Dutch Apple Pie Recipe - With Buttery Crumb Topping - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (2024)

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posted by Liz Berg

on January 26, 2020 (updated 10/24/23)

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A crumb topping makes this Dutch Apple Pie so easy to make. Full of sweet, autumnal spiced apples, this Homemade Apple Pie is destined to become a favorite!

Though the focus on apple desserts tends to be in autumn, they’re magnificent all year long! And who doesn’t love a slice of warm apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? This streusel topping on this Apple Crumb Pie makes this a must-make treat for any season!

Dutch Apple Pie Recipe - With Buttery Crumb Topping - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (1)

Table of Contents hide

1 Why You’ll Love This Pie

2 Ingredient Notes

3 How to Make

4 Expert Tips

5 Frequently Asked Questions:

6 You May Also Like:

7 Dutch Apple Pie Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Pie

  • There’s no top pastry crust to roll and crimp!
  • The crumb topping is simple to make and delicious.
  • It’s the perfect way to celebrate apple season!
Dutch Apple Pie Recipe - With Buttery Crumb Topping - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (2)

Ingredient Notes

  • Kitchen Staples – Sugar, Flour, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon
  • Butter – Cool, not cold
  • Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed
  • Nutmeg – May use ground nutmeg from the market, but I like freshly ground
  • Baking Apples – I like to pair two apples like Granny Smith and Golden Delicious. See FAQs below for more great pie apples.
  • Pastry Dough – One layer homemade or storebought

How to Make

Dutch Apple Pie Recipe - With Buttery Crumb Topping - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (3)
Dutch Apple Pie Recipe - With Buttery Crumb Topping - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (4)
Dutch Apple Pie Recipe - With Buttery Crumb Topping - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (5)
Dutch Apple Pie Recipe - With Buttery Crumb Topping - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (6)
Dutch Apple Pie Recipe - With Buttery Crumb Topping - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (7)
Dutch Apple Pie Recipe - With Buttery Crumb Topping - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (8)

Expert Tips

  • Two or more varieties of apples will give your pie a delicious depth of flavor.
  • If using a top crust, precook the apples so there’s no space between the top crust and filling from shrinking apples.
  • Bake on a lower shelf so the bottom crust cooks enough and doesn’t get soggy.
  • Watch the crust and cover the edges with foil if they start to get too brown before the apples are cooked.
  • To test the pie for doneness, watch for the juices to bubble and/or pierce a few of the apples to check if they’re tender.
  • If the filling doesn’t get hot enough to bubble, the juices won’t thicken.
  • Cool the pie before slicing so the juice has time to set up.
Dutch Apple Pie Recipe - With Buttery Crumb Topping - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (9)

Frequently Asked Questions:

What Is a Dutch Apple Pie?

A Dutch Apple Pie recipe typically refers to an apple pie topped with a crumble topping.I found no history of this dessert having a connection to the Netherlands, though. Instead, it looks like the Pennsylvania Dutch settlers were influenced by both German and French, not the Dutch. Flaky crusted pies were topped with crumbles, which often contained walnuts.
But a kind reader of my blog, who lives in Amsterdam, brought this perspective: In Holland, we have “Appel Kruimel Taart”, which translates to “Apple Crumb Pie”. He said it’s been around for hundreds of years. I stand corrected!

What Apples Are Best for Apple Pie?

The tastiest apple pies are made with a variety of baking apples. This ensures that your homemade apple pie has a depth of flavor, a combination of textures, and a balance of sweetness and tartness. My go-to selection is a couple each of Granny Smiths, Golden Delicious, and Jonathans. Honeycrisp apples work well, too. Though, when I got a shipment of Northern Spys from Michigan, those alone made the best-tasting pie ever—so if you have access to a spectacular pie apple, it’s just fine to go for a solo variety. Otherwise, a nice mixture is your best bet.

How Long Do You Bake an Apple Pie?

