If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly mixes cozy, nostalgic flavors with a delightfully crunchy finish, look no further than this Dutch Apple Pie with Crispy Streusel Topping Recipe. It’s a warm hug on a plate: tender, tart Granny Smith apples swirled with fragrant spices, nestled inside a buttery flaky crust, and capped with the crispiest, golden streusel you can imagine. Every bite strikes a flawless balance between soft filling and crumbly topping, making it an absolute favorite for everything from casual family dinners to holiday celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Dutch Apple Pie with Crispy Streusel Topping Recipe calls for simple pantry staples that blend beautifully to create outstanding taste and texture. Each ingredient plays a vital role—from the tart apples that offer tang and body to the crunchy streusel topping bringing that unmistakable crispness.
- 1 unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie crust: Provides a sturdy, buttery base that holds the juicy filling perfectly.
- 6 cups peeled and thinly sliced Granny Smith apples: These keep their shape during baking and add a refreshing tartness.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling just right without overpowering the natural apple flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the pie with classic, cozy warmth.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle layer of nutty spice to balance the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the flavors and prevents apples from browning.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the apple juices, ensuring the filling isn’t runny.
- Streusel Topping Ingredients:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour: The backbone of the crumbly topping.
- â…“ cup light brown sugar, packed: Brings moistness and a slight caramel note.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp texture.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Echoes the spice in the filling for harmonious flavor.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Melts into the topping, creating that irresistible crispness.
How to Make Dutch Apple Pie with Crispy Streusel Topping Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust and Apple Filling
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate and keep it ready while you mix the filling. In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced Granny Smith apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour until every slice is nicely coated. This step ensures the apples won’t release too much juice and maintain their great texture after baking. Spoon the mixture evenly into your prepared crust, mounding it slightly in the center for a beautifully domed pie.
Step 2: Make the Perfect Streusel Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel. Next, incorporate the cold cubed butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter, working it until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This process creates the crumbly topping that will bake into a satisfyingly crispy layer. For an extra crunch, pop the streusel in the fridge for 15 minutes before spreading it evenly over the apple filling.
Step 3: Bake Your Dutch Apple Pie
Place your pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and cover loosely with foil. Bake covered for 25 minutes, which helps the filling start to bubble without burning the topping. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 25 to 30 minutes until the streusel is golden brown and the filling is bubbling energetically. Once baked, cooling is key—let the pie rest for at least 2 hours to set the filling fully for the cleanest slices.
How to Serve Dutch Apple Pie with Crispy Streusel Topping Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing elevates this pie quite like a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream melting over the warm, spiced apples. A dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts adds a final touch of sweetness and crunch, making each slice irresistible.
Side Dishes
Serve your Dutch Apple Pie with a side of freshly brewed coffee or hot apple cider for a cozy pairing. For brunch, it pairs wonderfully with whipped cream and spiced tea, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual mini Dutch Apple Pie with Crispy Streusel Topping Recipe portions in ramekins for a charming presentation. Alternatively, cut it into rustic wedges and arrange on a dessert board alongside a selection of cheeses and nuts for a stunning showstopper dessert spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it refrigerated. This pie stays delicious for up to 3 days while maintaining its texture and flavor, perfect for enjoying as a treat the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze your Dutch Apple Pie with Crispy Streusel Topping Recipe before baking or after it has cooled. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To warm the pie, place slices in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes to revive the crisp streusel topping beautifully. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture intact and that crave-worthy crunch perfectly crisp.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this pie?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are preferred because they hold their shape and offer tartness, a mix of tart and sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn can add a wonderful depth of flavor and texture.
How do I make sure the streusel topping stays crispy?
Using cold butter and chilling your streusel before topping the pie helps create a crunchier texture. Also, baking uncovered during the last half of cooking allows moisture to evaporate, keeping the topping crisp.
Why should I let the pie cool before slicing?
Cooling gives the filling a chance to thicken and set, preventing it from running out when sliced. This helps you get clean, beautiful pieces every time.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking. Just make sure to choose one that behaves similarly to regular flour for best results in both the filling and streusel.
Is it okay to prepare the pie in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the filling and crust the day before, cover, and refrigerate before adding the streusel and baking. Just add extra baking time if chilled from the fridge to ensure it bakes through.
Final Thoughts
This Dutch Apple Pie with Crispy Streusel Topping Recipe is hands down one of those unforgettable desserts that brings people together. Its rich, comforting flavors and crunchy topping create a perfect harmony that feels like home in every bite. I hope you give this recipe a try soon—you’ll love the way it fills your kitchen with warmth and your heart with joy.
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Dutch Apple Pie with Crispy Streusel Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Dutch Apple Pie recipe delivers the ultimate comfort with its tender Granny Smith apples, perfectly spiced filling, and a crispy, buttery streusel topping. Baked to golden perfection, this classic American dessert is ideal for any cozy occasion, especially during fall.
Ingredients
Pie Filling
- 1 unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie crust
- 6 cups peeled and thinly sliced Granny Smith apples
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Streusel Topping
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- â…“ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pie Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie crust into a pie plate and set aside.
- Mix the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss the peeled and thinly sliced Granny Smith apples with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour until the apples are well coated with the mixture.
- Fill the Pie Crust: Spoon the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust, mounding slightly in the center to ensure an even distribution.
- Make the Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, packed light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Top the Pie: Evenly sprinkle the prepared streusel topping over the apple filling in the pie crust.
- Bake Covered: Place the pie on a baking sheet and loosely cover it with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the filling to cook evenly.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool Before Serving: Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set properly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Granny Smith apples hold their shape well and balance the sweet topping with a tart flavor.
- Serve the pie warm with vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert experience.
- For an extra crispy streusel topping, chill the topping mixture for 15 minutes before sprinkling it over the apples.
