Name: Dutch Apple Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pie crust (1/2 of a pie dough recipe); 2 1/4 lbs Granny Smith apples (about 6 medium apples); 1 tsp cinnamon; 8 Tbsp unsalted butter; 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup water; 1 cup granulated sugar; 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

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If you adore the cozy, nostalgic flavors of classic apple pie but crave a little extra texture and crunch, then this Dutch Apple Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe is exactly what you need in your dessert rotation. Imagine tender, cinnamon-spiced granny smith apples nestled in a buttery crust, topped with a golden, crumbly streusel bursting with pecans and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s a perfect blend of soft and crisp, tart and sweet, guaranteed to become a favorite at your holiday table or any gathering that calls for a heartfelt homemade treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Six green apples are placed together on a wooden table, showing their smooth, shiny skin with brown stems. Next to them, there is a round ball of dough wrapped in clear plastic wrap, light beige in color and soft in texture. Around the dough, several small glass bowls hold white flour, cinnamon powder, and a clear liquid. A white rectangular stick of butter is set near the dough, and a red cup filled with white sugar sits nearby. The whole scene is arranged neatly with the ingredients spaced out on the wooden surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Dutch Apple Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s adding flavor, texture, or that unmistakable autumnal warmth. From seasonal granny smith apples for tartness to the buttery crust and nutty crumb topping, every item prepares this pie to be a standout dessert.

Pie crust: A homemade or store-bought crust works, providing the buttery, flaky foundation that holds everything together.
Granny smith apples: Tart and firm, they offer the perfect balance of sweet and tangy once baked.
Cinnamon: Adds warm spice that brings the apple filling to life.
Unsalted butter: Used both in the filling and crumb topping, it gives richness and helps with that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the filling while forming the base of the crumb topping.
Water: Blends into the filling sauce to keep it juicy without being soggy.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling and crumb topping just right.
Brown sugar: Adds a deeper caramel flavor to the crumb topping.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Chopped pecans: Provide a delightful crunch and a lovely nutty contrast in the crumb topping.

How to Make Dutch Apple Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 375˚F and arranging oven racks on the bottom and center positions, which helps ensure the pie cooks evenly. Roll out your chilled pie dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle and transfer it to a 9-inch pie pan. Folding and crimping the edges gently creates that classic, inviting look and keeps the filling perfectly contained.

Step 2: Prep the Apple Filling

Peeling, coring, and slicing your granny smith apples to a quarter-inch thickness results in tender slices that bake beautifully. Toss them with a teaspoon of cinnamon in a mixing bowl to evenly coat and infuse the apples with warm spice.

Step 3: Make the Apple Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. This creates a smooth base you’ll simmer with water and sugar to form a luscious sauce that thickens and coats the apples, marrying all those flavors together perfectly. Once the sauce bubbles and thickens, pour it over the apple slices and stir to coat completely.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Pour the apple mixture into your prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly so every forkful has that perfect balance of crust and filling. Now it’s time for the crowning glory—the crumb topping.

Step 5: Make the Crumb Topping for Dutch Apple Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe

Combine flour, brown and granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Add room-temperature butter and gently work it in with your hands until you have pea-size crumbs, then stir in chopped pecans for a crunchy surprise. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apples, covering every inch with that sweet, nutty goodness.

Step 6: Bake the Pie

Bake uncovered on the middle rack for about 55 minutes, until the crumb topping is golden and the filling bubbles gently in the center. Watch closely for browning; if the topping darkens too fast, tent with foil. Let the pie cool for at least an hour so the filling sets perfectly and slices hold their shape beautifully.

How to Serve Dutch Apple Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe

A round apple crumble pie with a thick, golden brown crumb topping sprinkled with small pieces of pecans covers the filling inside a white ceramic pie dish with a slightly scalloped edge; the crumb layer looks crunchy and textured, while hints of filling slightly bubble around the edges. The pie sits on a dark rustic surface, surrounded by several fresh green apples with stems and leaves showing natural texture. Next to the pie are two silver forks and a metal spoon resting casually. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of indulgence, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream complements the warm, crumbly texture of this pie beautifully. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon or dust a bit of powdered sugar on top for an inviting visual sparkle.

Side Dishes

This Dutch Apple Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe shines best on its own but pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee. You can also serve alongside a bowl of cinnamon-spiced custard or even a sharp cheddar cheese slice for a classic combination that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the pie into generous wedges and arrange on rustic wooden boards for a charming farmhouse look at casual gatherings. For a festive touch, serve it in small, single-serving ramekins topped with toasted pecans and a drizzle of caramel sauce, turning a beloved classic into an elegant dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Dutch Apple Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it refrigerated. It will stay fresh and maintain its flavors and texture for up to 3 days—perfect for a quick leftover treat or unexpected guests.

Freezing

To freeze the pie, cool it completely first. Wrap tightly with plastic and then foil to protect against freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

Warm slices in a 350˚F oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through to revive the pie’s crisp topping and gooey apples. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may make the crumb topping soggy. A quick reheat in the oven brings back that just-baked magic.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for the Dutch Apple Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe?

Absolutely! While granny smith apples are ideal for their tartness and firmness, you can mix in sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a more complex flavor. Just ensure the apples are firm enough to hold their shape during baking.

Is it necessary to peel the apples?

Peeling the apples gives the pie a smoother texture and a classic look, but if you prefer extra fiber and a rustic feel, you can leave the skins on—just make sure to wash them thoroughly.

Can I make the crumb topping nut-free?

Definitely. You can simply omit the pecans or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy twist without nuts, making the pie suitable for those with allergies.

Why does the filling need to sit for an hour after baking?

Letting the pie cool allows the filling to thicken and set properly. If you cut into it too soon, the filling will be runny and the slices won’t hold together nicely.

Can I prepare parts of the Dutch Apple Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie crust and crumb topping a day ahead and keep them refrigerated separately. Assemble and bake on the day you want to serve, ensuring the topping stays fresh and crumbly.

Final Thoughts

This Dutch Apple Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe is more than just dessert; it’s a warm hug in pie form that will quickly become a beloved tradition. The beautiful combination of tart apples, buttery crust, and crunchy, cinnamon-spiced topping makes it impossible not to fall in love. So grab your apron, bring out your rolling pin, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of this unforgettable homemade goodness.