Different apples soften at different rates in the oven. I will use a sharp knife to check 3 or 4 apples to make sure they’re soft before pulling the pie out of the oven. If you need to add more time and are worried about your crust getting too dark, just cover the perimeter with aluminum foil or a pie crust shield. If the streusel topping of this apple crumb pie is browning too fast, cover the whole top of the pie with foil.

How Do You Store an Apple Pie?

You can store an apple pie at room temperature for up to 2 days. In a humid climate, you must watch the crumb topping for signs of spoiling. After two days, you can store your homemade apple pie in the refrigerator for up to 2 more days, lightly covered. If you still have leftovers after 4 days, consider freezing the rest. Wrap well in plastic, then aluminum foil and freeze up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator, then reheat slices in a 300º oven until warm.

Dutch Apple Pie Recipe - With Buttery Crumb Topping - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (10)

You May Also Like:

Pumpkin and apple are my go-to flavors once autumn rolls around. Besides this apple crumb pie, here are a few more of my favorite fall dessert recipes.

  • Pumpkin Cheesecake with Butterscotch Drizzle from Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
  • Apple Galette
  • Best Apple Pie – a fabulous classic double-crust apple pie
  • Leaf Topped Apple Pie – Cut-out leaves make up the top crust for a fun twist!
  • Cream Cheese Filled Apple Cake – a surprise ribbon of cream cheese makes this a wonderful autumn cake.
  • More of the Best Dessert Recipes
  • More Pie Recipes

Stay in touch through social media@Instagram,Facebook, andPinterest. Don’t forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes! And if you love the results, please give it a 5-star rating in the recipe card.

Dutch Apple Pie Recipe - With Buttery Crumb Topping - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (11)

The Recipe:

Dutch Apple Pie Recipe

Prep Time30 minutes

Cook Time50 minutes

Total Time1 hour 20 minutes

Yield8 servings

A delectable apple pie topped with streusel.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds baking apples (use different types like Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Jonathon), peeled and cut into slices
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • A few gratings of fresh nutmeg
  • Pastry dough for 1 layer pie crust (your favorite recipe or pre-made crust)
  • 1 cup flour
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 6 tablespoons butter, cool, not cold

Instructions

  1. Roll out pie dough and fit into a 9-inch pie plate. Place in refrigerator while preparing the filling.
  2. Preheat oven to 400º.
  3. Toss apple slices with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside, stirring once or twice to help dissolve sugar.
  4. In a medium bowl, using two knives or a pastry blender, cut butter into flour and sugars. Then pinch with fingers till large crumbs form.
  5. Take the crust out of the refrigerator and fill it with apples.
  6. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the top of the apples.
  7. Bake for 40 minutes then reduce to 350º for 50 minutes or till filling is bubbling and apples are tender. Cover the crust with foil if browning too quickly.
  8. Cool before slicing. Serve with vanilla ice cream if desired.

Notes

If you're not sure if your apples are fully cooked, pierce a few with a sharp knife. If they're soft, your pie is done.

Helpful Tools (As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases).

French Rolling Pin

Pastry Blender

Ceramic Pie Plate

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1 slice

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 629Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 316mgCarbohydrates: 102gFiber: 6gSugar: 57gProtein: 5g

HOW MUCH DID YOU LOVE THIS RECIPE?

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Note: This post may contain affiliate links; view my Disclosure Policy for details. I earn a small percentage from any purchase you make by clicking on these links at no extra cost to you.

Desserts Fall Pies Popular Thanksgiving

posted by Liz Berg on January 26, 2020
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    51 Comments on “Dutch Apple Pie”

  1. Jimmy Reply

    Where is the crumble part of the recipe?

    • Liz Berg Reply

      Hi, Jimmy, it’s the last 4 ingredients listed in the recipe and what to do with them is in the steps. Let me know if you still need clarification.

  2. Sandra Garth Reply

    Even though apple pie is a traditional autumn dessert we would dive into this with no shame at all. That scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it way over the top and I love it!

