Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug, you’ve come to the right place! This Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe is one of my absolute favorites. It captures the essence of comfort food with its flaky crust, sweet and spiced apple filling, and that irresistible crumb topping. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or just a busy weeknight treat, this pie is sure to make everyone smile.

What makes this recipe even more special is how it balances flavors and textures. The buttery crust provides a perfect base for the tender apples, while the crumble on top adds that delightful crunch. Trust me; once you get a taste of this pie, you’ll want to make it over and over again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Easy: The steps are simple enough for any home cook to follow, making it a breeze to whip up.
• Family Favorite: Everyone loves a good apple pie! It’s perfect for gatherings or just a sweet end to your day.
• Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the filling in advance, saving you time when you’re ready to bake.
• Customizable Topping: The crumb topping can be adjusted based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients for this delightful pie. You might already have many of these in your pantry!

For the Pie Filling

• 1 homemade single pie crust (1 sheet of pie dough)
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
• Juice from half a lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
• 5 pounds apples (about 11 large apples)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

For the Crumble Topping

• 1 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (use less if using table salt)
• 3/4 cup butter (melted; 1 and 1/2 sticks)

Variations

This Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe is super flexible! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch in your crumble topping.
• Mix Up the Apples: Try using different types of apples like Fuji or Braeburn for varying sweetness and tartness.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with spices like ginger or cloves alongside the cinnamon for added warmth.

How to Make Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

Step 1: Choose Your Apples

Start by selecting 5 pounds of apples—this usually amounts to about 11 large ones. I recommend using a mix like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious. Each type brings its own unique flavor, making your pie even more delicious!

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a high-sided skillet with no heat, zest 1/4 teaspoon of lemon peel into it. Then add juice from half a lemon. This little trick prevents your apples from browning while also giving them a bright flavor boost.

Step 3: Peel and Slice Your Apples

Use an apple peeler or potato peeler to remove the skins from your apples. Slice them into 1/8-inch pieces; I like to work on one apple at a time so they don’t brown too quickly. Add each sliced apple immediately to the skillet with lemon juice and stir occasionally.

Step 4: Cook the Apples

Once all apples are peeled and sliced in the skillet, set it on medium heat. Add your sugars, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional cardamom. Stir gently until everything is combined without breaking up those lovely apple slices.

Step 5: Simmer

Cover with a lid and let it cook for about 20 minutes—remember to stir every few minutes! We want those apples tender but still holding their shape when we bake them later.

Step 6: Cool Down

Remove from heat and stir in one teaspoon of vanilla extract before transferring the filling to another pan to cool completely. You can pop this in the fridge or freezer if you’re short on time!

Step 7: Prepare Your Pie Crust

Roll out your chilled pie dough into a 9-inch pie dish. Fold in the edges and crimp them beautifully! Let it chill again for about half an hour—this helps create that flaky texture we all love.

Step 8: Preheat Your Oven

While everything chills again, preheat your oven to 425°F. Place a baking sheet inside too; this will help crisp up our bottom crust!

Step 9: Make the Crumble Topping

In a bowl, mix together flour, sugars, and salt for the crumble topping. Melt your butter separately and pour it over these dry ingredients—mix until you have clumps resembling wet sand.

Step 10: Assemble

Once everything is cooled down properly, spread that luscious apple filling into your pie crust. Don’t forget every last bit of gooey goodness! Top with just enough crumble to cover—not all of it—then save some for later!

Step 11: Bake Away!

Place your assembled pie onto that hot baking sheet in the oven at high temperature for about 15 minutes. Afterward reduce heat to 350°F without removing it from the oven.

Step 12: Final Touches

After another ten minutes of baking at lower temperature, sprinkle any remaining crumble over top before covering edges loosely with foil to prevent burning.

Step 13: Bake Until Perfect

Return your covered pie back into that warm oven for about another half hour until it’s golden brown around edges—let those yummy smells fill your kitchen!

Step 14: Cool & Serve

It’s hard waiting but allow your pie some cooling time on a wire rack for several hours before slicing. Patience pays off here! Serve as-is or with vanilla ice cream if desired—it’s simply divine!

And there you have it! Your very own Dutch Apple Crumble Pie ready to be enjoyed by friends & family!

Pro Tips for Making Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

Making the perfect Dutch Apple Crumble Pie is all about the details, and with these tips, you’ll be a pie-making pro in no time!

• Choose the right apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This balance enhances the flavor profile and ensures a deliciously complex filling.
• Don’t skip chilling your crust: Allowing your pie crust to chill for about 30 minutes helps create that flaky texture we all love. It prevents shrinkage during baking, resulting in a perfectly shaped pie.
• Be patient with cooling: Resist the temptation to cut into your pie immediately after baking. Letting it cool for at least 4 hours allows the filling to set properly, giving you clean slices and preventing a soggy bottom.
• Use a pie shield or foil: To protect your crust from burning while ensuring even cooking, use a homemade foil shield or a pie shield. This keeps those edges beautifully golden without overcooking them.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices in your crumble or filling to suit your taste. A little extra cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor and make it truly unique!

How to Serve Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

Serving your Dutch Apple Crumble Pie can be as delightful as making it! Here are some fun ideas to impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A light dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a creamy texture that complements the warm spices of the pie.
• Cinnamon sugar sprinkle: Just before serving, dust a light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness and spice.
• Chopped nuts: Consider topping each slice with chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor that pairs beautifully with apples.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A classic pairing! The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream contrasts perfectly with the warm, spiced apple filling.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzling some caramel sauce over each slice adds an indulgent touch that will make every bite feel like dessert heaven.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing side of mixed berries or citrus fruits balances the sweetness of the pie, providing a nice contrast.
• Cheese platter: Offering some mild cheeses like brie or gouda alongside enhances the flavors of the pie and creates a lovely sweet-savory combination.

Now you’re ready to create not just a delicious Dutch Apple Crumble Pie but also an unforgettable serving experience. Enjoy every moment!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dessert without the last-minute rush. It can be made ahead of time and stored or frozen for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover pie at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered with plastic wrap or foil.
• After 2 days, transfer the pie to the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds if desired.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the pie cool completely after baking.
• Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• The pie can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove any plastic wrap or foil, and place the pie on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. For individual slices, microwave on medium power for about 30-60 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I use different types of apples in the Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe?

Absolutely! A mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works beautifully together to create a balance of flavors.

How do I ensure my crumble topping is perfect in the Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe?

Make sure your butter is melted but not too hot when mixing with the dry ingredients. This will help achieve that delightful crumbly texture!

Can I make this Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the pie a day before serving. Just store it appropriately as mentioned above, and you’ll have a ready-to-enjoy dessert waiting for you!

What’s the best way to serve Dutch Apple Crumble Pie?

This pie is fantastic on its own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped topping for that extra touch of indulgence!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe! The combination of tender apples and a crunchy crumble topping creates a comforting dessert that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. Remember, it’s all about taking your time and savoring each step—your patience will be rewarded with every delicious slice. Enjoy your baking adventure!