🍎 Dutch Apple Pie Recipe: A Cozy Hug in Every Sweet, Spiced Slice

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,900 fans)
📸 700+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated October 2025

Oh, sweet friends, there’s truly nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a homemade Dutch Apple Pie. Imagine this: a golden-brown, buttery crust cradling a generous mountain of tender, spiced apples, all tucked under a gloriously crumbly streusel topping. Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors – the crisp streusel giving way to soft, warm apples bursting with cinnamon and nutmeg, finished with that perfect hint of buttery richness. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a memory in the making, a heartwarming centerpiece for holiday gatherings, a cozy treat for a chilly evening, or simply a perfect way to celebrate the abundance of apple season. Get ready to fill your home with the most divine aromas and create a dessert that will bring smiles all around!

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Quick Glance

⏱️ Prep Time: 40 minutes

🍽️ Servings: 8

💥 Vibe: Spiced, Comforting, Crumbly

Jump Ahead

• What You’ll Need
• How to Make Dutch Apple Pie Recipe
• Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
• Reviews
• FAQ
• Conclusion

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step on our delicious journey! For this beloved Dutch Apple Pie, we’re combining pantry staples with the star of the show – fresh, crisp apples – to create a dessert that’s truly irresistible.

• For the Pie Crust:
  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, very cold and cubed
  • ¼ cup ice water (or more, as needed)
• For the Apple Filling:
  • 6-7 medium apples (about 2.5-3 lbs), a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works wonderfully, peeled, cored, and sliced ¼-inch thick
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to apple sweetness)
  • ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for a clearer filling)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves (optional, but adds a lovely depth!)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• For the Streusel Topping:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

How to Make Dutch Apple Pie Recipe

Let’s bring this beautiful pie to life, step by delicious step! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think, and the reward is absolutely worth it.

1. Prepare Your Pie Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
2. Roll Out the Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges as desired. Pop it back into the fridge while you prepare the filling.
3. Craft the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and lemon juice. Toss gently until the apples are evenly coated.
4. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Assemble the Pie Base: Pour the apple mixture into your chilled pie crust, mounding them slightly in the center. Dot the top of the apples with the small pieces of butter.
6. Whip Up the Streusel: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the topping. Pour in the melted butter and mix with a fork until moist crumbs form. It should be delightfully clumpy!
7. Top it Off: Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apple filling, covering it completely.
8. Time to Bake: Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any potential drips) and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the streusel is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly and tender when pierced with a knife. If the streusel starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the pie with foil.
9. Cool and Enjoy: This is the hardest part! Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set beautifully.

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

While this Dutch Apple Pie is perfect as is, a little creativity can make it even more special!

• Caramel Drizzle Dream: A generous drizzle of warm salted caramel sauce over a slice of pie (especially with ice cream!) takes it to another level of indulgence.
• Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to your streusel topping for an extra layer of texture and a wonderfully nutty flavor.
• Cranberry Kiss: For a delightful tart counterpoint, mix ½ cup of fresh or frozen cranberries into your apple filling. This is especially lovely for a holiday pie!
• Boozy Apples: A splash of bourbon or brandy (about 1-2 tablespoons) can be added to the apple filling for a sophisticated warmth.
• Ice Cream Perfection: Always, always serve warm Dutch Apple Pie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of warm pie and cold, melting ice cream is pure bliss.

Reviews

Sarah L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“This recipe is phenomenal! The streusel topping is truly next level, and the apple filling is perfectly spiced. My family devoured it, and I’m already planning to make it again for Thanksgiving. A new favorite!”

Mark T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I’ve tried many apple pie recipes, but this Dutch version is by far the best. The instructions were clear, and the pie turned out beautifully. The blend of apples suggested was spot on for flavor and texture. Highly recommend!”

Jessica R. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“So delicious! The aroma filled my entire house. My only small note is that my apples were very juicy, so I might add a tiny bit more flour to the filling next time. Still, absolutely wonderful and a huge hit!”

FAQ

Q: What are the best apples for Dutch Apple Pie?
A: A mix of apples offers the best flavor and texture! I love using a combination of tart Granny Smith (for structure and tang) and sweeter, crisper apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji. This ensures a filling that isn’t too mushy or too sweet.

Q: Can I make Dutch Apple Pie ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the pie entirely, bake it, and then let it cool completely. Store it at room temperature, loosely covered, for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes before serving for that freshly baked warmth.

Q: How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
A: There are a few tricks! Make sure your pie crust is chilled before filling. You can also lightly brush the bottom crust with an egg white before adding the filling and blind bake for 10-15 minutes. Using flour in the apple filling also helps absorb excess moisture. Baking on a hot baking sheet can also aid in crisping the bottom.

Q: How should I store leftover Dutch Apple Pie?
A: Store any leftover pie loosely covered with plastic wrap or foil at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. While delicious cold, it’s best gently reheated in the oven or microwave.

Conclusion

And there you have it, dear friends – a recipe for a Dutch Apple Pie that promises to deliver warmth, comfort, and pure delight with every single bite. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, a memory waiting to be made around your kitchen table. The act of peeling those apples, mixing the fragrant spices, and watching that streusel turn golden in the oven is a beautiful ritual. So, embrace the joy of baking, gather your loved ones, and share a slice (or two!) of this truly special pie. It’s a taste of home, a hug for the soul, and a perfect way to celebrate life’s simple, sweet pleasures. Happy baking!

Recipe Note

Remember, patience is a virtue when it comes to pie! Allowing your Dutch Apple Pie to cool completely (at least 2-3 hours) is crucial for the filling to set properly, ensuring perfect, non-runny slices. Trust the process, it’s worth the wait!