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The Ultimate Dutch Apple Pie Recipe: A Perfect Fall Dessert

dutch apple pie

A Dutch apple pie is a delightful dessert featuring a tender, flaky crust, a spiced apple filling, and a generous crumbly streusel topping. Perfect for fall or any occasion, this pie is sure to impress with its balance of sweet and tart flavors. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!

Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust

  • 1¼ cups (162 g) all-purpose flour, divided
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons (85 g) cold unsalted butter, cut into ¼-inch slices
  • ¼ cup (46 g) vegetable shortening, chilled, cut into 2 pieces
  • 2 tablespoons ice water
  • 2 tablespoons vodka, chilled

Apple Filling

  • 5 large Granny Smith apples (about pounds)
  • 4 large McIntosh apples (about 2 pounds)
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream

Streusel Topping

  • 1¼ cups (162 g) all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup (71 g) light brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup (66 g) granulated sugar
  • 7 tablespoons (99 g) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Make the Pie Crust

  1. In a food processor, combine ¾ cup flour, sugar, and salt. Pulse 2-3 times to mix.
  2. Add cold butter and shortening. Process until the dough resembles cottage cheese curds (about 7-10 seconds).
  3. Scrape down the sides, add the remaining ½ cup flour, and pulse 4-6 times until evenly distributed.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Sprinkle with vodka and ice water. Use a spatula to fold and press the dough until it comes together.
  5. Shape the dough into a 6-inch round, then roll it out on a floured surface into a 13-inch circle.
  6. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate, pressing it into the bottom and sides. Trim and crimp the edges. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Blind Bake the Pie Crust

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line the chilled crust with foil and fill with granulated sugar. Bake for 40 minutes.
  3. Remove the foil and sugar, then let the crust cool on a wire rack. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).

Make the Apple Filling

  1. Peel, core, and slice the apples into ¼-inch thick pieces.
  2. Toss the apples with sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
  3. Melt butter in a Dutch oven over high heat. Add the apples and cook, covered, for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
  4. Drain the apples in a colander, reserving the juice.
  5. Boil the reserved juice and cream in the Dutch oven until thickened (about 5 minutes).
  6. Transfer the apples to the prebaked crust and pour the reduced juice mixture over them.

Make the Streusel Topping

  1. Combine flour, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a bowl.
  2. Drizzle with melted butter and toss until the mixture forms clumps.
  3. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apple filling.

Bake the Pie

  1. Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10-20 minutes, or until the streusel is golden brown.
  2. Cool on a wire rack to room temperature before serving.

Notes

  • Crust Options: Use a store-bought crust for a quicker version.
  • Apples: A mix of sweet and tart apples works best, but any variety will do.
  • Make-Ahead: The pie crust can be refrigerated for 4 days or frozen for 3 months. The baked pie can be refrigerated for 1 day before serving.
  • Serving Suggestions: Top with cinnamon ice cream, whipped cream, or salted caramel sauce.

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