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Home » Recipes » Fall Dishes

Grandma's Dutch Apple Pie with Crumble Topping

Published: Jul 5, 2022 Last Updated: May 12, 2023 by Marye 2062 words. | About 11 minutes to read this article.

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1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
My Dutch apple pie recipe has the perfect, crumbly streusel topping over tender apples in a buttery crust. There's nothing as good a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top!
Overhead shot of an uncut Dutch apple pie with title text overlay.

If you've wondered how to make that perfectly crumbly streusel topping you'll find the secret right here. 

Overhead shot of an uncut Dutch apple pie with title text overlay.
Who can resist a Dutch apple pie in a buttery homemade pie crust with a sweet crumble topping? Not me!
Jump to:
  • ❤️ Why you'll love it
  • 🧾 Ingredients
  • 🔪 Instructions
  • 🎥 Video
  • 🥫 Storage
  • 📖 Variations
  • 💭 Things to know
  • 👩‍🍳 FAQs
  • 📚 Related recipes
  • 🍽️ Serve with...
  • 📞 The last word
  • Dutch Apple Pie
  • 💬 Comments

❤️ Why you'll love it

  • I'm giving you the secret to the MOST delicious apple filling ever.
  • The crunchy, buttery streusel topping always comes out perfectly—and it's so simple to make!
  • Easier than traditional apple pie because there's only a single pie crust to mess with (bye-bye, fussy lattice top!)

I've heard people call this an "apple crumb pie" but we've always called it Dutch apple pie. I'm not sure which parts of the country call it what - I just know that each bite is a piece of heaven.

This easy recipe always comes out perfectly, with a lavish layer of sweet crumble over not too tender but not too crisp spiced apples.

It's the Goldilocks "just right" combination of apple pie and apple crisp that you'll crave over and over again!

🧾 Ingredients

This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the green recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

Labeled ingredients for Dutch Apple Pie Recipe.
Brown sugar is not shown in this image but is included in the apple pie recipe.

🔪 Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the green recipe card at the bottom of the page.

A collage of step by step images show you how to make this Dutch apple pie.
  1. Peel, core, and slice apples.
  2. Add sugar to the apple slices in a large bowl.
  3. Add flour, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
  4. Stir in vinegar and mix well.
  5. Place bottom crust in a pie plate and add apple mixture.
  6. Combine the crumble ingredients in a medium bowl.
  7. Sprinkle crumb topping over the apple pie filling.
  8. Bake until golden brown.
  9. Cool and enjoy!

🎥 Video

Click on the image to watch me make this recipe from start to finish with extra tips! (Video opens in a new tab).

Clickable cover image for the Dutch Apple Pie video on YouTube.
Click to go to the full length video showing how I make this Dutch apple pie.

🥫 Storage

You can store homemade dutch apple pie covered at room temperature for two days. Refrigerate it to make the pie last for four days.

If you'd like to save some pie beyond a few days, wrap the leftovers tightly and freeze them! Let the pie thaw a bit in the refrigerator before serving.

You can eat the pie at room temperature, but most pie-lovers will tell you it is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. (Don't you just love when the sweet ice cream gets all melty and runs over the tart apples? Yum.)

Microwave individual slices of pie for a few ten-second intervals until warm. If you have too much leftover pie to heat in the microwave, put the Dutch apple pie in the oven at 350F for about 10 to 15 minutes.

If it's been frozen let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

The perfect apple pie is just that easy!

A slice of homemade apple pie with a fork in it.
This is one of my favorite apple recipes! The tangy apple filling and streusel topping take it over the top!

📖 Variations

If it ain't broke... well, you know the saying.

As written, this is one of the best apple pie recipes out there. However, you can switch up a few things if you're feeling creative.

  • You can use my flaky pie crust recipe, this easy food processor crust, or even an unbaked one from the store. (Homemade crust is best, though!)
  • In a pinch, two cans of apple pie filling can stand in for the fresh apples, but you'll want to leave the flour and sugar out.
  • Experiment with different warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger to see if you like a bit of extra flavor in the crumble topping. I have been known to add a pinch of chipotle.
  • Finely chop pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, or old-fashioned oats to add in with the crumble ingredients for a more crunchy streusel.

