Print

Dutch Apple Pie Recipe | Easy Streusel Topping

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Dutch Apple Pie is the quintessential comfort dessert, known for its warm spiced filling, buttery crumb topping, and flaky pie crust. This iconic dessert has its origins in the Netherlands, where its classic “streusel” topping—a mix of butter, sugar, and flour—was first introduced, making it stand apart from the traditional double-crust apple pies. What makes Dutch Apple Pie so special is the blend of tart and sweet apples combined with aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, all nestled beneath a golden, crumbly top.

 

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pie Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (provides structure)
  • ½ tsp salt (enhances flavor)
  • 1 tbsp sugar (adds subtle sweetness)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (creates flakiness)
  • 35 tbsp ice water (binds the dough)

For the Apple Filling:

  • 6 cups peeled, sliced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for balance)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (sweetens the filling)
  • ¼ cup brown sugar (adds depth of flavor)
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (thickens the filling)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon (adds warmth)
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg (enhances flavor)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (prevents browning, balances sweetness)

For the Streusel Topping:

  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour (structure for the crumb)
  • ½ cup brown sugar (sweetness and caramel-like flavor)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (binds the topping)
  • Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or oats (adds crunch and texture)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pie Crust

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.
  2. Cut in Butter: Add cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Add Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender.
  4. Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

  1. Slice the Apples: Peel and core the apples, then slice them thinly for even cooking.
  2. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the apples with sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are well coated.

Step 3: Make the Streusel Topping

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix flour and brown sugar. Pour in melted butter and mix until the mixture forms a crumbly texture. If using nuts or oats, stir them in now.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

  1. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, trimming and crimping the edges as desired.
  2. Add the Filling: Spoon the apple mixture into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
  3. Add the Topping: Sprinkle the streusel topping over the apples, covering them completely.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bake: Place the pie on the middle rack and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the topping browns too quickly, tent the pie with foil.
  3. Cool: Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to set.

Notes

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 slices
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Dutch/American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
  • Keywords: Dutch Apple Pie, Streusel Pie, Easy Apple Pie Recipe