Welcome, fellow dessert lover! If you've ever dreamed of creating a stunning Dutch apple pie recipe that rivals your favorite bakery, you're in exactly the right place. I'm thrilled to share my favorite Dutch apple pie recipe with you today; one that has been perfected through countless baking adventures in my own kitchen. This Dutch apple pie recipe isn't just another recipe; it's a celebration of warm apples, buttery crust, and that irresistible crumb topping that makes everyone ask for seconds.
The beauty of a Dutch apple pie recipe lies in its simplicity combined with its show-stopping appeal. What makes this particular Dutch apple pie recipe special is the perfect balance between a tender, flaky crust and a generous, cinnamon-spiced apple filling topped with a golden streusel. Whether you're baking for a family dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this Dutch apple pie recipe delivers restaurant-quality results every single time.

The Art of Creating the Ultimate Dutch Apple Pie Recipe; Why This Recipe Stands Out
The Dutch apple pie recipe has been beloved for generations, and there's a very good reason why. Unlike traditional apple pies with their intricate lattice patterns, this Dutch apple pie recipe features a simple yet elegant crumb topping that's both easier to execute and absolutely delicious. The genius of the Dutch apple pie recipe is that it allows the beautiful apples to shine through without the fuss of weaving pastry strips.
What sets this particular Dutch apple pie recipe apart from countless others online is the attention to detail in every single component. From selecting the perfect apples to creating a buttery, crumbly streusel topping, every step in this Dutch apple pie recipe has been carefully considered. The Dutch apple pie recipe I'm sharing incorporates traditional techniques passed down through baking families, combined with modern tips to ensure your success. When you follow this Dutch apple pie recipe, you're not just baking a pie; you're creating a masterpiece that will have your family and friends absolutely captivated.
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Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (for crust and topping)
- Unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Salt
- Ice water
- Fresh apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp blend)
- Ground cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Lemon juice
- Vanilla extract
- Rolled oats
- Egg (for egg wash)

