Old Fashioned Dutch Apple Pie Recipe with Crumble Topping (2024)

This Old Fashioned Dutch Apple Pie Recipe with Crumble Toppingis a traditional apple pie with a streusel topping of butter, flour & sugar instead of pastry which is easy to make and adds an extra bit of crunch.

Perfect for the holidays or any family gathering! Be sure to add this Old Fashioned Dutch Apple Pie Recipe with Crumble Topping to your dessert table this year!

Why i love this Easy Dutch Apple Pie Recipe

• The apple crumble topping makes this pie extra special!

• The crumble topping, made from butter, sugar, and flour, adds a crunchy contrast to the soft filling, creating a delightful mouthfeel.

• Apple crumble pie makes the house smell good! The warm, aromatic scent of homemade apple pie filling baking in the oven can evoke feelings of nostalgia and comfort, making it a beloved comfort food.

•This perfect apple pie is wonderful as a gift!Many people appreciate the effort and care that goes into making a homemade Dutch apple pie with crumble topping. Baking one from scratch can be a labor of love, and the end result is a delicious dessert that's both comforting and impressive.

• The flavor combo is the best! The combination of the tender apple filling and the crispy, buttery crumble topping provides a delightful contrast in both flavor and texture. This interplay of sweet and crunchy can be highly appealing to the palate.

• Old Fashioned Dutch Apple Pie Recipe with Crumble Topping is the perfect baking recipe.

What you need

Ingredient notes

Unbaked pie shells - You will need two 9” unbaked pie shells. We used a store-bought crust that comes in a box and the pie dough is rolled up. Two crusts per box usually, Most grocery stores carry this item. If you like a flaky crust, I recommend Trader Joe’s pie crust. If you want to make it homemade, try my recipe for How to Make the Perfect Pie Crust.

Tart apples(sliced) - 4-6 apples, such as Granny Smith which are the most popular baking apples.

Lemon juice- Fresh lemon juice is always the best, but you can use bottled if that's all you have.

Sugar - Granulated sugar (not powdered sugar).

Cinnamon - Ground cinnamon is the perfect spice to add to apple pie. If you want to get fancy, you can use apple pie spice.

All purpose flour - We prefer unbleached all purpose flour.

Butter- You'll need unsalted butter for this recipe. Keep it cold, not room temperature. Cut the butter into cold butter cubes.

How to make apple crumble pie

For the crust and filling:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Place one unbaked pie shell in 9" pie plate. If desired, use the remaining pie shell to cut leaves and place on edges of pie crust with a little bit of water to make them stick. Set aside.

Pare, core, and cut apples into thin slices. Place in large bowl. Sprinkle with lemon juice. Set aside. Mix ½ cup sugar and cinnamon. Fold into apples. Pour apple mixture into bottom of the pie crust and distribute apples evenly.

For the streusel topping:

In a medium bowl, mix flour with ⅓ cup sugar, cut in cold butter cubes until crumbly. You can use a pastry blender or pastry cutter for this step or simply use your fingers to blend the butter into the flour mixture until you have coarse crumbs. Sprinkle on top of apples.

Bake at 400 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until done. If pie crust browns too quickly, cover edge with foil. Cool slightly. Serve with a scoop of ice cream, if desired. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Expert tips

Choose the Right Apples: Opt for a mix of apple varieties for a well-rounded flavor. Some good choices include Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness and texture.

For the Crumble Topping Use Cold Butter: Just like with the pie crust, use cold butter when making the crumble topping. Cut it into small pieces and incorporate it into the dry ingredients until you have pea-sized crumbs.

Add Texture To Crumble Topping: Enhance the crumble's texture by including oats, chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts), or even a touch of granulated sugar for extra sweetness and crunch.

Bake Crumble Separately: For a crispier crumble, you can bake it separately on a baking sheet before adding it to the pie. Simply spread the crumble mixture on a baking sheet and bake until it's golden brown, then sprinkle it over the baked pie.

​Protect the Edges: Cover the edges of the pie crust with aluminum foil or a pie shield during baking to prevent them from over-browning.

Cool Properly: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes for neater slices.

Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm Dutch apple pie, adding a delightful contrast in temperature and creaminess.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between Dutch apple pie and regular apple pie? Dutch apple pie typically features a crumbly, streusel-like topping made from butter, sugar, and flour, while traditional apple pie often has a double-crust pastry topping. Dutch apple pie is also known for its spiced apple filling.

What are the best apples to use for Dutch apple pie? Good apple choices for Dutch apple pie include Granny Smith apples (for tartness), Honeycrisp (for sweetness and texture), and Braeburn. Mixing different apple varieties can add complexity to the flavor.

Can I make Dutch apple pie ahead of time? Yes, you can make Dutch apple pie ahead of time. Bake the pie, allow it to cool, and then refrigerate it. Reheat individual slices in the oven or microwave when you're ready to serve.

Can I freeze Dutch apple pie? Yes, you can freeze Dutch apple pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container, and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do I reheat Dutch apple pie? To reheat Dutch apple pie, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the pie on a baking sheet, and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for a quick warm-up.

Can I make Dutch apple pie gluten-free or vegan? Yes, you can make Dutch apple pie gluten-free by using a gluten-free pie crust and ensuring the crumble topping ingredients are gluten-free. For a vegan version, use a vegan pie crust and replace butter with a vegan butter substitute. Try Vegan Apple Pie from Chocolate Covered Kate.

What's the best way to store leftover Dutch apple pie? Store leftover Dutch apple pie in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness.

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If you have extra pie crust, you can cut out extra leave, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and pop them in the oven for 15 minutes. Makes a yummy little pie crust "cookie" to snack on.

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