Warm, buttery, and aromatic. Sliced green apples meld with a rich, caramelized glaze under a thick, nutty layer of brown sugar crumbs. This Dutch Apple Pie takes me back to chilly Burbank afternoons when Sarah would teach me how to crimp the edges perfectly. It is the kind of heartwarming treat that brings everyone to the table for a second slice. Learning Apple Pie From Scratch provides a sense of accomplishment that store-bought versions simply cannot match.
Why This Dutch Apple Pie Is Worth Trying
The primary benefit of this bake is the incredible textural contrast between the soft, tart fruit and the crunchy, buttery topping. Unlike a traditional double-crust pie, this version allows the steam to escape through the crumbs, preventing a soggy interior. I find that using Granny Smith apples provides the necessary sharpness to balance the sweet, buttery glaze. James always says the addition of chopped pecans in the crumble is what makes this Deep Dish Apple Pie stand out from the rest. It is a reliable crowd-pleaser that stays fresh and delicious for days.
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Your Prep Checklist
Gathering these items is the first step toward a cozy kitchen filled with the scent of cinnamon and sugar. Ensuring your butter is at the correct temperature for the topping will make the assembly much smoother.
Check the recipe card for exact amounts and full instructions.
Main Ingredients
- Pie crust - a flaky, chilled base that holds the heavy fruit filling.
- Granny Smith apples - tart and firm slices that maintain their shape during baking.
- Unsalted butter - used in both the glaze and the topping for maximum richness.
- Cinnamon - the essential spice that provides a warm, nostalgic aroma.
- Brown sugar - creates a deep, molasses-like sweetness in the crumble.
- Chopped pecans - adds an earthy crunch and extra depth to every bite.
- All-purpose flour - thickens the juices and forms the base of the crumbs.
Custom Additions
You can add a handful of dried cranberries for a tart pop of color and flavor. Mixing in a bit of Apple Pie Cake spices like ginger or cloves can create a more complex, festive profile.
Step-by-Step Guide for Dutch Apple Pie
Proper assembly ensures the glaze coats every apple slice for a consistent flavor throughout. Following these steps helps the crust stay crisp while the filling becomes perfectly tender.
Prepare apples
Peel, core, and slice the fruit thinly before tossing them with a generous dusting of cinnamon. This initial seasoning ensures the spice is evenly distributed before the heavy glaze is added to the bowl.
Cook glaze
Melt butter and whisk in flour and sugar until the mixture boils and thickens into a syrup. This cooked sauce prevents the fruit from releasing too much water and creates a silkier Homemade Apple Pie Recipe interior.
Assemble base
Pour the glazed fruit into your prepared crust, making sure to distribute the slices evenly.
Should I precook the apples? No, the high oven temperature and the hot glaze work together to soften the fruit perfectly while the Dutch Apple Pie bakes.
Apply topping
Work the cold butter into the flour and sugars until you see pea-sized crumbs forming. Spreading this mixture thickly over the top creates the signature Crumbly Apple Pie Topping that everyone loves.
Bake golden
Place the dish on the center rack and cook until the topping is browned and the filling bubbles. Let the pie rest for at least one hour to allow the internal juices to set for cleaner slices.
Aliana's Top Tip
The secret to a successful bake lies in the temperature of your ingredients and the rack placement in your oven. Using the Focus Keyword, Dutch Apple Pie, properly ensures a great result every time.
Cover with foil if browning → it protects the delicate pecans → the topping stays golden rather than burnt.
Use chilled pie dough → the fat doesn't melt prematurely → you get a flakier bottom crust.
Room temperature topping butter → it incorporates easily into the flour → you get consistent pea-sized crumbs.
Place foil on the bottom rack → it catches any sugary overflows → your oven stays clean and smoke-free.
Check for 175°F internal temp → the fruit is perfectly tender → the pie is fully cooked through.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →Easy Swaps
You can easily substitute the pecans for walnuts if you prefer a different nut flavor. For those who enjoy a more French Apple Pie style, try adding a tablespoon of apple brandy to the glaze. Using a pre-made crust can save time while still allowing you to focus on the Apple Pie Crumble Topping Recipe.
Storage Solutions
Keep your leftovers at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to four days for longer freshness. To restore the crunch of the Crumble For Apple Pie Topping, reheat slices in a 350°F oven for about ten minutes. This method keeps the crust from becoming soggy as it would in a microwave.
Serving Ideas
A warm slice is best served with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. I love drizzling a bit of salted caramel sauce over the top for an extra layer of indulgence. The contrast between the cold cream and the warm Dutch Apple Pie is a favorite in my household.
Quick Answers
Why is my pie filling too runny?
Filling can become runny if the glaze wasn't simmered long enough to thicken or if the pie wasn't allowed to cool. The resting period is crucial for the starches in the Apple Pie Recipe With Crumble Top to set and hold the fruit together.
Can I use different apple varieties?
While Granny Smith is the standard, you can mix in Honeycrisp or Braeburn for a slightly sweeter profile. Avoid soft apples like McIntosh, as they will turn to mush and ruin the Deep Dish Apple Pie texture.
How do I make the topping extra crunchy?
For a more Crumbly Apple Pie Topping, ensure you don't overwork the butter into the flour. Keeping the pieces the size of peas allows them to crisp up individually in the oven, creating that desired Homemade Apple Pie Recipe texture.
Do I need to blind-bake the crust?
In this specific recipe, the crust bakes along with the filling at a high temperature, so blind-baking is not required. The bottom rack placement helps the base of the Dutch Apple Pie brown and crisp up perfectly.
Hungry for More
This Dessert is a classic part of our family traditions and always brings back the best memories.
Tried this recipe? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - I'd love to see your twist on it!
Dutch Apple Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Peel and slice the apples thinly before tossing them with cinnamon to distribute the spice evenly.
- Simmer butter, flour, water, and sugar in a saucepan until a thick, bubbling glaze forms.
- Pour the hot sauce over the apples and stir until every slice is fully coated in sweetness.
- Mix the topping ingredients by hand until pea-sized crumbs form and cover the apple layer completely.
- Bake at 375°F for 55 minutes until the center bubbles and the topping reaches a deep golden hue.
Nutrition
Notes
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Dutch Apple Pie:
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