Open face apple pie is like the convertible of dessert recipes. It’s fun, delicious, and all about taking the top down and loving life. You may know this one by another name: Dutch Apple Pie.
If you're looking for recipes that use apples, this apple dessert is a must-make!
What is it?
It's confession time for me. The first time I put this open face apple pie together, I didn't realize I was in fact making a Dutch apple pie. My intention was to just make a bottom crust, put a filling in it, and top it with a streusel.
As I'm sure my sister chef Kathy would have said to me, "What a maroon!" Ask me if I would have cared? Not one bit. After all, she's called me much worse.
I'll admit, I can be a dummy in the kitchen. But when the end result tastes as good as this dessert recipe, I'd rather be lucky than good. Who cares what it's called?
🥘 What's in it?
- For the Filling:
- Apples
- Sugar
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Salt
- For the Streusel Topping:
- Brown sugar
- Flour
- Butter
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
I think the reason this recipe turns out so good is that it is so simple to make! Honestly. You can't mess this one up!
🔪 How to make it
- Cut and peel six cups of apple slices then place them in a pastry shell. Either make a homemade crust or buy one in a grocery store.
- Mix some cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt and put it over the fruit.
- Create a topping of brown sugar, flour, and butter (with optional pecans or walnuts if desired) and sprinkle this combination over the spice mixture.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the fruit is tender and the crust is lightly brown.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes before slicing, if you have the willpower!
We Americans love our pie recipes, and I would say this one is about as American as it gets.
Many people have a favorite pie. I don't think I have ever turned down a slice of this one. It's sort of like my mom saying she loved all of her kids (six) equally.
If you're looking for some Thanksgiving pie recipes, this fail-proof open face apple pie is a great choice.
💭 Common recipe questions
What Are the Best Apples to Use
There's no right or wrong answer to this question. Deciding on what variety to use in an apple pie is a matter of personal preference and availability. Some types are sweet (Honeycrisp) and some are tart (Granny Smith.) With that being said, these are some common very common varieties used to make pie:
- Mcintosh
- Sweet, rich, and hints of berry.
- Granny Smith
- Firm and juicy, tart in taste with hints of sweetness.
- Braeburn
- Intense, citrus and spice flavors.
- Pink Lady
- Crisp with a tart-sweet balance.
- Golden Delicious
- A balanced flavor making them great for baking.
- Their soft texture makes them ideal to mix with firmer varieties like Pink Lady or Granny Smith.
🥧 More holiday pie ideas:
This is one of our favorite Easter recipes, any of these will make a great Easter dessert as well!
- Pecan Pie from Platter Talk
- Thanksgiving Pies and Tarts from Food & Wine
- Brandy Chocolate Cherry Pie from Platter Talk
- Honey Maid™ Lemon Pie
More apple desserts
- Apple Turnovers using crescent rolls
- Danish Kringle
- Simple Apple Bars
- Apple Fritter Bread
- Slow Cooker Apple Butter
- Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings
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📖 Recipe
Dutch apple pie
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 6 cups apples sliced and peeled
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
For the Topping
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Fill pastry shell with apple slices.
- Combine granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; sprinkle over the fruit
- Combine topping ingredients until crumbly; sprinkle over top of fruit.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the fruit is tender and topping is browned.
Video
Notes
- See our recipe for homemade pie crust!
- Save time and use a store-bought crust. Remember, we never judge.
Sharon
Good recipe but this is not a Dutch apple pie! Dutch applie pie is not open faced
Linda D C
This recipe is similar to one my mother used to make all the time and it was a family favorite. I lost the recipe and for some reason was inspired to search for it and saw this one, which is close to what I am looking. I think it will be better than hers, if that is possible :). I don't remember her using brown sugar for the topping nor nuts in it, and that's why I think it will be better. I might try some dried cranberries in mine. Thanks for posting this.
Milli
When I made the topping it didn’t turn to a crumble so I added a tablespoon of melted butter, then added 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 1/4 cup of flour. It worked great, ik it kinda doubles it but it works great
Dan from Platter Talk
Fantastic suggestions for this homemade apple pie, Milli! Sounds like you made it "your own," which we always recommend doing!
Rosa
Love this recipe! I had to make some substitutes since I thought I had all the ingredients. I had to substitute butter with coconut oil and short on apples added black berries. Let's see what it's going to taste like.
Overall, easy and we can't wait to try! Thank you!!!
Dan from Platter Talk
Thanks for the great comments, Rosa! We are so happy that you made this apple pie recipe your own by using what you have on hand! Be sure and let us know how it turned out!