If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Dutch Apple Pie with Cinnamon Nutmeg Streusel Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine tender Granny Smith apples spiced perfectly with cinnamon and nutmeg, all nestled in flaky pie dough and crowned with a buttery, brown sugar streusel that adds just the right amount of crunch and sweetness. It’s a classic with a delightful twist, begging to be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed straight from the oven. Let me take you through everything you need to create this irresistible, soul-satisfying pie.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large white pie with a crumbly brown topping that looks crunchy and uneven, covering a thick layer of soft, light golden-brown cooked apple slices underneath. One slice has been removed from the pie, showing juicy, cinnamon-spiced apple filling with sauce spread on the white marbled surface beneath. Nearby are two white plates on the same white marbled surface; one holds a whole slice with the crumbly topping and juicy apple filling, and the other shows a partially eaten slice with some apples and crumbs beside it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this pie comes from a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor, texture, and that classic golden color we all love. Every ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s the tartness of the apples balancing the sweetness or the warmth of the spices bringing it all to life.

Salted butter (1 cup, 2 sticks): Provides richness and helps create that tender, flaky crust and buttery streusel topping.
All-purpose flour (1¼ cups plus extra for dusting): The structure behind the crust and streusel crumble.
White sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the apple filling subtly without overpowering it.
Brown sugar (1 cup packed): Adds a deep caramel flavor and moisture to the topping and filling.
Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Balances sweetness with bright acidity and keeps the apples from browning.
Cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Gives that signature warmth and spice that sing through the pie.
Ground nutmeg (1 teaspoon): Adds a fragrant earthiness that perfectly complements the cinnamon.
Granny Smith apples (8, peeled and thinly sliced; about 2½ pounds): Their tartness and firm texture make the best pie filling.
Pie dough round (1, store-bought or homemade): The flaky canvas that holds it all together.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor depth in the streusel topping.

How to Make Dutch Apple Pie with Cinnamon Nutmeg Streusel Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Begin by melting half a cup of butter over medium heat in a large pot. Stir in a quarter cup of flour until it forms a smooth paste, which helps thicken your filling. Add white sugar, lemon juice, water, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, stirring constantly. When the mixture boils, reduce heat and let it simmer briefly to dissolve the sugars fully. Then, toss in the thinly sliced Granny Smith apples, coating them lovingly in this spiced, bubbly sauce.

Step 2: Roll Out the Pie Dough

On a floured surface, roll out your pie dough to a 14-inch round to ensure it fits snugly into your 9-inch pie dish. Press the dough gently into the dish, making sure to avoid stretching it to prevent shrinking during baking. Trim the edges if needed and crimp them with the tines of a fork, adding a touch of charm and helping to seal the crust beautifully.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Nutmeg Streusel

Next, create the delectable topping by pulsing butter, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla in a food processor until pea-sized crumbs form. If you don’t have a food processor, no worries — use a pastry cutter or even your fingers to combine the ingredients into little crumbles. This streusel topping is what gives the pie its signature crunch and sweet, spiced flavor.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Pie

Spoon the apple mixture into the pie crust, mounding it slightly in the center for that beautiful, rustic look. Evenly scatter the streusel topping over the filling, covering every nook and cranny. Place the pie on a rimmed sheet pan to catch any drips and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then lower the oven to 350°F and bake for 45 minutes more until the crust and streusel turn golden brown and the filling bubbles with joy. If the topping or crust starts to brown too fast, tent the pie loosely with foil to protect it.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Letting the pie cool on a rack for at least two hours is key to setting the filling properly. This patience pays off when you slice it and get those perfect, clean slices that hold their shape with a gorgeous gooey interior beneath that crunchy, spiced streusel topping.

How to Serve Dutch Apple Pie with Cinnamon Nutmeg Streusel Recipe

A slice of apple pie is placed on a white plate, showing three distinct layers: the bottom layer has soft, thin apple slices soaked in golden syrup, the middle layer consists of tender apples with a light brown cinnamon color, and the top layer is a thick, crumbly brown streusel crust. On top of the pie slice is a generous dollop of smooth, white whipped cream with soft folds. Some syrup has spilled onto the plate, and a few crumbs are scattered around the pie. The background and surface are a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing, melting perfectly over the warm pie to create a dreamy combination of hot and cold. You might also consider a dollop of freshly whipped cream dusted with a pinch of cinnamon for an elegant touch that complements the pie’s spices.

Side Dishes

Serve slices alongside a cup of strong coffee or a mellow cup of chai to enhance the warmth of the spices. For brunch, a side of creamy mascarpone or a sprinkling of toasted nuts can bring additional texture and richness to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Bake individual mini pies using the same Dutch Apple Pie with Cinnamon Nutmeg Streusel Recipe. These personal pies make for delightful guest servings. Alternatively, layer the apple filling and streusel topping in clear mason jars for a charming, portable dessert that shows off all the beautiful layers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps the pie fresh, preserves flavors, and maintains the lovely texture of the streusel.

Freezing

If you want to stock up, Dutch apple pie freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled whole pie tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or serving.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes to revive that crisp streusel and gently warm the filling. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy and the topping lose its delightful crunch.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

While Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness and firmness, you can use other firm apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn. Mixing varieties can add extra depth to the flavor and texture of the filling.

Is it necessary to pre-cook the filling?

Pre-cooking the apples helps soften them slightly and ensures the filling thickens wonderfully without becoming watery. It also blends the spices and sugars perfectly, resulting in a more harmonious flavor.

Can I make the pie crust from scratch?

Absolutely! Homemade pie dough adds a personal touch and can be tailored to your taste. Just make sure it’s well chilled before rolling out to achieve that flaky texture that’s essential for the perfect Dutch apple pie.

How do I prevent the streusel from burning?

If the topping is browning too quickly, cover the pie loosely with foil during the last part of baking. This shields it while allowing the pie to cook evenly and the filling to bubble.

Can I prepare the pie ahead of time before baking?

Yes, you can assemble the pie a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it. When ready, bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled filling and dough.

Final Thoughts

This Dutch Apple Pie with Cinnamon Nutmeg Streusel Recipe isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of cozy flavors and comforting textures that have a way of bringing people together. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or simply to brighten an ordinary day, this pie promises warmth, happiness, and a slice that’s impossible to resist. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection.

Dutch Apple Pie with Cinnamon Nutmeg Streusel Recipe