This homemade Dutch Apple Pie is a showstopping holiday-worthy dessert. It is everything you love about Classic Apple Pie with a buttery crumb topping.
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We love apple recipes from Apple Turnovers to Baked Apples. There is nothing like the sweet smell of homemade apple desserts. If you are a fan of apples, this Dutch Apple Pie Recipe is a must-try! Watch the video tutorial and you will master this pie in no time.
Dutch Apple Pie Video Tutorial:
I hope you enjoyed our quick apple slicing tip in the video. It really does make prepping apples super fast and fun.
If you enjoyed this video for Apple Pie, please (P.S. Click the BELL icon so you can be the first to know when we post a new video).
What is a Dutch Apple Pie?
Dutch Apple Pie is essentially a crumb topped apple pie. We use a traditional butter crust to line the pie plate, fill with apples like you would for classic Apple Pie, and top with a buttery crumb-pecan topping.
The Best Apples for Baking:
We highly recommend using Granny Smith Apples for most apple desserts. The contrast of the tangy apples with the sweetness of the filling is irresistible. While Granny Smith works best, you can substitute. Be sure to use a crisp/tart apple that is not overly ripe.
If you are using sweeter apples, I suggest squeezing some fresh lemon juice over your apple slices to balance the sweetness and cutting down on the sugar in the filling. You can Substitute with: Jonagold, Braeburn, Pink Lady, or Honey Crisp.
How To Slice Apples: You can peel, core, and slice the apples by hand with a knife, but the fastest and easiest way is to use an Apple Slicer. It does all of the prep in one step. Watch the video tutorial above to see this in action.
How to Make Apple Crumb Pie:
A Dutch apple pie sounds fancy but the process is simple and you will impress everyone with your stunning pie.
- Make the Crust – roll a chilled pie disk and transfer it to a pie pan.
- Prep Apples – Peel, core and slice the apples. Toss with cinnamon.
- Make the Filling – in a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour then add sugar, and water. Stir sauce into sliced apples.
- Make Crumb Topping – using your hands, form pea-sized crumbles from flour, brown and granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, and butter then add pecans.
- Assemble and Bake – pour the apple filling over the bottom crust, smooth out the top and cover with crumb topping. Bake at 375˚F for 55 minutes.
How to Make a Crumb Topping:
A crumb topping is simple to make and all you need are your hands to form the crumbs. Mix dry ingredients together, then work softened butter into the flour until well incorporated and coarse crumbs form, then fold in the pecans.
How to Transfer a Pie Crust:
The easiest way to transfer a pie crust is to wrap it around your rolling pin and then unroll it into your pie pan. Watch the video tutorial to see this process in action.
Common Questions:
Absolutely! If the only thing stopping you from making this is the homemade pie crust, then buy a pre-made crust. If the crust is frozen, thaw according to package instructions and proceed with the recipe as usual.
You can leave out the pecans or replace them with chopped walnuts, sliced or slivered almonds.
The pie is done when you see bubbling juices at the edges coming through the topping. You can also check with an instant-read thermometer. Pectin breaks down and softens the apples at 175˚ so you want your pie filling to reach 175˚F.
For the apples to cook through evenly, cut your apples slices 1/4″ thick.
This recipe has a generous amount of filling so we recommend a deep-dish pie pan.
How to Serve Dutch Apple Pie:
Dutch apple pie is a show-stopping holiday dessert. If you want to make it even more decadent, serve it with:
- Vanilla Ice Cream – scooped over each slice
- Caramel Sauce – drizzled over the pie
- Whipped Cream – lightly sweetened
Make-Ahead Tips:
We love to make and serve the pie the same day it is made but you can pre-make portions of the pie or even bake the entire apple pie with crumb topping ahead.
- Pie Crust – The homemade pie dough can be made 2 days ahead and refrigerated until ready to use. You can even mold it in the pie pan ahead, cover, and refrigerate a day ahead.
- Crumble Topping – you can make the topping a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Storing the Finished Pie – the pie can be baked, cooled, and refrigerated a day ahead. Bring the pie to room temperature or slightly warm it in the oven before serving.
Everything about this Dutch Apple Pie is good, from the flaky pastry dough to the warm gooey apple filling and crisp buttery pecan topping.
More Holiday Desserts:
If you love this Dutch Apple Pie recipe then you won’t want to miss these holiday desserts. These are the fan-favorites that are most popular for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.
- Pumpkin Cake – with an irresistible frosting
- Tiramisu – a no-bake, timeless Italian cake
- Tres Leches Cake – can be decorated for any holiday
- Baklava – with excellent lemon-honey syrup
- Banana Bread – our most famous banana bread
- Pumpin Cheesecake – easy and stunning dessert
Dutch Apple Pie Recipe (Apple Crumb Pie)
Ingredients
For the Dutch Apple Pie:
- 1 pie crust , (1/2 of our pie dough recipe)
- 2 1/4 lbs granny smith apples, 6 medium apples
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375˚F with a rack on the bottom and a rack in the center of the oven.
