Dutch Apple Pie is a classic dessert that combines the warmth of baked apples with a crispy, crumbly topping. This pie is perfect for fall gatherings or any special occasion. It’s comforting, delicious, and sure to please everyone at the table.

Why Make This Recipe
Making Dutch Apple Pie is a wonderful way to enjoy the sweet flavors of fresh apples. It has a lovely balance of spices that makes it taste homemade. Plus, the crunchy topping adds extra texture to each bite. This pie is easy to make, and it’s a great dessert for both novice and experienced bakers.
How to Make Dutch Apple Pie
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour (150 grams)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (4 grams)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (57 grams, cold and cut into small cubes, about ½ stick)
- ¼ cup vegetable shortening (46 grams, cold and cut into cubes, about ¼ stick)
- ¼ cup ice water (57 grams)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 grams)
- ⅔ cup packed brown sugar (138 grams)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (113 grams, cold and cut into small cubes, about 1 stick)
- 6 large apples (sliced, cored, and peeled, about 8 cups)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (30 grams)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (14 grams)
Directions:
For the Crust:
- In a bowl, mix 1¼ cups flour, 1 teaspoon sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Add the cold butter and shortening, mixing until crumbly.
- Stir in the ice water until the dough comes together.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
For the Topping:
- In another bowl, combine 1 cup flour, ⅔ cup brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and ⅛ teaspoon salt.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture turns crumbly.
For the Filling:
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup flour, and lemon juice until well coated.
For Assembly:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough and fit it into a pie dish.
- Pour the apple filling into the crust, then sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.
How to Serve Dutch Apple Pie
Serve your Dutch Apple Pie warm or at room temperature. It’s delightful on its own, or you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
How to Store Dutch Apple Pie
To store your Dutch Apple Pie, let it cool completely. Cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to four days. You can also freeze it for up to three months for later enjoyment.
Tips to Make Dutch Apple Pie
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for more flavor.
- Ensure your ingredients, especially the butter and shortening, are cold for a flakier crust.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice; it brightens the flavor of the apples.
- If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil.
Variation
For a twist, you can add nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for added crunch. Alternatively, try using different spices such as nutmeg or allspice for a unique flavor.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
- Yes, you can use a store-bought crust if you prefer a quicker option.
What type of apples are best for Dutch Apple Pie?
- Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix of sweet and tart apples work very well.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
- Yes, the pie can be baked a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it in the oven before serving.

Dutch Apple Pie
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1.25 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.25 cups unsalted butter (cold and cut into small cubes) about ½ stick
- 0.25 cups vegetable shortening (cold and cut into cubes) about ¼ stick
- 0.25 cups ice water
For the Filling
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup packed brown sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.125 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into small cubes) about 1 stick
- 6 large apples (sliced, cored, and peeled) about 8 cups
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
For the Crust
- In a bowl, mix 1¼ cups flour, 1 teaspoon sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Add the cold butter and shortening, mixing until crumbly.
- Stir in the ice water until the dough comes together.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
For the Topping
- In another bowl, combine 1 cup flour, ⅔ cup brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and ⅛ teaspoon salt.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture turns crumbly.
For the Filling
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup flour, and lemon juice until well coated.
For Assembly
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough and fit it into a pie dish.
- Pour the apple filling into the crust, then sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.