💭 Things to know

Expert Tip: If your apples are especially juicy, the sugar can pull the juices out during baking and you end up with too much liquid—that makes a watery filling. To fix this, add the sugar mixture to the apples and then put them aside for about 30 minutes. During this time, if there is any extra juice, it will come out of the apples and collect in the bottom of the bowl. Just pour it off and continue with the pie as directed in the recipe.

  • When making pie, use ice-cold butter. Cube it and put it in the refrigerator or freezer until you are ready to use it. This not only helps the crumble keep its shape but creates a super tender, flaky crust, too!
  • Use a variety of baking apples rather than just one type to give your pie more flavor. Choose a mixture from the following: HoneyCrisp, MacIntosh, Braeburn, Winesap, Jonathon, Jazz, or Granny Smith apples.
  • Your streusel topping is mixed well enough when it forms a solid mass that at first seems to hold together, but then crumbles apart when you squeeze it in your palm.
  • Once you've made the streusel, pop it in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes before adding it to the top of the pie. Then, bake the pie as soon as you add the topping to it.
  • Some people like to use a pastry blender to cut the butter into the streusel, but I find it works better for me if I just use my hands. (You know what they say about gardeners feeling dirt? Yeah, that's me with flour, sugar... it's healing.)
  • The secret to that sweet crumble topping that's perfect every time?Sprinkling a little white sugar over it before it bakes.
  • If you tend to have spillovers while baking, place the pie on a baking sheet. That way, you prevent the sugary apple juices from caramelizing on the bottom of your oven!
  • As tempting as it is to dive right in, you MUST let your pie cool before cutting into it. This allows the yummy, caramelized apple juices to thicken up. If you cut into it while hot, the pie tends to fall apart. Patience is worth it!

👩‍🍳 FAQs

What's the difference between Dutch and regular apple pie?

The main difference between the two is the topping. An apple pie usually has a double crust (one on the bottom, one on top.) It's often served with a lattice top. A Dutch apple pie recipe uses a crumbly streusel made of butter, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes nuts or oatmeal for the top crust.

How do I know when the pie is done baking?

The fruit pieces will be tender if you stick a knife into them and you'll see the filling bubbling up through the streusel. If you listen closely, you'll hear a thick, slow bubbling sound.

Can you make this dutch apple pie recipe in advance?

Absolutely! Assemble the pie as indicated and wrap it in a double layer of plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for a few days, or freeze for up to three months.

To cook from frozen, cover the pie with foil and bake for about 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for 30-45 minutes or until done. Alternatively, let the frozen pie thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed in recipe.

Tip: When preparing your pie, make a second to freeze for last-minute special occasions, parties, house-warming gifts, or even weeknight cravings. The perfect dessert is only a few simple steps away!

What are the best apples for Dutch apple pie?

For the best flavor, I recommend using a combination of sweet and tart apples. See the "Things to know" section above for my favorite picks.

📚 Related recipes

  • Another one of my favorite apple recipes, this Apple Bread tastes just like fritters—gooey cinnamon layer included!
  • Red Hots Candy Apple Pie has the best cinnamon flavor, thanks to Red Hot candy syrup and a splash of Fireball Whiskey.
  • Buttery cake, sugary crust, and a Whiskey brown butter sauce—this Irish Apple Cake is only missing one thing: you!
  • Apple bundt cake is full of fall flavor in an easy cake that stays moist for days.
  • Closeup of a slice of lemon pie with a bite taken out of it for social media shares.
    No Bake Lemon Icebox Pie: Grandma's Favorite
  • Top of the pie showing texture of the filling.
    Shoney's Strawberry Pie (with Jello)
  • Closeup of blackberry cobbler with a spoon in it.
    Old Fashioned Southern Blackberry Cobbler Recipe
  • Closeup of a serving of cobbler and ice cream.
    Blueberry Peach Cobbler

🍽️ Serve with...

