Dutch Apple Pie with Crumb Topping (From Scratch with Real Ingredients)

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This Dutch Apple Pie with crumb topping is made from scratch with real ingredients and a buttery streusel topping. A classic homemade apple pie recipe that’s simple and cozy.

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There is something about a homemade Dutch apple pie baking in the oven that makes a house feel instantly cozy. The scent of cinnamon, butter, and bubbling apples fills the kitchen, and suddenly everyone finds a reason to wander in and ask, “When will it be ready?”

This Dutch apple pie is made completely from scratch using real, simple ingredients. The apples are cooked first on the stovetop so you never end up with a watery filling. Then they’re tucked into a flaky pie crust and topped with a buttery crumb topping that bakes into golden perfection.

This is the kind of dessert that feels special enough for Thanksgiving — but simple enough for a Sunday family dinner.

Where Real Ingredients Meet Everyday Cooking.

What Is Dutch Apple Pie?

Dutch apple pie is different from traditional apple pie because it has a crumb or streusel topping instead of a top pie crust. Instead of rolling out a second layer of dough or creating a lattice, you sprinkle a buttery mixture of flour, sugar, cinnamon, and butter over the apples.

The result?

• Crisp, golden crumb topping
• Thick cinnamon apple filling
• Flaky bottom crust
• More texture in every bite

If you love apple crumble but also want a flaky crust underneath, Dutch apple pie gives you the best of both worlds.

Why You’ll Love This Dutch Apple Pie Recipe

• No runny filling (we cook the apples first!)
• Thick, cinnamon-sugar sauce
• Buttery crumb topping
• Simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect for holidays or everyday baking
• Uses your favorite homemade pie crust

This recipe is approachable and dependable — two things every busy mom needs when baking from scratch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pie Crust

• 1 pie crust (I recommend using my homemade sourdough pie crust for the best flavor and texture.)

For the Apple Pie Filling

• 7 apples, peeled and thinly sliced – to make this easy use this apple corer, peeler and slicer – it is around $20 and saves you SO. MUCH. TIME.
• 3 Tbsp un-bleached all-purpose flour (organic if possible)
• 8 Tbsp butter (I always use salted butter – grass fed if possible)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup sugar (I prefer to use organic cane sugar)
• 2 tsp cinnamon

For the Crumb Topping

• 1 cup un-bleached all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (organic is my fav.)
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 8 Tbsp softened butter

Best Apples for Dutch Apple Pie

Choosing the right apples makes a big difference in flavor and texture.

Here are my favorites:

• Granny Smith (tart and firm)
• Honeycrisp (sweet and crisp)
• Hunnyz
• Pink Lady

For the best homemade Dutch apple pie, I recommend using a mix of sweet and tart apples. The balance gives you deeper flavor and prevents the pie from being overly sweet.

How to Make Dutch Apple Pie (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Add your peeled and thinly sliced apples to a large skillet (I use a 12 inch cast iron skillet) over medium heat.

Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and most of the liquid has evaporated. This is the key step that prevents a watery pie.

Once softened, add to the skillet:

• 3 Tbsp flour
• 8 Tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens and coats the apples beautifully.

Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping

In a medium bowl, combine:

• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Sugar
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Add the softened butter and use a pastry cutter, fork or your hands to work it into the flour mixture until coarse crumbs form.

You want a crumbly, slightly clumpy texture — not a paste.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

• Preheat your oven to 375°F.
• Roll out your pie crust and press it into a deep (preferrably) 9 inch pie plate.
• Pour the thickened apple filling evenly into the crust.
• Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the apples, covering them completely.

Step 4: Bake

Bake at 375°F for 50–60 minutes.

The pie is done when:

• The topping is golden brown
• The filling is bubbling around the edges

If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.

How to Know When Dutch Apple Pie Is Done

The biggest indicator is bubbling filling. If the filling isn’t bubbling, it likely needs more time. Bubbling means the flour has activated and thickened properly.

You can also check that the internal temperature reaches about 200°F if you prefer to be precise.

Let It Cool (Important!)

As tempting as it is to slice into warm pie, let it cool for at least 2 hours.

This allows the filling to set properly so you get clean slices instead of a runny center.

How to Store Dutch Apple Pie

• Room temperature: Cover and store for 1–2 days
• Refrigerator: Up to 4 days
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months

To reheat, warm in a 300°F oven until heated through.

Can You Make Dutch Apple Pie Ahead of Time?

Yes!

You can:

• Bake it one day ahead (perfect for holidays)
• Prepare the filling and crumb topping separately and assemble later
• Freeze the baked pie for future use

This makes it a great Thanksgiving dessert option when oven space is limited.

Pro Tips for the Best Dutch Apple Pie

• Slice apples thin and evenly.
• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples.
• Cook the filling fully before baking.
• Let the pie cool completely before slicing.
• Serve warm with homemade vanilla ice cream or fresh stabilized whipped cream.

Serving Suggestions

This homemade Dutch apple pie is perfect served:

• Warm with vanilla ice cream
• With fresh whipped cream
• Alongside a cup of hot coffee (this is my favorite coffee)
• With a slice of sharp cheddar (a traditional pairing!)

Final Thoughts

There’s something deeply comforting about baking a pie from scratch. It slows you down. It fills your kitchen with warmth. It reminds your family that good food doesn’t have to be complicated — just real.

This Dutch apple pie with crumb topping is simple, dependable, and made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Simple. From scratch. Real ingredients.