See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Make the Pie Crust and Prepare the Filling
- Mix flour and salt in a large bowl
- Cut cold butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs
- Add ice water one tablespoon at a time until dough comes together
- Divide dough in half; wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes
- Peel; core; and slice apples thinly
- Toss apples with lemon juice; cinnamon; nutmeg; and vanilla extract
- Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to release juices
Assemble the Dutch Apple Pie
- Roll out one portion of dough and place in a 9-inch pie dish
- Trim excess dough and crimp the edges with a fork
- Pour the apple filling into the crust; discarding excess liquid
- Brush the crust edge with beaten egg for golden browning
Create the Streusel Topping and Bake
- Mix flour; cold butter cubes; brown sugar; oats; and salt in a bowl
- Crumble the mixture with your fingertips until you reach breadcrumb consistency
- Scatter the streusel evenly over the apple filling
- Bake at 375;F for 45-50 minutes until the topping is golden brown
Equipment For Dutch Apple Pie Recipe
- 9-inch pie dish (ceramic or glass recommended)
- Rolling pin for flattening dough
- Sharp paring knife for apple preparation
- Large mixing bowls (at least two)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry cutter or fork for mixing
- Baking sheet (to catch drips)
- Cooling rack for proper ventilation
Expert Cooking Tips
- Use a combination of tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor in your Dutch apple pie recipe
- Keep all butter cold during dough preparation for the flakiest crust possible
- Don't skip the chilling time; it prevents a soggy bottom crust
- Reserve apple liquid instead of pouring it all into the filling for better texture
- Pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes if you prefer an extra crispy bottom
- Create an aluminum foil tent if your streusel browns too quickly
- Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing for clean cuts
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free Dutch Apple Pie Recipe; Substitute all-purpose flour with a quality gluten-free blend
- Deep-Dish Dutch Apple Pie Recipe; Use a 10-inch pie dish and increase all ingredients by 25 percent
- Oat Streusel Dutch Apple Pie Recipe; Increase rolled oats in the topping for added texture and heartiness
- Caramel Dutch Apple Pie Recipe; Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the filling
- Mini Dutch Apple Pie Recipe; Divide the dough and filling into six ramekins for individual servings
- Vegan Dutch Apple Pie Recipe; Replace butter with vegan butter and use a plant-based egg wash
Storage
- Room Temperature; Store your Dutch apple pie recipe creation in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Refrigerator; Keep leftover Dutch apple pie recipe portions in the fridge for up to 5 days covered tightly
- Freezer; Freeze an unbaked pie for up to 3 months; bake directly from frozen (add 10-15 minutes to baking time)
- Pre-Baked Storage; Freeze baked pie for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving
- Reheating; Warm individual slices in a 300;F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispness
The Secret Unveiled; Pro Secrets for a Restaurant-Quality Dutch Apple Pie Recipe
Every baker has secret tricks that elevate their baking from good to absolutely incredible. The real secret behind an exceptional Dutch apple pie recipe starts with understanding your apples. I've discovered that mixing two different apple varieties creates a more complex, sophisticated flavor profile that keeps people guessing what makes your Dutch apple pie recipe taste so special.
The other game-changer in perfecting your Dutch apple pie recipe is the temperature control throughout the entire process. Many home bakers don't realize that the temperature of your butter, water, and even your hands affects the final texture of the crust. The Dutch apple pie recipe I'm sharing has been tested countless times to ensure that every baker; regardless of experience level; can achieve exceptional results.
FAQ
What is the difference between a Dutch apple pie and a regular apple pie?
The primary difference between Dutch apple pie and traditional apple pie lies in the topping. While regular apple pie features a lattice or full pastry crust on top; Dutch apple pie uses a crumb or streusel topping instead. This Dutch apple pie recipe variation is easier to prepare; delivers superior flavor with more exposed filling; and creates a uniquely delightful texture contrast between the crispy streusel and tender apples underneath.
What kind of apples are best for Dutch apple pie?
The best apples for Dutch apple pie recipe include Granny Smith; Honeycrisp; Braeburn; or Pink Lady varieties. A combination of tart and sweet apples works beautifully in this Dutch apple pie recipe; providing complex flavor and maintaining structure during baking. Avoid mealy varieties like Red Delicious. For the ideal Dutch apple pie recipe; choose firm apples that won't break down into mush during the baking process.
What is Oprah's favorite apple pie?
While Oprah hasn't publicly declared a specific Dutch apple pie as her favorite; she has consistently praised traditional homemade apple desserts made with quality ingredients. Oprah's culinary preferences lean toward genuine; comforting flavors and classic desserts prepared with care. If you're creating your own Dutch apple pie ; Oprah would likely appreciate one made from scratch with fresh apples; quality butter; and authentic spices.
Should you cook your apples before putting them in pie?
For this Dutch apple pie ; you should not fully cook your apples beforehand; however; letting them macerate with sugar; lemon; and spices for 15 minutes releases their natural juices. This technique used in the Dutch apple pie prevents excessive liquid from creating a soggy crust. The apples will cook perfectly during baking; maintaining their texture while softening to the ideal consistency within your Dutch apple pie recipe.
Bringing It All Together; Your Complete Dessert Journey
Congratulations on choosing to explore the wonderful world of homemade Dutch apple pie recipe baking! This Dutch apple pie represents more than just a dessert; it's an invitation to create memories around your table. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just beginning your baking adventure; this Dutch apple pie provides clear guidance and professional tips to ensure success.
As you venture beyond this Dutch apple pie; consider exploring complementary desserts that offer similar satisfaction. A beautiful Pear Galette provides an elegant alternative for seasons when apples aren't at their peak; featuring the same buttery pastry and fruit-forward flavor profile. Similarly; a Healthy Fruit Pizza offers a lighter option that still delivers on taste and visual appeal; featuring fresh fruit; wholesome components; and that same homemade magic that makes baking so rewarding.
From my kitchen, with heart.
Emily Nelson ❤️
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Dutch Apple Pie Recipe

Dutch Apple Pie
Equipment
- 1 9-inch pie dish Ceramic or glass recommended
- 1 Rolling pin For flattening dough
- 1 Sharp paring knife For slicing apples
- 2 Mixing bowls Large size
- 1 Measuring cups/spoons
- 1 Pastry cutter or fork For mixing dough
- 1 Baking sheet To catch drips
- 1 Cooling rack To cool pie evenly
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups All-purpose flour For crust and topping
- 1 cup Unsalted butter Cold and cubed
- ½ cup Granulated sugar
- ½ cup Brown sugar Packed
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 4–6 tablespoon Ice water As needed
- 6 medium Apples Granny Smith + Honeycrisp blend
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice Freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- ½ cup Rolled oats For streusel topping
- 1 large Egg For egg wash
Instructions
- Make crust and prepare apple filling
- Chill dough and slice apples
- Roll out dough into pie dish
- Toss apples with spices
- Add filling and brush crust edge
- Mix streusel ingredients
- Crumble topping over apples
- Bake at 375°F for 45–50 mins
- Cool for 2 hours before serving













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