Favorite Dutch Apple Pie

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 40 min. + cooling

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Feb. 13, 2024
Everything about this Dutch apple pie recipe (especially the crumble!) makes it the top request at our family gatherings. The oat crust reminds me of a cookie, and the tart apple filling just can't be beat during harvest time. —Brenda DuFresne, Midland, Michigan

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
  • 3/4 cup butter, melted
  • FILLING:
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1-1/4 cups cold water
  • 4 cups chopped peeled tart apples (about 2 large)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: Vanilla ice cream and caramel sundae syrup

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Mix flour, brown sugar, oats and butter; reserve 3/4 cup mixture for topping. Press remaining mixture onto bottom and up sides of an ungreased 9-in. pie plate.
  2. In a large saucepan, mix sugar, cornstarch and water until smooth; bring to a boil. Cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in apples and vanilla. Pour into crust. Crumble topping over filling.
  3. Bake until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly, 40-45 minutes. Cover edges with foil during the last 20 minutes to prevent overbrowning if necessary. Cool on a wire rack. If desired, serve with ice cream and caramel.
Dutch Apple Pie Tips

What kind of apples should you use to make Dutch Apple Pie?

For baked goods in general, go for a firm, crisp apple that will keep its structural integrity when in the oven. The best, most readily available apples for pies are Granny Smith, Braeburn, Crispin, Cortland, Empire, Jonathan and Rome Beauty. If you can find rarer types, such as Northern Spy or Winesap, you’re in for a treat. Find out more about heirloom varieties that make great pie.

What can you serve with Dutch Apple Pie?

The crumb topping on a Dutch apple pie makes it an ideal platform for something creamy and delicious that will melt down into the crevices and make flavor magic happen. You can’t go wrong with a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream! If you want to try something new, lean into the creaminess with a dollop of mascarpone cheese, a drizzle of heavy cream, or even a pour-over of homemade custard sauce or caramel sauce.

Can you make this Dutch Apple Pie recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Dutch Apple pie in advance. Fruit pies such as this one keep for 2 days at room temperature and then an additional 2 days in the refrigerator. Use a pie keeper, or cover the pie completely with plastic or foil. You can also freeze this pie for up to 4 months; place it in the freezer, uncovered, until it’s completely frozen, then wrap it tightly in plastic or foil. To use, thaw at room temperature. To serve, you’ll want to use the oven, as a microwave will make the crumb topping soggy. For more about storing apple pies, see our guide.

—Hazel Wheaton, Taste of Home Book Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 494 calories, 18g fat (11g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 146mg sodium, 81g carbohydrate (49g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.