The Ultimate Dutch Apple Pie Recipe with Buttery Crumb Topping

There are few desserts that can match the charm of a freshly baked apple pie. The smell of spiced apples drifting through the kitchen, the buttery crumb topping turning golden in the oven, and the first slice served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream all capture the very essence of comfort food. In this guide, we are diving into The Ultimate Dutch Apple Pie Recipe with Buttery Crumb Topping, a dessert that combines tradition with indulgence.

Unlike the classic double-crust version, this apple pie highlights a golden streusel finish. Known widely as apple pie with crumb topping, it is a favorite at holiday gatherings and weekend dinners alike. The combination of tender apples, sweet cinnamon, and buttery crumbs transforms a humble fruit pie into something extraordinary. If you have been searching for the best apple pie recipe, this is the one to keep in your collection.

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What Makes Dutch Apple Pie Unique?

Dutch apple pie is often confused with its double-crust cousin, but the distinction lies in the Dutch apple pie topping. Instead of sealing the pie with pastry, it is crowned with a streusel made of flour, butter, and sugar. This apple pie topping adds both crunch and richness, creating layers of flavor and texture in every bite.

When you bite into a slice, you get the soft sweetness of baked apples paired with the golden crispiness of the streusel. This combination is what makes the crumb topping for apple pie so loved across generations.

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Why You’ll Love This Crumb Top Apple Pie Recipe

• Perfectly balanced flavors of tart and sweet apples
• A buttery and crispy crumb topping that makes every bite special
• A dessert that works for holidays, Sunday dinners, or cozy evenings at home
• Simple ingredients with a big flavor payoff
• The flexibility to adjust spices, apple varieties, and sweetness

This crumb top apple pie recipe is not only delicious but also approachable for home bakers of all levels. It embodies both rustic charm and timeless appeal.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this apple pie recipe with crumb topping, gather the following ingredients. They are simple pantry staples, yet when combined, they deliver bakery-level results.

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3–4 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6–7 medium apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works well)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Dutch Apple Pie Topping (Crumb Topping):

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

This combination of ingredients creates the perfect base, flavorful filling, and indulgent apple pie crumb topping.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a large bowl, whisk flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add ice water gradually, mixing until dough comes together.
4. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 1 hour.
5. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface and fit into a 9-inch pie dish.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

1. Peel, core, and slice apples evenly.
2. In a large bowl, toss apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla.
3. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow juices to develop.
4. Pour filling into prepared crust.

Step 3: Prepare the Crumb Topping for Apple Pie

1. In a separate bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Pour melted butter over the mixture and stir with a fork until large crumbs form.
3. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the apple filling.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
3. Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and apples are tender.
4. Let cool at least 2 hours before slicing.

The result is an apple pie Dutch style that pairs buttery crumbs with soft, flavorful apples.

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Choosing the Best Apples for Dutch Apple Pie

When selecting apples for baking, it is important to balance tartness and sweetness. Too tart, and the filling may taste sharp; too sweet, and the pie loses complexity. Granny Smith apples are popular for their tart bite, while Honeycrisp and Fuji bring sweetness and juiciness. Mixing varieties creates depth in flavor and ensures the apple pie with crumb topping has the perfect texture.

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Tips for Perfect Apple Pie Crumb Topping

• Use cold butter for a chunkier topping, or melted butter for a finer crumb texture.
• Add a pinch of salt to enhance flavor balance.
• For extra crunch, stir in a handful of chopped pecans or oats.
• Always let the pie cool before cutting so the filling sets properly.

Mastering the Dutch apple pie topping ensures your pie stands out at every gathering.

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Variations on the Classic Recipe

• Caramel Dutch Apple Pie: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding the crumb topping.
• Nutty Crumb Top Apple Pie: Add walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the streusel mixture.
• Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie: Use a cinnamon-sugar pastry base instead of a plain crust.
• Mini Dutch Apple Pies: Create smaller versions in muffin tins for individual servings.

These variations show how adaptable a crumb top apple pie recipe can be to different occasions.

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Serving Suggestions

A warm slice of apple pie with crumb topping pairs beautifully with:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Salted caramel drizzle
• A cup of hot coffee or spiced cider

The buttery apple pie crumb topping adds such richness that it complements both creamy and bold flavors.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overloading with sugar: Apples are naturally sweet, so balance is key.
• Using only one apple variety: Mixing apples creates the best flavor.
• Cutting before cooling: Allowing the pie to rest prevents a runny filling.
• Underbaking the topping: The Dutch apple pie topping should be golden and crisp.

Avoiding these errors helps you achieve the best apple pie recipe every time.

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Storage and Reheating

• Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered loosely.
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Warm slices in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to refresh the topping.
• Freeze baked pie for up to 3 months, wrapped tightly in foil.

This makes the pie not only delicious but also practical for advance preparation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought crust?
Yes, you can use a pre-made crust to save time. The star of the recipe is the apple pie topping, so a shortcut crust works fine.

What apples are best for apple pie Dutch style?
Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, and Fuji for balance. A mix delivers the best apple pie recipe results.

Can I make the crumb topping ahead of time?
Yes, the crumb topping for apple pie can be mixed and refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Can I reduce sugar in the recipe?
Absolutely, adjust sugar to your preference without compromising the crust or topping.

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Final Thoughts

There is something timeless about sharing a pie at the table, and this Dutch apple pie topping recipe delivers both nostalgia and indulgence. Whether you are baking for a holiday feast, a family dinner, or just because you crave comfort, this pie captures the essence of home baking. It is a dessert that celebrates the natural sweetness of apples while highlighting the richness of a buttery apple pie crumb topping.

Once you try this version, you will understand why so many consider it the best apple pie recipe they have ever made. It is approachable, adaptable, and filled with flavor that lingers in memory long after the last bite.

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