There are plenty of apple pie recipes out there, but this one? It’s the one people ask me to bake every single holiday, every family dinner, and every time fall rolls around. It’s been loved for years in my kitchen, and it truly never disappoints.

What makes it special?

🍏 Extra-thin slices of tart apples and a perfectly buttery crumble topping.

When the apples are sliced thin, they melt into the perfect texture : soft, sweet-tart, and packed with flavor in every bite. Thick slices just can’t compare!

I’ve tried changing things over the years, but the truth is… the simplest version is still the best. So today, I’m finally sharing the exact recipe that has become a tradition in my home.

Why You’ll Love This Dutch Apple Pie

✔ Thinly sliced Granny Smith apples keep it bright and flavorful

✔ A graham cracker crust makes prep super easy

✔ The brown sugar crumble topping adds the perfect sweet crunch

✔ Bakes into a gooey, cinnamon-spiced center with a crispy top

Ingredients

Pie Filling

Graham cracker crust (pre-made or homemade) - I prefer Keebler Graham ready crust
5 ½ cups thinly sliced Granny Smith apples
1 Tbsp lemon juice
½ cup sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
3 Tbsp flour
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg

Crumble Topping

¾ cup flour
¼ cup sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
⅓ cup butter (softened)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place your graham cracker crust in a pie dish.
Thinly slice your Granny Smith apples - this is the secret to perfect pie! Toss them in lemon juice.
In a bowl, mix sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Add to the apples and coat well.
Pour the apple filling into the crust.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, sugar, brown sugar, and butter to form a crumbly topping.
Sprinkle the crumble generously over the apples.
Bake for 45 - 50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing (if you can resist).

Baker’s Tips

🍏 Use Granny Smith apples for the best tart-to-sweet balance. (I only use Granny Smith)

🔪 Slice them thinner than you think!

🧈 Don’t overmix the topping - crumbly is best, not doughy.

🔥 If the top browns too fast, tent lightly with foil.

Serve It With

Vanilla bean ice cream 🍨
Fresh whipped cream
Caramel drizzle
Or just a fork (no judgment!)
I prefer to eat it room temp or cold, without anything! It’s perfect pure!