Dutch Apple Crumble Pie

Update : October 26, 2025

Why Make This Recipe

Dutch Apple Crumble Pie is a delicious dessert that warms the heart. It combines sweet and tart apples with a crunchy topping and flaky crust. There are many reasons to make this pie. First, it brings people together. Making it can become a fun family activity. Everyone can help with peeling apples, mixing the crumble, or rolling out the pie crust.

Second, Dutch Apple Crumble Pie is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday dinner, a birthday celebration, or a simple weekday treat, this pie fits all. It’s also a great way to showcase fresh apples, especially during the fall when they are in season. The sweet cinnamon and nutmeg flavors complement the apples well, giving each bite a cozy, nostalgic feeling of home.

Finally, nothing beats the smell of a pie baking in the oven. As the pie bakes, your home will fill with a comforting aroma that makes you feel warm inside. When served with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, this pie becomes a dessert that everyone will remember.

How to Make Dutch Apple Crumble Pie

Making Dutch Apple Crumble Pie is not as difficult as it may seem. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a pie that tastes like it came from a bakery.

Ingredients

To make this delightful pie, you will need the following ingredients:

1 homemade single pie crust
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 extract
1 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (for crumble)
1/3 cup granulated sugar (for crumble)
3/4 cup brown sugar (packed, for crumble)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (for crumble)
3/4 cup butter (melted)

Directions

Choose Your Apples: Start by selecting a mix of apples. Use Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, and Golden Delicious for a soft texture. This combination creates a balanced flavor.
Make the Filling: Zest the lemon and squeeze the juice into a large skillet. The lemon juice will help prevent the apples from turning brown.
Prepare Apples: Peel and slice the apples. As you cut them, put them in the skillet with lemon juice. This will keep them fresh while you prepare the rest.
Cook Apples: Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom into the skillet with the apples. Stir well and cook on medium heat for about 20 minutes. You want the apples to become fork-tender, which means they should be soft but still hold their shape.
Cool the Filling: After cooking, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Set it aside to cool while you prepare the crust and crumble.
Prepare Pie Crust: Roll out your homemade pie crust and fit it into a pie dish. Make sure it covers the sides and edges well. Once done, chill it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
Preheat Oven: While the crust is chilling, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Put a baking sheet inside the oven. This will catch any drips from the pie as it bakes.
Make Crumble: In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients for the crumble: flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and kosher salt. Then melt the butter and pour it into the mixture. Stir it until you have a crumbly texture. Chill this mixture as well.
Assemble Pie: Take the chilled pie crust out of the refrigerator. Fill it with the cooled apple mixture. Spread it evenly, then cover with the crumble mixture.
Bake Pie: Put the pie in the preheated oven. Bake at 425°F for the first 15 minutes. After that, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Finish Baking: After the initial baking times, sprinkle any leftover crumble on top of the pie. Bake for another 25-35 minutes, until the crumble is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Cool and Serve: Once done, take the pie out of the oven. Let it cool for at least 4 hours. Cooling stabilizes the filling, making it easier to slice. You can serve it warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with ice cream or caramel sauce if you want to make it extra special.

How to Serve Dutch Apple Crumble Pie

Serving Dutch Apple Crumble Pie is simple. After allowing the pie to cool completely, slice it into wedges using a sharp knife. You can serve it on a plate with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added sweetness. This pie is great on its own, but adding a little something extra can really delight your guests.

If you are hosting a gathering, consider serving it with whipped cream on the side. This way, people can add as much or as little as they like. For a festive touch, you could even sprinkle some cinnamon on the whipped cream to carry the warm flavors through the presentation.

Additionally, if you have any leftovers, it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for about a week.

How to Store Dutch Apple Crumble Pie

Storing Dutch Apple Crumble Pie correctly will keep it fresh. Once the pie has cooled completely, you can cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator if you plan to keep it for more than a couple of days.

If you have leftover pie, it can last in the fridge for about 4-5 days. Before serving the leftovers, you can reheat them in the oven at a low temperature, around 350°F (175°C), for about 10-15 minutes to achieve a warm slice again.

If you want to keep the pie longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for a few months. When you want to enjoy it again, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make Dutch Apple Crumble Pie

Use Fresh Apples

Using fresh, seasonal apples is key to making a delicious Dutch Apple Crumble Pie. Look for apples that are firm and slightly crisp.

Don’t Skip the Vanilla

Adding vanilla extract to your filling enhances the flavor and makes the pie taste more homemade. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference.

Chill Everything

Chilling the pie crust, crumble mix, and filling is crucial. It helps keep the crust flaky and prevents the crumble from melting too quickly during baking.

Mix and Match

Feel free to change up the spices. If you prefer a warmer taste, you can add ginger or cloves. Experimenting with spices can give your pie a unique twist.

Let It Cool

Be patient and let the pie cool for at least 4 hours. This helps the filling set properly and makes cutting and serving easier.

Variations

While Dutch Apple Crumble Pie is perfect as is, there are some great variations you can try:

Add Nuts

For more texture, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the crumble topping. They will give a different crunch and flavor.

Use Different Fruits

You can mix in other fruits with the apples. Pears or berries work well and can add a delightful twist to the flavor profile.

Gluten-Free Option

To make a gluten-free version, you can use almond flour or a gluten-free pie crust and flour for the crumble. Make sure all the other ingredients are also gluten-free.

FAQs

How long does Dutch Apple Crumble Pie last?

Dutch Apple Crumble Pie lasts about 4-5 days in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months if wrapped properly.

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Yes, you can use a store-bought pie crust to save time. Just follow the directions on the package for pre-baking if necessary.

What types of apples are best for this pie?

A mix of Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious apples works best. Each type adds a different flavor and texture to the pie.

By following this detailed recipe and tips, you’ll create a homemade Dutch Apple Crumble Pie that your friends and family will love. Enjoy every slice!