Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

If you love cozy, homey desserts that warm your heart and fill your kitchen with the most irresistible aromas, this Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Imagine the perfect union of tender, cinnamon-kissed apple filling with a buttery, golden crumble topping that’s crisp yet tender in just the right way. It’s a classic with a twist that elevates any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a comforting solo treat. Once you try this Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a staple for pie lovers everywhere.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but packed with flavor. Each plays a crucial role in creating the balanced texture and rich taste that defines this pie, from the tart and sweet apples to the fragrant spices and flaky crust.

• Pie crust: A single homemade sheet brings that flaky, buttery base every pie deserves.
• Lemon zest and juice: Just a touch to brighten up the apple filling and keep it fresh.
• Apples (5 pounds): Using a mix of Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious gives a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
• Brown sugar (packed, 1/2 cup and 3/4 cup): Adds depth and caramel notes to both the filling and crumble topping.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup and 1/3 cup): Sweetens without overpowering the natural apple flavor.
• All-purpose flour (1/3 cup and 1 1/2 cups): Thickens the filling and provides structure to the crumble.
• Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon and 1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): A warm spice classic that makes apple pies irresistible.
• Nutmeg (3/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle nutty warmth to the filling.
• Cardamom (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Gives an exotic hint that’s lovely, but you can skip if you prefer classic notes.
• Vanilla (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with its smooth sweetness.
• Butter (3/4 cup, melted): The secret behind the rich, crumbly topping.

How to Make Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

Step 1: Choose Your Apples

Picking the right apples sets the whole tone for your pie. I love combining Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious to achieve a perfect mix of tartness, sweetness, and texture that holds up beautifully during baking. About 5 pounds or 11 large apples is the magic number here.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling Base

Start by zesting a small amount of lemon peel into a high-sided skillet, then add the lemon juice. This subtle citrus touch brightens the filling and prevents the apples from browning, ensuring your pie looks just as tasty as it tastes.

Step 3: Peel and Slice Apples

Peel and slice each apple very thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. To keep the slices fresh, peel and slice one apple at a time, stirring them into the lemon juice mixture as you go so they won’t brown prematurely.

Step 4: Cook the Apples Gently

Set your skillet over medium heat and add your sugars, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional cardamom all at once. Stir gently until everything is evenly moistened. Cover and let the apples simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring often to keep them from sticking and to achieve that perfect fork-tender but still firm texture.

Step 5: Finish the Filling

Once tender, remove the pan from heat and stir in vanilla extract. This final addition adds a lovely aromatic sweetness that pulls the whole filling together.

Step 6: Chill the Filling

Transfer the filling, including all of its luscious caramelized juices, to a pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the freezer for about 30 minutes to cool completely. This step is key for maintaining the perfect texture in your pie.

Step 7: Prepare the Pie Crust

Roll out your homemade pie dough into a 9-inch dish, fold and crimp the edges beautifully, then chill again for at least 30 minutes. Cold dough ensures flakiness when baked — a must-do for this Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe.

Step 8: Make the Crumble Topping

Mix flour, sugars, and salt in a bowl, then add melted butter and stir until you get a sandy, clumpy consistency. Chill the crumble in the fridge while you assemble the pie to keep it ready for spreading on top.

Step 9: Assemble and Bake

Once both the filling and crust are chilled, fill your pie shell with the apple mixture, spreading it evenly to the edges. Sprinkle on about one to two cups of the crumble topping — just enough to cover the apples without overwhelming them. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F and continue baking, adding more crumble partway through and shielding the crust edges with foil to avoid burning.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Patience is essential here. Let your Dutch Apple Crumble Pie cool completely for about four hours at room temperature. This resting time allows the filling to set perfectly and the crumble to stay crisp, resulting in the ideal slice every time.

How to Serve Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

Garnishes

The best way to finish this pie is with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a truly indulgent treat, drizzle a little salted caramel sauce on top — it turns every bite into a dreamy experience.

Side Dishes

This Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe pairs wonderfully with warm drinks like spiced cider or a rich cup of coffee. For a festive meal, serve it alongside roasted fall vegetables or a sharp cheddar cheese plate to contrast the pie’s sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve tiny slices as part of a dessert sampler for guests, or turn the filling into hand pies for an easy grab-and-go treat. You can also sprinkle chopped toasted nuts on the crumble for extra crunch and nutty flavor variations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pie is best stored covered at room temperature for up to two days. Beyond that, transferring it to the fridge helps preserve it for several more days without compromising flavor or texture.

Freezing

This pie freezes beautifully. Wrap whole or sliced portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge to maintain the best consistency.

Reheating

To reheat, warm slices in a low oven (about 325°F) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crumble is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful crumbly texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of homemade?

Absolutely! While homemade crust brings a lovely flaky texture and flavor, a good quality store-bought dough works well and saves time without sacrificing too much.

What are the best apples for this Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe?

A mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious creates the perfect balance. This combo ensures the filling isn’t too sweet or mushy.

Can I make this pie vegan?

With a few swaps, yes! Use a vegan pie crust and substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine for the crumble. The filling is naturally vegan as long as you avoid honey or dairy add-ins.

Why does the recipe call for two baking temperatures?

Starting at a high temperature helps set the crust quickly and gives a lovely golden hue, while lowering the heat allows the apples to cook gently without burning the crust or topping.

How long does this pie keep once baked?

Properly stored, this pie maintains its flavor and texture for about 4 to 5 days in the refrigerator. Just make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe is one of those timeless treasures that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. With its perfectly spiced filling and buttery crumble, it’s a dessert you’ll want to make again and again. So gather your apples, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to a slice of comfort — trust me, you won’t regret it!

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