  3. mary anderson Reply

    v==I can’t believe my kids wouldn’t be all over this! But more for mommy then hehehe. my mouth is watering I found that to be very amusing! Does look fabulous. Happy Valentine’s Day

  4. janet wappel Reply

    Just double checking the baking time – 40 minutes at 400, then 50 minutes at 350? Thank you!

    • Liz Berg Reply

      Hi, Janet, yes, the times and temps are correct. It “may” be done early depending on the kind of apples you use. Just have some foil available to cover if the topping or crust starts getting too brown the last half hour or so and the filling still needs more time. Hope you enjoy!

  5. Katherine | Love In My Oven Reply

    Baking with apples is always the best! So cozy, sweet and delicious. I would have loved a big slice of this after Sunday supper!

  6. Paul Reply

    Apple pies never fail to make our mouth water. Thank you for sharing this recipe.

  7. Rosella Reply

    Your apple pie looks delicious!!! The recipe is very similar to my mom’s. The only thing she added was several tablespoons of cream drizzled over the top of the crumbs before baking. Now I’m so hungry for a good apple pie!

  8. Claudia Lamascolo Reply

    oh I have made your recipe several times and forgot about this, I must make it this weekend again its fabulous!

  9. Johnathan Shrieker Reply

    I mad this the last two years for Thanksgiving and I am making it again this year, as per my kids request 🙂

  10. Jennifer Farley Reply

    Mmmm! I love that crumbly topping!

  11. Jennifer Blake Reply

    My husband’s favorite dessert is anything with apples. He’s even excited when I make simple cinnamon apples as a side with pork or ham. This is his perfect meal ender!

  12. Claudia Lamascolo Reply

    this is delicious looking I just love a good apple pie with ice cream!

  13. jadwal bola Di tv Reply

    Now I am going to do my breakfast, after having my breakfast coming over again to read more news.

  14. Sandra Reply

    I have yet to find anyone that doesn’t like a streusel topping. I’m a huge fan and so happy that this pie only calls for one pie crust. Just one still gives me the willies but I think I can handle it if this is the reward!

  15. Sue Lau Reply

    Fabulous looking pie!

  16. Sarah Reply

    It’s fully, we always called this “grandma’s appple pie” because she never did a top crust, unlike my mom. Only now do I know it has a real name!! Delicious!

  17. Lauren @ Sew You Think You Can Cook Reply

    That topping just might win me over!

  18. Stacy Reply

    I have a very good friend who is Dutch and I always asked her to make her apple pie when there was a function we were both invited to, back when we lived in the same city. So full of apple goodness and that crumble! Yours looks absolutely perfect, Liz! If only WE lived in the same city.

  19. Cindys Recipes and Writings Reply

    Just how I like my pie, with crumbs. Beautiful job, Liz!

  20. Annamaria @ Bakewell Junction Reply

    Lizzy,
    I love crumbs, so I would love this pie. I’ll have to keep an eye out for Northern Spys.
    Annamaria

  21. TidyMom Reply

    I think a Dutch Apple Pie might be my favorite fall dessert. I love the idea of using different apple varieties!

  22. Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles Reply

    I love baking apple goods with a variety of apples, too. And I LOVE streusel topping. Great pie!!

  23. Laura (Tutti Dolci) Reply

    What a sublime pie, you had me a crumb topping!

  24. Bernie|A Gouda Life Reply

    Apple pie of any kind is my husband’s favorite. He would adore this recipe — so much so that he may not notice the large box of shoes/boots arriving any day from DSW!

  25. Vicki Bensinger Reply

    Apple pie is my favorite pie but rarely take the time to make it. Yours looks perfect! I’m sure it wouldn’t last a day in my house.

  26. Blackswan Reply

    I’ve tried different versions of apple pie, but this is the first time I’ve heard of Dutch apple pie. Love the additional of ice-cream, dear! xoxo

  27. June @ How to Philosophize with Cake Reply

    Dutch apple pie is the best! Streusel topping is way better than any fancy pie crust lattice in my book 🙂 Your variation looks delicious!

