Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Few desserts capture the essence of comfort and nostalgia like a homemade Dutch apple pie. With its buttery, crumbly streusel topping and tender, spiced apple filling, this pie is a timeless favorite for gatherings, holidays, or simply a cozy weekend treat. Unlike a traditional apple pie, the Dutch version features a crumb topping that adds a delightful texture contrast to the soft, warm apples beneath.

This recipe focuses on fresh ingredients, easy techniques, and tips for achieving the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. From selecting the right apples to creating a golden, crunchy topping, every step is designed to help you bake a pie that feels both homemade and bakery-quality.

Why This Dutch Apple Pie Stands Out

Dutch apple pie is beloved for its unique combination of flavors and textures:

• Crunchy Streusel Topping: Made with butter, sugar, and flour for that signature crispness.

• Tender, Spiced Apple Filling: Balances sweetness with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg.

• Buttery, Flaky Crust: Provides a sturdy base that holds the filling beautifully.

• Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: Not overly sugary, letting the natural apple flavors shine.

• Versatile Serving Options: Delicious warm with ice cream or chilled as a dessert centerpiece.

Equipment You’ll Need

• 9-inch pie pan

• Mixing bowls (small and large)

• Cutting board and sharp knife

• Rolling pin

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Whisk or fork

• Baking sheet (optional, for catching spills)

• Oven

Ingredients for Dutch Apple Pie

For the Pie Crust

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 6–8 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling

• 6–7 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup light brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the Streusel Topping

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup light brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Timing & Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Prep Time: 40 minutes

• Cook Time: 50 minutes

• Servings: 8 slices

How to Make Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Step 1. Prepare the Pie Crust

A flaky, buttery crust is key to a great pie.

1. Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.

2. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until dough holds together.

4. Divide dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Expert Tip: Chilling the dough ensures a flaky, tender crust.

Step 2. Make the Apple Filling

Choosing the right apples gives your pie a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

1. Peel, core, and slice apples evenly.

2. Toss apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour.

3. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Pro Insight: Mix a combination of firm and slightly sweet apples for depth of flavor and texture.

Step 3. Prepare the Streusel Topping

The crumbly streusel gives the pie its iconic texture.

1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugars, and cinnamon.

2. Cut in cold butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.

3. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Tip: Keep the butter cold for the best crumbly texture.

Step 4. Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Roll out one disc of dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Press gently and trim edges.

3. Pour the apple filling into the crust evenly.

4. Sprinkle streusel topping generously over apples.

5. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until topping is golden and apples are tender.

Pro Insight: If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.

Step 5. Cool and Serve

Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This lets the filling set slightly for clean slices.

Tips for the Perfect Dutch Apple Pie

• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for flavor complexity.

• Keep butter cold for both crust and streusel for the best texture.

• Avoid overmixing dough; handle gently for flakiness.

• Let the pie rest before slicing to prevent the filling from oozing.

• Adjust cinnamon and nutmeg according to your preference for spiciness.

Variations You’ll Love

Caramel Drizzle: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the streusel before serving.

Nutty Crunch: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel topping for added texture.

Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust and streusel.

Serving Ideas

• Warm with vanilla ice cream for dessert

• Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for brunch

• Perfect for holiday dinners or potluck gatherings

Serving Suggestion

erve warm with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic dessert experience.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 380–420

• Protein: 3–4g

• Carbohydrates: 55–60g

• Fat: 18–20g

• Fiber: 3–4g

• Sugar: 28–32g

• Sodium: 140–180mg

If you’re in the mood for a homemade dessert, you might also enjoy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies, Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake, or Chai Spiced Pumpkin Cookies.

Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

This Dutch apple pie combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a buttery crust and crunchy streusel topping, making it an irresistible, homemade dessert for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 40 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8 people

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, dutch inspired

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

For the Pie Crust

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 6 –8 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling

• 6 –7 medium apples Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix, peeled, cored, and sliced
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the Streusel Topping

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Equipment

• 9-inch pie pan
• Mixing bowls (small and large)
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Rolling pin
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or fork
• Baking sheet (optional, for catching spills)
• Oven

Method

 

Prepare the Pie Crust

1. A flaky, buttery crust is key to a great pie.
2. Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
3. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until dough holds together.
5. Divide dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
6. Expert Tip: Chilling the dough ensures a flaky, tender crust.

Make the Apple Filling

1. Choosing the right apples gives your pie a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
2. Peel, core, and slice apples evenly.
3. Toss apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour.
4. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Pro Insight: Mix a combination of firm and slightly sweet apples for depth of flavor and texture.

Prepare the Streusel Topping

1. The crumbly streusel gives the pie its iconic texture.
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugars, and cinnamon.
3. Cut in cold butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
4. Refrigerate until ready to use.
5. Tip: Keep the butter cold for the best crumbly texture.

Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out one disc of dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Press gently and trim edges.
3. Pour the apple filling into the crust evenly.
4. Sprinkle streusel topping generously over apples.
5. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until topping is golden and apples are tender.
6. Pro Insight: If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.

Cool and Serve

1. Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This lets the filling set slightly for clean slices.
2. Serving Suggestion: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic dessert experience.

Conclusion

This homemade Dutch apple pie delivers everything a classic dessert should: tender, spiced apples, a buttery, flaky crust, and a sweet, crunchy streusel topping. It’s a dessert that combines nostalgia with culinary satisfaction, perfect for sharing with family and friends or indulging in a comforting treat. With easy-to-follow steps and practical tips, even home bakers can achieve a bakery-quality pie that impresses both in flavor and presentation.

Whether served warm or at room temperature, this Dutch apple pie is a timeless recipe that celebrates the joy of homemade baking.

Recipe FAQs

1- Can I make Dutch apple pie ahead of time? Ye

, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. Keep it covered at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

2- What type of apples work best?

Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix of sweet and tart apples ensure the filling holds its shape and flavor.

3- Can I freeze this pie?

Absolutely. Freeze the baked pie for up to 2 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

4- How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Use a thickening agent like flour or cornstarch in the filling and bake until the crust is golden.

5- Can I make a crumb topping without butter?

You can use coconut oil or margarine, but butter provides the best flavor and texture.

6- Is it possible to make this pie gluten-free?

Yes, substitute gluten-free flour in both the crust and streusel topping for a delicious gluten-free version.