Cindy's Mom's Dutch Apple Pie is a tried-and-true crumb-topped apple pie shared many years ago by Cindy D. It's a family favorite, and perfect for people who love apple pies where you can really taste the apple. That is, the filling is pretty simple -- just apples, sugar and a little cinnamon. And though it's simple, it's far from boring because it has a rich, buttery crust and crumb topping -- the best of all worlds!
Crust and Topping
One nice thing about Dutch Apple Pie is that you don't have to be an expert pie crust maker to make an awesome pie. If you are an expert pie crust baker, you'll want to use your own favorite flaky pie crust recipe. I jump around a lot with crust recipes, but lately I've been using this one. But for those not interested in making the pie crust from scratch, a roll of store bought pie dough or even a frozen crust works perfectly. Update: Cindy shared an interesting oil-based pie crust recipe, which I've since added to the notes. Oil based crusts seem a little more cookie-like and crumbly rather than flaky, but they are quite tasty. You could even use this as an excuse to try a mayonnaise pie crust.
Dutch Apple Pie Filling
For the filling, I use a combination of Jonathan and Granny Smith apples. The Jonathans are juicy and have a sweet flavor that contrasts well with the tart Granny Smiths. Without any butter to tone it down, you really taste the apple flavor. The only drawback is that the pie is a bit looser than other apple pies on the first day. By days 2 and 3, it holds together, but on day 1 it spreads more on the plate. Update: Slices hold together better if you use thinly sliced apples.
Dutch Apple Pie Size
Cindy's recipe calls for a standard size 9 inch pie dish, but you can make it any size you like just by scaling down the apples and streusel. It's pretty versatile. The original recipe makes a 9 inch pie, but I often make it as a six or seven inch using a small pie dish like the one in the link. I added a few notes on pie sizes and how many apples you'll need in the notes.
Recipe
Cindy's Mom's Dutch Apple Pie
Ingredients
Crust (see notes)
- 9 inch pie dish lined with pastry dough
Topping
- ½ cup brown sugar (100 grams)
- ¾ cup flour (100 grams)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ⅓ cup butter (75 grams)
Filling
- 4-6 large apples, Granny Smith mixed with Jonathans or others Little under 2 pounds
- ½ cup sugar (100 grams)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- You will need either a 7 inch (slightly deep dish) or a 9 inch (shallow) for the pie. If you use a deep dish glass Pyrex that measures 9.5 to 10, you'll probably want to increase the apples to 8 apples and just keep the amount of sugar the same.
- Prepare the topping first. Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl and cut in the butter with a pastry cutter. Keep refrigerated while you make the filling.
- Peel, core and cut the apples into very thin slices. Put them in a large bowl and toss with sugar and cinnamon. Lay flat in the dough lined pie dish.
- Arrange crumb topping evenly across the apples.
- Bake at 450 degrees (425 for glass or Pyrex pan) for 10 minutes, then 350 degrees for 40 minutes.
- Let the pie cool completely before you slice it.
CindyD says
Your photo of your version of our family pie looks great! Thanks for trying the recipe.
Cheryl says
Always like the crumb topping the best in Apple pie. I have heard it called French Apple and Dutch Apple pie.