Dutch Apple Pie vs. Apple Pie: 2 Types of Apple Pie Explained

Apple pies are a popular type of fruit pie dessert. Apple pies are made with an apple mixture poured over a bottom crust made with store-bought pie dough or a homemade pie crust in a standard nine-inch pie plate. Apple pie filling includes ingredients like chopped or sliced apples, lemon juice, white sugar, and unsalted butter mixed together in a large bowl. The best apple slice mixture for pie typically includes a balanced ratio of tart apples (like Granny Smith apples) and sweet apples (like Honeycrisp apples).

To make a traditional apple pie, cover the top with another layer of dough and bake the pie on a rimmed baking sheet until the crust turns golden brown. Let your baked apple pie cool off on a wire rack until it reaches room temperature. Add whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to your homemade apple pie for extra flavor. Cover leftover apple pie in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Dutch apple pies are a style of baked pie with a streusel topping. This top crust is sometimes called an apple crumble topping and includes melted butter, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Dutch apple pies are known for having a buttery, flaky crumb topping that bakes well in deep dish pie pans and baking sheets with a large rim.

The main difference between a regular apple pie and a Dutch apple pie recipe is the top layer. Dutch apple pies have a crumbly topping while traditional apple pies have a top layer made from pie crust. Unlike other apple pie varieties like French apple pies, Dutch apple pies have a streusel topping that can require extra prep time and tools like a pastry blender.

Become a better chef with the MasterClass Annual Membership. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Alice Waters, Gabriela Cámara, Niki Nakayama, Chef Thomas Keller, Gordon Ramsay, Yotam Ottolenghi, Dominique Ansel, and more.