This Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Pie is a beloved classic that combines the warmth of spiced apples with the rich texture of a brown sugar crumb topping, all encased in a flaky, buttery crust. This rustic dessert, rooted in traditional Pennsylvania Dutch baking, brings a nostalgic comfort to any table. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a timeless treat that celebrates home and heritage.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Pie stands out for its distinctively sweet and crunchy streusel topping, which contrasts beautifully with the tender, spiced apple filling. Unlike traditional double-crust apple pies, this version is lighter on the crust but richer in texture. It’s the perfect balance of tart and sweet, ideal for holidays, gatherings, or any cozy evening. Easy to prepare from scratch and deeply satisfying, this pie is sure to become a staple in your dessert rotation.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the crust:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
3–4 tbsp ice water
For the filling:
6 cups thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp lemon juice
For the crumb topping:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- To make the crust, combine flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in chilled butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough holds together. Roll out and press into a 9-inch pie dish.
- In a separate bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until well coated. Pour the filling into the prepared crust.
- For the crumb topping, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the apple filling.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving. Optional: top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic finish.
Servings and timing
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumb topping for added crunch.
- Mix apple varieties: Combine tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Fuji for more depth of flavor.
- Spice it up: Add cloves or allspice for a more aromatic profile.
- Whole wheat crust: Substitute half the flour in the crust with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
- Make it mini: Bake the filling in muffin tins for individual pie servings.
storage/reheating
Store the pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. To preserve the crumb topping’s texture, avoid microwaving if possible.
FAQs
What makes Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Pie different from regular apple pie?
It features a single crust and a crumb topping instead of a traditional double crust, giving it a unique texture and flavor.
Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes, a high-quality store-bought crust can be used for convenience, though homemade offers superior flavor and texture.
What are the best apples to use?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent choices due to their firmness and balanced sweetness.
Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, bake the pie and let it cool completely before wrapping tightly and freezing for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Is this pie too sweet?
No, the balance of tart apples and lightly sweetened topping makes it just right. You can adjust the sugar to taste.
How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Use firm apples and preheat the oven thoroughly. You can also par-bake the crust for 5–7 minutes before filling.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend in both the crust and crumb topping.
What’s the best way to serve this pie?
Warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for classic comfort.
Can I add raisins or cranberries?
Yes, adding a handful of dried fruit can enhance the pie’s flavor and texture.
Why is lemon juice added to the filling?
It helps to brighten the flavor and prevents the apples from browning during preparation.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Pie is a timeless dessert that offers all the warm, familiar flavors of traditional apple pie with a delightful crumb topping that sets it apart. Whether served during the holidays or as a comforting end to a meal, this rustic favorite delivers both charm and satisfaction in every slice. Make it from scratch for a true taste of American heritage and homestyle baking.
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Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Pie is a rustic and traditional dessert featuring a buttery homemade crust, a spiced apple filling, and a sweet, crunchy brown sugar crumb topping. Perfect served warm with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 3–4 tbsp ice water
- For the filling:
- 6 cups thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- For the crumb topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- To make the crust, combine flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water, 1 tbsp at a time, until dough comes together.
- Roll out dough and fit into a 9-inch pie dish.
- In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- Pour the apple mixture into the prepared crust.
- For the crumb topping, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool slightly before serving. Optional: serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Granny Smith apples provide tartness while Honeycrisp adds sweetness—use a mix for balanced flavor.
- Chilling the crust before baking can help it hold its shape better.
- Place a baking sheet under the pie dish to catch any drips.
- Can be made a day ahead and gently reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
