If you have a soft spot for comforting, warmly spiced desserts, you simply must try this Sweet Dutch Apple Pie Recipe. It’s the perfect harmony of tender, juicy apples and a buttery, golden crumble topping that adds just the right amount of crunch. Each slice feels like a cozy hug, boasting layers of cinnamon and nutmeg that truly celebrate the very best of apple pie tradition with a little Dutch twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step to creating a pie filled with amazing flavors and textures. Every component plays a crucial role, from the crisp apples providing natural sweetness to the cinnamon and nutmeg that build rich warmth, making your kitchen smell divine.
- Pie dough: Use a single homemade sheet for a buttery, flaky crust that holds all the juicy goodness.
- Lemon zest and juice: Adds a bright, tangy lift to balance the sweetness in the filling.
- Apples: Five pounds before peeling and coring, giving you plenty of tender fruit in every bite.
- Brown sugar: Both in the filling and the crumble, it imparts deep molasses notes and helps caramelize everything beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: For sweetening that’s light and pure, balancing the brown sugar’s richness.
- All-purpose flour: Used in the filling to thicken and in the crumble topping to bind those buttery crumbs.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the sweet spices pop.
- Ground cinnamon: A classic spice that pairs like a dream with apples.
- Nutmeg: Adds a warm, nutty layer of flavor for extra depth.
- Cardamom (optional): A subtle floral note that lifts the spices to a whole new level if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the filling with smooth sweetness and aroma.
- Butter: Melted into the crumble to give it a rich, golden crunch.
How to Make Sweet Dutch Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Crust
Start by setting your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s perfectly hot when your pie goes in. Press your homemade pie dough into a 9-inch pie dish and chill it slightly while you prep the filling. A cool crust helps prevent sogginess when you add the juicy apples.
Step 2: Toss Apples with Lemon and Spices
In a large bowl, combine the lemon zest and lemon juice with peeled and sliced apples. The citrus not only keeps the apples from browning but also adds a delicate tang that brightens the sweet filling.
Step 3: Add the Sugars and Warm Spices
Mix in the brown and granulated sugars, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom (if using), and vanilla. The flour will thicken the filling juices during baking, ensuring each slice holds together perfectly without being soggy.
Step 4: Fill the Pie Crust
Pour this fragrant apple mixture into your prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly to create a luscious base for your crumble topping.
Step 5: Make the Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and kosher salt for the topping. Pour in melted butter and gently mix until crumbly. This topping will turn golden and crunchy, creating a lovely texture contrast to the soft apples beneath.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apple filling. Bake the pie for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C) to start the crust and topping browning process. Then lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35 to 40 minutes until the crumble is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Step 7: Cool and Set Before Serving
Let your Sweet Dutch Apple Pie rest and cool to room temperature before slicing. This wait allows the filling to thicken fully, making every slice neat and satisfying.
How to Serve Sweet Dutch Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
For a classic touch, serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate the presentation and flavor to a restaurant-quality dessert.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with simple sides like warm coffee or hot tea, making it an ideal centerpiece for cozy gatherings and Sunday brunches alike. A sharp cheddar cheese slice on the side is a traditional twist that some apple pie aficionados adore.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at your next dinner party? Present the pie with a dusting of powdered sugar or fresh apple slices fanned on top of the crumble before baking. You can also serve mini versions in ramekins for an adorable personal treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your Sweet Dutch Apple Pie with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will only deepen, making leftovers just as delightful as when freshly baked.
Freezing
You can freeze the pie either before baking (wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil) or after baking (wrap once cooled). Frozen pies keep up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked taste and crisp crumble texture. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve a flaky crust and crunchy topping.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! A good-quality store-bought crust works nicely if you don’t have time to make one from scratch. Just make sure to keep it chilled before filling.
What types of apples work best?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn hold their texture well and balance the sweetness. Combining a few varieties can add depth to the flavor.
Is the cardamom necessary?
Cardamom is optional but highly recommended for a subtle exotic note. If you don’t have it, the pie will still be delicious with just cinnamon and nutmeg.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour blends for both the filling and crumble topping, and substitute the pie dough accordingly. It won’t compromise the taste!
How can I tell when the pie is done?
Look for a golden-brown crumble and bubbling filling visible through the topping’s cracks. The crust edges should be firm and lightly browned.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Sweet Dutch Apple Pie Recipe a try soon because it truly captures the heartwarming essence of a classic fall dessert. It’s wonderfully simple to make yet impressively flavorful — a true crowd-pleaser at any table. You deserve a slice of this comforting pie in your life, so why wait?
Print
Sweet Dutch Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A classic Sweet Dutch Apple Pie featuring a tender homemade pie crust filled with a blend of cinnamon-spiced apples and a buttery crumb topping for a delightful texture contrast. Perfectly baked to a golden brown finish, this pie offers a comforting and flavorful dessert ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pie Dough
- 1 single homemade pie dough (1 sheet)
Apple Filling
- 1/4 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon)
- 5 lb apples (before peeling/coring)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 3/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp cardamom (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Crumble Topping
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 3/4 cup melted butter (1 1/2 sticks)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake the pie.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Roll out your homemade pie dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, shaping it evenly to create the base for the apple filling.
- Mix Apples with Lemon: In a large bowl, combine lemon zest, lemon juice, and thinly sliced apples to prevent browning and add a bright citrus note.
- Add Sweeteners and Spices: To the apple mixture, add brown sugar, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, optional cardamom, and vanilla extract. Mix everything thoroughly to coat the apples evenly.
- Fill Pie Crust: Pour the seasoned apple mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly for consistent baking.
- Make Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture becomes crumbly but holds together when pressed.
- Add Crumble Topping: Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apple filling, covering it evenly to create a textured crust.
- Bake at High Temperature: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes to start the browning process.
- Reduce Temperature and Continue Baking: Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 35-40 minutes until the crumble topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
- Cool Pie: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely before slicing and serving to let the filling set properly.
Notes
- For best texture, peel and core the apples before slicing.
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for balanced flavor.
- If you prefer a spiced apple pie without cardamom, feel free to omit it.
- Letting the pie cool before serving helps the filling thicken and improves sliceability.
- The crumble topping can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a day.