  28. Lynn@Happier Than A Pig In Mud Reply

    Apple pie is a favorite here! I peeled a couple apples yesterday too -Happy Fall:@)

  29. colleen @ foodietots Reply

    This is my dad’s favorite pie! I used to make it for his birthday every year. (Still do, when we get to spend it with him!)

  30. Renee@Renee's Kitchen Adventures Reply

    I’ve just got to make this!! I’ve got a big bag of apples I just bought that wants to be transformed!

  31. Hotly Spiced Reply

    A perfect dessert for autumn. I do love the crumbly topping on this apple pie. I had a dinner party on Saturday night and as the weather here is very cold, I served hot apple pie for dessert with a scoop of ice cream. Wrong season I know but what can you do about the weather! xx

  32. Gaila Reply

    Wow Liz! this looks amazing! crunchy and creamy! I would love to try your pie. Well done!

  33. Marion@LifeTastesGood Reply

    Oooh I’m craving a Dutch Apple Pie now! That crumb topping!! My fave!!

  34. Hezzi-D Reply

    This looks delicious! Apple pie is my favorite pie of all time.

  35. Thaila @ butter and brioche Reply

    Can you ever go wrong with apple pie and ice cream? I think not!

  36. Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere Reply

    I love Dutch Apple Pies! It’s like a cross between a crumble and a pie. So perfect!

  37. Shelby Reply

    You make the most beautiful desserts! Seeing your pie today made me decide I HAD to remake my apple crisp (my fav fall apple dish) so I went to the local apple farm, bought some Honeycrisp apples and the crisp is in my oven right now! lol

  38. Gwen @SimplyHealthyFamily Reply

    Would you believe that this is my all time favorite pie in the whole world yet I’ve never attempted to bake one??? This looks incredible Liz!! oxox

  39. Laura Dembowski Reply

    Yes to everything about this! I made my first crumb pie a couple weeks ago and I can’t wait to make another one. Just sooooo good!

  40. Betsy @ Desserts Required Reply

    I did not know to what ‘Dutch’ referred before today. I love learning something new. Now, if I could only grab a slice of your pie through the computer!

  41. Sam @ PancakeWarriors Reply

    Oh yum I just adore apple pie and I can’t wait to go apple picking to make one with freshly picked apples! This crumble topping is SO MUCH EASIER than trying to make a pretty pie crust! Love it

  42. sue|theviewfromgreatisland Reply

    This looks spectacular Liz, I love how firm the filling is!

  43. Medeja Reply

    So many apples in this pie! Love it 🙂

  44. Marlene @Nosh My Way Reply

    Dutch Apple Pie is my favorite.

  45. Angie@Angie's Recipes Reply

    wow that apple filling…unbelievably delicious!

  46. El bocado de la huerta Reply

    Que bien de manzana 🙂
    Un saludito

  47. movita beaucoup Reply

    We used to make pies with streusel topping at school, and I loved them! It really was perfect for those who weren’t so… talented with crusts!

  48. manu Reply

    Liz, this is the perfect period for apple pie!!!
    Yours looks delicious…
    Happy Sunday

  49. Sammie Reply

    This Dirch apple pie is like having the best of both worlds. An apple pie AND crumble! Yours looks absolutely delicious and I will make sure to take a look at some of the other contributors recipes to the SSC. Beautiful photos, your pie looks delicious. Sammie

Dutch Apple Pie Recipe - With Buttery Crumb Topping - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between apple crumb pie and Dutch apple pie? ›

Truly the only difference between your traditional pie and a Dutch Apple Pie is the topping. Dutch Apple or Apple Crumble Pie is simply an apple pie with a crumb or streusel topping as opposed to a pastry crust topping.

What are the crumbs made of on a Dutch apple pie? ›

Let me fill you in: dutch apple pie is traditionally made with a streusel topping made up of butter, flour, brown sugar and sometimes, nuts or oats. It's just slightly sweeter than traditional apple pies made with a lattice crust or regular crust on top and perfect with ice cream on top.

What is crumble topping made of? ›

As its name suggests, crumb topping is a dessert topping. It's a simple mixture of butter, sugar, and flour, and is typically used to top pies or muffins prior to baking for a crunchy, sweet contrast.

