There are certain recipes that are more than just food—they’re family history, traditions, and memories all wrapped up in a delicious bite. For me, my grandmas Dutch apple pie is one of those recipes. It’s the kind of pie that fills your kitchen with the scent of spiced apples, buttery crust, and a sweet, crunchy streusel topping. But more than that, it’s a piece of my childhood, a comforting taste of home, and a reminder of the love that goes into every homemade dish.
This isn’t just any apple pie, this is a Dutch apple pie, which means it’s topped with a generous, crumbly streusel topping that gives the pie an extra layer of texture and sweetness. I can’t count how many times I’ve watched my grandma in the kitchen, her hands moving effortlessly as she prepared this pie, teaching me how to perfect the balance of tart apples, cinnamon, and sugar. Now, I’m passing it down to you so you can create this beautiful, timeless dessert in your own kitchen.
The beauty of this Dutch apple pie lies in its simplicity and the love poured into every step. While some pies can be overly complicated, this one lets the apples shine, with just the right amount of spices to enhance their natural sweetness. The buttery, flaky crust, combined with that signature streusel topping, makes every bite a little piece of heaven.
The most important thing about this recipe? The apples. We always used a mix of tart Granny Smith apples and sweet Honeycrisp apples—this gives the pie a perfect balance of flavors. But the real secret? The streusel topping. Unlike traditional apple pies, this one has a thick, sweet crumb topping that adds a lovely crunch and a sugary finish. It’s something my mom and grandma always swore was the best part, and honestly, I have to agree.
There are few things in life that can evoke memories as powerfully as the scent of a homemade dessert filling the kitchen. For me, the one smell that always brings me back is this classic recipe—a warm, spiced aroma that fills every room in the house. I can still picture my grandma in the kitchen, carefully peeling apples, rolling out dough, and assembling the pie with such love and precision. It wasn’t just the pie that made it special, it was the tradition and the moments spent together, sharing stories, laughter, and that irresistible pie. Every bite of this pie reminds me of the times spent with my grandma, the way she’d teach me little tips and tricks while we baked together.
Now, I’m sharing it with you in the hope that you’ll create your own memories and pass this recipe down for generations to come.
Ingredients
- Pie Crust
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold butter (cubed)
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Apple Filling
- 5 Fuji apples
- 4 large McIntosh apples
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon Trader Joe’s Bourbon Vanilla Extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla paste
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Streussel Topping
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
For the apple filling:
Peel, core, and slice the apples. A mix of tart and sweet apples works perfectly here.
In a large bowl, combine the apples with brown sugar, flour, spices(you can tweak the spices to your liking), lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Toss everything together to ensure the apples are evenly coated. Let the filling sit for about 10 minutes while you prepare the crust.
For the crust:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
Gradually add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough. It should hold together when pressed but not be too sticky.
Shape the dough into two discs and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This will make it easier to roll out the dough and create a tender crust.
For the streusel topping:
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set the streusel aside.
Assembling the pie:
Preheat your oven to 350°F .
Roll out one of the dough discs on a floured surface(or parchment paper) to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Carefully place the dough into the pie pan and trim any excess around the edges. It doesn’t have to be perfect—imperfections make it more homemade!
Fill the crust with the apple mixture, mounding it in the center for a nice, full pie.
Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the apples, covering the filling completely with the crumb mixture.
Bake the pie:
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. The pie should be golden brown, and the apples should be tender. If the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
Let the pie cool for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the filling to set before cutting into it and enjoying with family or friends.
Every time I make this pie, I think of my grandma’s hands in the kitchen, the soft chatter around the dinner table, and the love she poured into every meal. This pie is more than just a recipe—it’s a reminder of all the good things in life: family, tradition, and sharing something sweet with the ones you love.
Whether you’re baking this pie for a special occasion or just because, it’s sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel like you’re home, no matter where you are. So, the next time you’re craving a classic apple pie with a twist, try this Dutch apple pie recipe. It’s a slice of nostalgia, love, and comfort all in one delicious dessert.
