Mom’s Dutch Apple Pie Recipe (Traditional & Pellet Grill Methods)

There’s something magical about the smell of apple pie. It reminds me of Mom, the Holidays, or maybe the smell of warm apples, cinnamon, and that buttery crumble topping I love. While most of my content focuses on BBQ and grilling recipes, some classic desserts deserve a spot at any gathering, no matter how you choose to cook them. This Dutch apple pie recipe has been used in my family for generations, and I’m excited to share both the traditional oven method and a pellet grill variation.

Fun Fact: I found out that dutch apple pie was my wife’s favorite dessert on our first or second date. I got this Dutch apple recipe from my mother and made it for the first time on our third or fourth date. We have been happily married for 25 years now.

Dutch Apple Pie Ingredients

For the Apple Filling:

• 9 Granny Smith apples (chosen for firmness and tart flavor)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Dutch Crumb Topping:

• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup butter, room temperature

You may have noticed that this recipe is just for making the apple pie, not the pie crust. You can choose to make your pie crust, or you can use a store-bought crust. Jeanine has a good pie crust recipe.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Pie dish (9-inch)
• Pastry blender (or food processor/large fork)
• Apple peeler
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Filling

1. Peel all Granny Smith apples completely
2. Cut apples into uniform 1-inch pieces
3. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup sugar with one teaspoon of cinnamon
4. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the apple pieces and toss to coat

Making the Dutch Crumb Topping

1. In a medium bowl, combine ¾ cup sugar and ¾ cup flour
2. Add room-temperature butter
3. Using a pastry blender, food processor, or large fork, blend until you achieve pea-sized chunks.

Assembling and Baking The Apple Pie

1. Place the prepared pie crust in your pie dish and poke it with a fork a few times.
2. Add the seasoned apple mixture
3. Top evenly with the Dutch crumb mixture
4. Bake at 350°F for 1.5 hours
5. Broil briefly to achieve a golden-brown top (rotating frequently to prevent burning)
6. Allow to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Watch the pie closely while the broiler is on. The top will brown very fast, and you don’t want to burn the crumble topping. You will need to rotate the pie to achieve uniform golden brown color across the entire top. 

Pellet Grill Dutch Apple Pie Recipe

Want to cook your Dutch apple pie on the smoker? Here’s how to adapt this recipe for your pellet grill: Be sure to use a mild wood in your smoker.

1. Maintain a steady 350°F temperature on your pellet grill
2. Cover the pie with foil for almost the entire cooking time.
3. You can remove the foil for the last 15 minutes to let that top brown a bit.
4. Finish under the broiler in your oven for that perfect golden-brown top

Dutch Apple Pie Recipe Tips and Tricks

• For the best results, choose firm, tart Granny Smith apples. If you can’t find these, any tart green apples will work.
• Room-temperature butter is crucial for achieving the perfect crumb texture
• Don’t skip the 2-hour cooling period – it’s essential for clean slices
• Store leftover pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or 3-4 days in the refrigerator. 

Common Questions About My Dutch Apple Pie Recipe

Can I use a different type of apple? While Granny Smith apples are ideal, any firm, tart baking apple will work.

What are good toppings for Dutch apple pie? My favorite toppings are ice cream and whipped cream. 

What’s the difference between Dutch apple pie and regular apple pie? Dutch apple pie has the crumble topping and regular apple pie has a traditional crust on the top. I find Dutch apple pie to be much more flavorful and fun.

What Does Dutch Apple Pie Go Well With?

Dutch apple pie is a great dessert to have with almost any dinner. It’s especially good with our smoked turkey, smoked chicken, smoked brisket, pulled pork, tri-tip or any steak.

Conclusion

This Dutch Apple Pie recipe combines the best of both worlds – a classic dessert with the option to add a subtle smoky twist. Whether you choose to bake it in your oven or experiment with your pellet grill, this pie is sure to become a family favorite. Remember to tag us in your Dutch apple pie creations, and let us know if you tried the pellet grill method!