- Roll out your chilled pie dough on a lightly floured surface to a 12” diameter circle. Transfer to a 9” pie pan. Tuck excess pie dough into the dish and crimp the edges.
- Peel, core, and thinly slice apples to about 1/4” thickness. You should have 7 cups of sliced apples. Place them in a mixing bowl and stir in 1 tsp cinnamon.
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 3 Tbsp flour then simmer for 1 minute, whisking constantly. Whisk in 1/4 cup water, 1 cup sugar and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and continue simmering for 3 minutes, whisking frequently then remove from heat. Pour the sauce over the apples and stir to coat the apple slices. Pour apples over bottom crust.
- To Make the Crumb Topping, stir together dry ingredients: flour, sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Add butter and work it into the mixture with our hands until pea-size crumbs form throughout the mixture. Stir in pecans. Spread the crumb topping evenly over your apples
- Bake uncovered at 375˚F for 50-60 minutes (we found 55 minutes to be perfect), or until the center of the pie registers 175˚F. Place a sheet of foil on the bottom rack to catch any drips from the pie. If topping is browning too much, cover with a sheet of foil. Remove from oven and cool 1 hour to allow the filling to set so it’s easier to slice.
Looks and sounds delicious and looking forward to making this for an upcoming family gathering. I plan to use your pie crust recipe, what thickness should I roll the crust to? Thank you.
Hi Kim. I didn’t actually measure it, but it should be about 1/8” thick. However thick it needs to be in order for you to get a 12” diameter circle.
This was the BEST apple pie that I ever made! It was easy to make. Peeling all the apples took some time but made it so worth the effort when all my friends at a dinner party raved about the pie. There was quite a discussion about who was getting the last piece for a snack the following day lol!
I’m so happy it was a hit, Tamie!
Hi Natasha, I made this pie today and it was delicious! I used a bag of apples from a local farm that was a mixture of different kinds. There were the most beautiful red apples that were pink inside that remained pink throughout the cooking process and a couple of very tart granny Smith, which balanced out the sweetness. Also, I think next time I will use a little bit more flour as it was a little running. Thank you for sharing this great recipe. I will definitely make it again.
The crumble topping wasn’t crumbling for some reason and I tried it twice any idea why?? Overall super easy to follow currently in the oven smelling delicious I just did it regular pie style since the crumbs weren’t turning out
Hi Char! Common reasons are either using butter that is too warm, or overworking the crumble.
I like to freeze my pies and bake later when ready to eat. Do you think I could do that with this one?
Hi Elizabeth, that will work. Generally, baking it from a frozen state is recommended. Thawing it can lead to soggy pie.
Dutch Apple pie looks so very good, will be trying soon. Thank you Natasha!!!
The crust is great, The apple mix and the crumb topping is just what my family loves The first time I made it they fell in love with it
That’s wonderful, Stefanie!
Hi Natasha,
Do you think you could use walnuts instead of pecans in the recipe? I only have walnuts on hand.
Hi Christy, you sure can. I address that under our “Common questions – Can I substitute the pecans?” section of the recipe post. I hope this is helpful.
My pie was picture perfect. The butter crust was easy to make. It baked in 55 minutes.,The pie however was too sweet for me even using granny smith apples. I also thought the apples were a bit mushy. Next time I will reduce the sugar in the filling, add a touch of lemon juice and cut the apples larger.
This Dutch Apple pie recipe is absolutely amazing! As a former pastry chef, I’ve tried a lot of them and this is the best! I did use part, Red Delicious apples, and Granny Smith apples.
Wow! Thank you so much for your awesome review and comment! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe.
Just popped this in the oven! It was super easy, we will see how it tastes!
Hi Natasha,
This recipe looks yummy!
I’m just wondering if I can use other types of apples to use up what I have on hand. I have some Courtland apples that need using. Appreciate your feedback. Thank you.
Hi Michelle, I haven’t tried those type of apples to recommend. You can check this section in the recipe “The Best Apples for Baking”
This was the best dutch apple pie ever. Made without pecans and cut the sugar by 1/2 since 1 cup seemed excessive. Also used 1 less apple as purchased pie crust was not deep dish. Amazing, will definitely make again.
Awesome! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Hi Natasha,
made the pie right now, it’s in the oven. Your recipe is super easy and your presentation was clear, great and lots of fun. I will be looking for more recipes – as soon as this one comes out of the oven 🙂 Thank you!
Thank you! I hope you’ll love all the recipes that you will try from us.
I made a pie for my husbands co-workers. They absolutely devoured it and said it was so good! This was the first pie I’ve ever made. Thank you
I’m so glad it was a hit, Stephanie!
This pie was so good ! Easy to follow directions. This is now a family favorite. Thank you
So glad to hear that, Cheryl!