  • Cinnamon Gelato (an elevated pairing for classic apple pie!)
  • Homemade French Vanilla Ice Cream
  • Cinnamon Apple Cider Sangria

📞 The last word

This is the best apple pie, ever - I promise. SO tangy and sweet and buttery! It's perfect for the fall season but I love it all year long!

This recipe calls for just one bottom crust. If you're looking for a regular apple pie with a double crust give the classic apple pie or Red Hots Candy Apple Pie a try!

If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need. Don't forget that you can click on "add to collection" to save it to your own, private recipe box!

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Close up shot of a slice of apple pie for featured image.
4.56 from 58 votes

Dutch Apple Pie

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My Dutch apple pie recipe has the perfect, crumbly streusel topping over tender apples in a buttery crust. There's nothing as good a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top!
Course Dessert
Cuisine Amercian Heritage
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes minutes
Total Time: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes
Servings:8 servings
Calories:482
Author:Marye Audet-White
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Equipment Needed

  • Pie Pan

Ingredients

Pie

  • 1 pie crust, unbaked 9-inch
  • 8 cups apples, about 3 pounds
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup flour
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, more if desired
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, more if desired
  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar , adds more flavor

Topping

  • ½ cup butter, diced and chilled
  • 1 cup flour
  • ⅔ cup brown sugar, packed, or use white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • Pinch salt

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

Pie

  • Heat oven to 400°F.
  • On a floured surface roll dough into a circle roughly 2 inches bigger than a 9-inch pie plate.
  • Place the pastry in the pie plate, pressing down slightly.
  • Put the pastry lined pie plate in the freezer while preparing apples.
  • Peel and core apples. Cut into ½-inch thick slices.
  • In a large bowl toss the apples and everything else that remains except the topping ingredients.
  • Remove the pie plate from the freezer. Spoon apple mixture into the pastry lined pie plate, mounding the apples up in the center.

Crumb Topping

  • Use your fingers to mix the butter, flour, brown sugar, and salt until it is a mass that holds together then crumbles when you squeeze it.
  • Sprinkle it on top of the filled pie.
  • Sprinkle with the 2 tablespoons of sugar.
  • Bake 40 to 55 minutes or until pie crust and crumb topping are deep golden brown and filling begins to bubble.
  • Transfer to cooling rack to cool before serving.

Notes

Can store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigerate for longer storage.

What are the best apples for pie?

Expert Tip: Using a variety of baking apples rather than just one type gives your pie more flavor. Choose a mixture from the following varieties:
  • HoneyCrisp
  • MacIntosh
  • Granny Smith
  • Braeburn
  • Winesap
  • Jonathon
  • Jazz
Have you ever made a streusel (crumble) topping and had it flatten out in the oven? Yep, me too. Here are some tips to ensure that that never happens again!
  • Use ice cold butter. Cube it and put it in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.
  • Mix your dry ingredients together and then add the butter, squeezing it and blending it in with your fingers.
  • Continue to blend the butter cubes into the dry ingredients until it forms a solid mass that crumbles apart when you squeeze it a little.
  • Experiment with spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger to see if you like a little spice in there. I have been known to add a pinch of chipotle.
  • Finely chop pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, or old fashioned oats to add in with the dry ingredients.
  • Once you've made the streusel pop it in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes before adding it to the top of the pie.
  • Sprinkle a tablespoon or two of sugar over the top before baking.
  • Once the crumble topping is on the pie bake it immediately.
  • If you tend to have spillovers in your oven go ahead and place the pie on a baking sheet.
  • Either a homemade crust or a store bought one is fine.
  • I like to sprinkle cinnamon sugar on the trimmings and excess dough and bake until crispy.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 482kcal | Carbohydrates: 77g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 111mg | Potassium: 199mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 46g | Vitamin A: 420IU | Vitamin C: 5.8mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1.8mg

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    First published December 2016. Last updated July 5, 2022 for readability and editorial improvements.

