, this Dutch Apple Pie is everything you crave in apple pie.

    Meet a Mind "Full" Mom

    A Picture of A Mind"Full"Mom

    Hi! I'm Kristen. I want to welcome you into my kitchen and my REAL, imperfect life. Let me share with you tips and tricks to help you make healthy eating a reality for your family in the chaos of life and on the constraints of a budget. Read more

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    This is the very best recipe for Apple Pie! Made with a flaky pie crust, a combination of sweet and tart apples for a balanced apple pie filling, and a buttery streusel, this Dutch Apple Pie is everything you crave in apple pie.

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