The Best Dutch Apple Pie Recipe: All Butter Crust, Soft Apples, Crunchy Crumble | Easy Dutch Apple Pie Recipe
There’s something magnetic about the warm embrace of an apple pie, isn’t there? Picture this: on a crisp autumn afternoon, the golden leaves swirling around the garden, the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples wafting through your kitchen, and the laughter of family filling the air as the pie cools on the counter. This isn’t just any apple pie; it’s The Best Dutch Apple Pie—a delightful comfort dessert that satisfies your sweetest cravings.
Every bite of this pie gives you a lovely balance of tender apples, a flaky all-butter crust, and a crunchy crumb topping that brings joy to the heart. It’s the kind of cozy fall dessert that I keep returning to, not just because it’s delicious, but because of the memories it evokes of my grandmother’s kitchen, where love was the secret ingredient. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Family-Friendly: Perfect for baking together with loved ones, this easy Dutch apple pie recipe requires minimal prep and is accessible for all skill levels.
- Irresistibly Tasty: The combination of sweet and tart apples with warm spices creates a flavor profile that’s nothing short of magic.
- Versatile and Customizable: Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist, it’s a versatile dessert made to suit every taste.
- Makes Your Home Smell Heavenly: The warm spices and baking apples emanate a cozy scent, instantly making your kitchen feel like home.
- A Showstopper for Any Occasion: From holiday gatherings to casual weeknight dinners, this pie is the perfect centerpiece that delights everyone.
Gather These Simple Ingredients
To make The Best Dutch Apple Pie, you’ll need the following simple, wholesome ingredients:
For the All-Butter Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice-cold water
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 to 8 medium-sized apples (a mix of sweet and tart, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For the Crunchy Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Let’s Make It Together
Ready to whip up this cozy delight? Follow these simple steps for a warm and comforting treat!
Make the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and, using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough holds together without being sticky. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. In a mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch until evenly coated. Let it sit to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a large circle about 1/8 inch thick. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie pan, trimming any excess hanging over the edges.
Fill the Pie Crust: Spoon the apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.
Make the Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, flour, melted butter, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until crumbly, then sprinkle generously over the filled pie.
Bake: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool before slicing. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!
Delicious Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative with this cozy classic! Here are some delightful twists to make it your own:
- Nutty Crumble: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble for a delightful crunch.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate some orange or lemon zest in the apple filling for a zesty twist.
- Spiced Rum Raisins: Soak raisins in apple cider or non-alcoholic rum for added warmth and sweetness.
- Caramel Swirl: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding the crumble for a rich and indulgent flavor.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To ensure that your Dutch apple pie turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
- Make the Crust Ahead: You can prepare the pie crust a day in advance. Simply keep it wrapped in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
- Use a Mix of Apples: A combination of sweet and tart apples will give your pie the best flavor and texture.
- Prevent a Soggy Bottom: Pre-bake the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Store Leftovers Wisely: Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
Here’s a quick peek at the nutrition details per slice (1/8 of the pie):
- Calories: 370
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Sugar: 24g
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Prepare the pie up to a day in advance and bake just before serving.
Can I use different ingredients?
Of course! You can swap apples for pears or other fruits to create your version of the pie.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep any remaining pie wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How long does it last?
When stored properly, this pie can last in the fridge for about 3 days, or you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
A Cozy Closing Note
This Dutch apple pie has a special place in my heart—not just for its comforting flavors but because it invites moments of warmth, laughter, and family togetherness into our lives. Whether you savor it on a chilly autumn evening or bring it to a festive gathering, it’s bound to become a cherished favorite among your loved ones.
Save this The Best Dutch Apple Pie Recipe: All Butter Crust, Soft Apples, Crunchy Crumble | Easy Dutch Apple Pie Recipe, Homemade Apple Pie Recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy baking!
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The Best Dutch Apple Pie
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful comfort dessert featuring tender apples, a flaky all-butter crust, and a crunchy crumb topping.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice-cold water
- 6 to 8 medium-sized apples (a mix of sweet and tart, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Make the crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and, using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough holds together without being sticky. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. In a mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch until evenly coated. Let it sit to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
- Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a large circle about 1/8 inch thick. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie pan, trimming any excess hanging over the edges.
- Fill the pie crust: Spoon the apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.
- Make the crumble topping: In a separate bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, flour, melted butter, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until crumbly, then sprinkle generously over the filled pie.
- Bake: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Allow the pie to cool before slicing. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!
Notes
Make the crust ahead and use a mix of apples for the best flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