What are the three best apples for apple pie? ›

If you prioritize a more puckery pie, use mostly Granny Smiths and toss in a Honeycrisp and a Jonagold. If you like your apples to slump and soften, use mostly Golden Delicious with a Braeburn thrown in.

Which is better Dutch apple pie or apple pie? ›

Someone who prefers the taste and texture of streusel, over pie crust would think the Dutch apple pie is better. Someone who isn't a very experienced baker might prefer to make a Dutch apple pie. It's pretty easy to sprinkle the topping on the pie and still end up with a nice looking pie.

What is the difference between French and Dutch apple pie? ›

Dutch apple pies have a crumbly topping while traditional apple pies have a top layer made from pie crust. Unlike other apple pie varieties like French apple pies, Dutch apple pies have a streusel topping that can require extra prep time and tools like a pastry blender.

Why is my Dutch apple pie runny? ›

Allow your pie to bake for the entire recommended period.

People often pull their pie too soon out of fear that it will burn. This leads to runny pie because it prevents the filling from thickening. Check the recommended cooking time, and set a timer.

What is the secret to crunchy crumble? ›

A pastry chef friend shared the technique. Instead of sprinkling the raw crumbs on top of the fruit, where they absorb the juices and turn a little mushy on their undersides, he spread them out in a pan and baked them separately, until crisp and cookielike.

What is the difference between a crumb topping and streusel? ›

Ingredients: Streusel is typically made with a 1:1:2 ratio of flour, sugar, and butter. Crumble topping, on the other hand, has a higher ratio of sugar to flour, typically 1:1 or 1:1.5. This gives crumble topping a sweeter and more crumbly texture. Texture: Streusel is denser and more chewy than crumble topping.

What happens if you put too much butter in crumble? ›

Use the Right Amount of Butter

Not enough butter, and your topping will be a dry, floury mess. Too much butter and your topping will become a greasy blob or disappointingly soggy.

How do you keep a Dutch apple pie fresh? ›

If you happen to have leftovers, there's no need to fret—homemade Dutch Apple Pie will keep well when stored at room temperature for up to two days. If you're in a warm climate, we'd recommend storing your pie in the fridge instead.

How do you store a Dutch apple pie overnight? ›

Ideally, apple pie (or any fruit pie) should be stored in the refrigerator, either with a lid or covered tightly with plastic wrap. It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator, but always be sure to check in on your leftovers to make sure they still look and smell good before diving in.

Can I bake a pie in an air fryer? ›

Fiona says air-fried pies will work well, but because there is no bottom heating element, you may not get a crisp brown base. You'll also only have space to cook one or two at a time, but it will be faster than waiting for your oven to warm up. Air-frying a pie will be quicker than an oven.

Is Dutch apple pie the same as apple pie? ›

What is the difference between apple pie and Dutch apple pie? The main difference is the topping. Regular apple pie has a plain pie crust topping (or a lattice crust!) while Dutch apple pie has a crumbly, streusel top with chopped walnuts.

What's the difference between apple pie and apple crumble pie? ›

Apple crumble pie is made with a buttery pie crust, topped with apple pie filling, topped with a crumble topping, and served with vanilla ice cream! The difference between apple crumble pie (apple dutch pie) and classic apple pie is the streusel topping that bakes up into a buttery crunchy flavorful topping.

What is the difference between apple crumb and apple crisp? ›

Like an apple crisp, an apple crumble is a baked fruit dessert with a layer of topping. But unlike the crisp, the crumble topping rarely includes oats or nuts. Instead, a crumble's topping is more like streusel, made with flour, sugar and butter.

Is there a difference between Dutch and French apple pie? ›

While **Dutch apple pie** has a streusel-like topping, **French apple pie** is more like sugary sweet bread crumbs. German **apple pie** on the other hand doesn't have any topping nor a **pastry** top and the filling includes heavy cream. Dutch Apple Pie has a pastry base and a crumb topping.

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