Name: The Best Dutch Apple Pie Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 3 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1¼ cups (162 g) all-purpose flour, divided; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon salt; 6 tablespoons (85 g) cold unsalted butter, cut into ¼-inch slices; ¼ cup (46 g) vegetable shortening, chilled, cut into 2 pieces; 2 tablespoons ice water; 5 large Granny Smith apples, about 2½ pounds; 4 large McIntosh apples, about 2 pounds; ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; Pinch of salt; 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter; ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream; 1¼ cups (162 g) all-purpose flour; ⅓ cup (71 g) light brown sugar; ⅓ cup (66 g) granulated sugar; 7 tablespoons (99 g) unsalted butter, melted

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 62 reviews

There is something truly magical about sinking your fork into a slice of apple pie that captures the perfect balance of sweet, tart, buttery, and crumbly. That magic comes alive with The Best Dutch Apple Pie Recipe, a classic dessert that features a tender, flaky crust, a juicy apple filling with just the right hint of cinnamon, and a golden, crunchy streusel topping that adds irresistible texture. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, weekend treat, or special occasion, this recipe promises to deliver a pie so delicious and comforting that it’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A slice of crumb-topped pie sits on a white speckled plate on a white marbled surface. The pie has three visible layers: the bottom crust is a light golden brown color, crumbled apple filling in the middle shows soft, thin apple slices with a pale creamy tone, and the top layer is a thick, uneven golden crumb topping with a rough texture. The edges of the slice have a slightly darker, more toasted golden color. In the background, part of the larger pie is visible in a glass dish, along with other white plates that hold more slices. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the ingredients for The Best Dutch Apple Pie Recipe is delightfully simple, with every item playing a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the flaky crust that hugs the filling to the juicy blend of Granny Smith and McIntosh apples, each component enhances the character of this pie wonderfully.

All-purpose flour (for crust and topping): Provides the structure for both the pie base and the crispy streusel top, lending that tender crumb we adore.
Granulated sugar: Adds essential sweetness to the crust, filling, and topping, with a precise amount to keep the apple filling perfectly balanced.
Salt: A pinch here and there elevates flavors, ensuring everything tastes fresh and vibrant.
Cold unsalted butter: Key for the flaky pie crust; cold butter creates those delicate layers we dream about.
Vegetable shortening: Helps make the crust tender by cutting through the gluten, resulting in the ideal crumbly texture.
Ice water: Just enough to bring the dough together without making it tough.
Granny Smith apples: Tart and firm, they add a necessary tang and hold their shape beautifully during baking.
McIntosh apples: Soft and sweet, these apples complement the tartness and contribute a luscious, tender bite.
Ground cinnamon: The classic spice that gives the filling that warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
Unsalted butter (for filling and topping): Adds richness and silkiness to the apple filling and helps create the buttery streusel topping.
Heavy cream: Makes the filling luscious and helps meld all those delicious flavors together.
Light brown sugar: Used in the streusel topping to add moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness.

How to Make The Best Dutch Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Begin by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add the cold unsalted butter and chilled vegetable shortening, cutting them into the flour using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly drizzle in ice water one tablespoon at a time, gently tossing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork it to keep the crust tender! Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Peel, core, and thinly slice the Granny Smith and McIntosh apples, then toss them in a large bowl with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat and add the apple mixture, cooking gently until the apples are just beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream for richness. Let the filling cool slightly before assembling the pie.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled pie crust dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Carefully transfer it to the dish, pressing it in along the bottom and sides. Pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly. Smooth the edges and get ready for the most exciting part—adding the streusel topping!

Step 4: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a medium bowl, combine the remaining 1¼ cups flour, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Drizzle the melted butter over the mixture and stir until large crumbs form. Sprinkle this streusel evenly over the apple filling, creating a crunchy, golden layer that will bake to perfection and contrast beautifully with the soft apples beneath.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake the assembled pie for about 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until the streusel is crisp and deep golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling. To prevent the edges from over-browning, cover them with foil if needed. Once out of the oven, let the pie cool fully on a wire rack; this step is crucial for the filling to set properly and make slicing easier.

How to Serve The Best Dutch Apple Pie Recipe

The image shows a flat lay of several green and red apples, with six apples placed inside a plain black bowl at the center and three apples placed outside the bowl on a white marbled surface. At the top left, there is a small white cup with milk, next to it a small white bowl of sugar, and near the bottom right, two small black bowls, one with a square piece of butter and the other with a brown spice. The colors are natural and fresh with a soft, matte texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To take your presentation up a notch, dust a light sprinkle of powdered sugar over the streusel topping just before serving. For an extra touch, add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the cold creaminess balances the warm spices beautifully!

Side Dishes

This Dutch apple pie pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of hot coffee or spiced tea. If serving at a gathering, consider offering a cheese board with sharp cheddar or a creamy Brie to complement the sweet-tart pies’ flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-special occasion, serve individual mini Dutch apple pies in ramekins topped with streusel. Not only does this look charming, but it makes portioning effortless and adds a touch of homemade elegance that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps the crust crisp enough and the apples fresh, so you can enjoy your Dutch apple pie just like the day you baked it.

Freezing

You can freeze The Best Dutch Apple Pie Recipe either before baking or after it has cooled completely. Wrap it tightly in freezer-safe wrap and place it in a sturdy container for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, extend baking time slightly and watch closely for golden perfection.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to restore that freshly baked warmth and crunchy topping. Avoid the microwave to keep the streusel crisp. A warm slice served with a scoop of ice cream is always a showstopper.

FAQs

Can I use other apple varieties besides Granny Smith and McIntosh?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and McIntosh offer the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, you can experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples. Just be sure to choose a mix of tart and sweet apples for a well-rounded flavor.

Is it necessary to use both butter and shortening in the crust?

Using both butter and vegetable shortening gives you a crust that is flavorful from the butter and tender and flaky thanks to the shortening. You can substitute all butter if you prefer, but be mindful the texture may be a bit different.

How do I prevent the crust edges from burning?

To keep the edges from browning too quickly, simply cover them with strips of aluminum foil midway through baking. This shields the crust while the filling finishes cooking perfectly.

Can I make the pie gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend formulated for baking. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly, especially in the streusel topping, but it will still be delicious.

What is the best way to slice the Dutch apple pie?

Use a sharp, serrated knife and cut gently through the pie, wiping the blade clean between each slice to maintain neat pieces with intact filling and topping.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite as heartwarming as serving The Best Dutch Apple Pie Recipe at your table—it’s the perfect celebration of classic flavors and textures that everyone loves. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying apple pie for the first time, I promise this recipe will become your go-to for creating joyful moments with family and friends. So grab those apples and get baking; your new favorite pie is waiting!