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    About Marye

    With a 40 year focus on the importance of family and a passion for southern comfort food, Marye Audet-White is an expert in melding the two together effortlessly. Marye's a NY Times Bestselling author with 10 cookbooks under her belt and her recipes have been featured in Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Today, House Beautiful, Texas Living, Food & Wine, and many more.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Susan Axtell

      February 09, 2022 at 8:27 pm

      5 stars
      I live in a small Dutch (not Amish) farming community in Northwest Indiana. A group of 100’s of ladies from the Reformed churches get together every year to assemble 1200-1500 of these pies to sell for the Bible League. These UNBAKED pies are double bagged and placed in a pie box, complete with instructions on how to bake after removing from freezer. Your recipe is the closest to their recipe. I think I’ll be just donating money this year, because your recipe is THE best!!!

      Reply
    2. Bri

      October 19, 2020 at 6:45 pm

      I sprinkled the sugar on top....but when the pie was finished baking there was just a layer of sugar still sitting on top. Looks completely inedible and I’m not sure where I went wrong!

      Reply
      • Marye

        October 20, 2020 at 10:37 am

        How much did you use? It's just a dusting so you really almost can't see it.

        Reply
    3. Kelly

      June 20, 2020 at 10:44 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely wonderful! Made it today and absolutely loved it. It was a big hit.

      Reply
      • Marye

        June 23, 2020 at 10:39 am

        YAY! Glad you liked it.

        Reply
    4. Jenny McGreevy

      November 29, 2019 at 2:02 pm

      We had a Thanksgiving pie contest and this one won! I even omitted the ground cloves, because I had none!

      Reply
      • Marye

        November 29, 2019 at 9:48 pm

        That's awesome! Thanks for letting me know!

        Reply
    5. LaurieLynn

      November 21, 2018 at 3:29 pm

      I made this today. I am always on the lookout for different pie recipes. So I am excited to have found this from Pinterest 🙂

      I ran out of ACV and I thought I had lemons so I didn’t pick any up at the store (it’s a 30 minute drive and I wasn’t about to go back). So I improvised. I had some lemon lime soda and I put the apples in that while I was peeling and slicing. Kept them from turning brown and that’s what I wanted!

      My house smells so amazing and I have to keep watch so the teenagers and husband don’t sneak a bite! I cannot wait to have this for breakfast tomorrow morning. Yes, we eat apple pie for breakfast the morning of Thanksgiving. I would love to say it’s some family tradition from growing up but it isn’t. We are just greedy and cannot wait until after we wake up from the turkey coma.

      Reply
    6. Sarah

      November 21, 2018 at 2:42 pm

      4 stars
      I appreciate having a "jump to recipe" button. Makes it easier to find what I'm looking for. Thanks!

      Reply
    7. Megan

      November 21, 2018 at 10:53 am

      Can you make ahead, day before and keep in refrigerator to bake next day?

      Reply
      • Marye Audet

        November 21, 2018 at 2:29 pm

        yes. 🙂

        Reply
    8. Shannon

      October 22, 2017 at 10:29 pm

      5 stars
      Oh, Marye - this is now my very favorite Apple Pie recipe! It is absolutely perfect. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Marye Audet

        October 23, 2017 at 12:23 pm

        I'm so glad you like it! 🙂 It's one of my favorites, too.

        Reply
      • Lisa Garcia

        March 29, 2022 at 3:12 pm

        Can you tell me can you use this recipe to make apple crisp?

        Reply
        • Marye

          March 30, 2022 at 9:20 am

          Yes you can!

    9. Catherine

      December 23, 2016 at 10:42 am

      Dear Marye, This pie looks absolutely splendid. I love the crunchy topping...such a beautiful holiday dessert. Wishing you and yours a beautiful holiday and New Year!

      Reply
      • Marye Audet

        December 27, 2016 at 10:20 pm

        thank you!

        Reply

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