Dutch Apple Pie (Apple Crumb Pie) Recipe

Looking for the perfect apple pie recipe? This Dutch Apple Pie, also known as Apple Crumb Pie, is a must-try. Made with tender Granny Smith apples, a buttery, flaky pie crust, and a sweet cinnamon-spiced filling, this pie is topped with a crunchy and sweet crumb topping with pecans for extra texture and flavor. Perfect for holiday desserts, fall baking, or any time you crave a comforting treat, this recipe guarantees a delightful bite every time.

Ingredients:

For the Dutch Apple Pie:

• 1 pie crust (half of our 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

For the Crumb Topping:

• 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

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pie Crust: Preheat your oven to 375˚F, placing racks on the bottom and center of the oven. Roll out your chilled pie dough to form a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie pan, fold the excess dough under the edge, and crimp to form a border.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling: Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples to about 1/4-inch thickness (you should have approximately 7 cups). Stir in 1 tsp of cinnamon to coat the apples. Set aside.
3. Cook the Apple Filling: In a medium saucepan, melt 8 Tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 Tbsp flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly. Add 1/4 cup water and 1 cup granulated sugar, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 3 minutes, whisking frequently. Remove from heat and pour the mixture over the sliced apples, stirring to coat the apples. Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared pie crust.
4. Make the Crumb Topping: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 Tbsp granulated sugar, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp salt. Add the room-temperature butter and mix with your hands until pea-sized crumbs form. Stir in the chopped pecans. Evenly spread the crumb topping over the apple filling.
5. Bake the Pie: Bake the pie uncovered at 375˚F for 50-60 minutes (55 minutes is ideal), or until the center registers 175˚F on a thermometer. To prevent drips, place a sheet of foil on the bottom rack. If the topping is browning too much, cover it with foil. Once done, remove from the oven and cool for 1 hour to allow the filling to set.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Dutch Apple Pie is the ultimate comfort dessert, offering a perfectly sweet and tart filling of Granny Smith apples topped with a crunchy, buttery crumb topping. The balance of flavors from the cinnamon-spiced apples and crunchy pecans will satisfy your sweet tooth, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to weekend indulgences.

Tips

• Use Granny Smith apples for the perfect balance of tartness and texture. They hold up well during baking, providing structure to the pie.
• Let the pie cool completely before slicing to allow the filling to set properly.
• If you prefer a sweeter pie, increase the amount of granulated sugar in the filling by a couple of tablespoons.

Variations and Substitutions

• Pecans: If you don’t have pecans, feel free to substitute with walnuts or omit them for a nut-free version.
• Butter Substitute: You can replace the butter with vegan butter for a dairy-free pie.
• Pie Crust: Use a store-bought pie crust if you’re short on time, or try a gluten-free pie crust for a gluten-free version.
• Apple Variety: Although Granny Smith apples work best for this pie, you can mix in other apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for added sweetness and texture.

FAQs

• Can I make this pie ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the pie a day before and store it in the refrigerator. Warm it up before serving for that fresh-baked taste.
• How do I store leftovers? Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Can I freeze Dutch apple pie? Yes! You can freeze the pie before baking for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, add 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time.

Serving Suggestions

This Dutch Apple Pie is perfect when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You could also try pairing it with a cup of hot cinnamon tea or a warm caramel sauce for an extra indulgent experience.

Enjoy this delicious apple dessert as the perfect end to a meal, or simply savor it as a comforting snack with a cup of coffee or tea!