The secret to a truly exceptional Dutch apple pie lies in the perfect balance of a tender, flaky crust and a warmly spiced, sweet apple filling. This recipe guides you through creating a gluten-free version that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture, using simple ingredients. Crafting the perfect Dutch apple pie involves careful attention to the dough, ensuring it’s cold and pliable, and selecting the right apples for a filling that holds its shape and delivers a burst of autumnal flavor. This dutch apple pie will quickly become a family favorite.

⏱ Time: 75 min
👥 Servings: 8
📊 Level: Medium
🥗 10 ingredients

Ingredients for dutch apple pie

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose gluten-free flour blend
  • 1/4 teaspoon table salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold butter, cut into small pieces
  • 3 tablespoons cold milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 3 pounds apples, before peeling
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon table salt (for filling)

How to make dutch apple pie

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  2. Add the cold butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
  3. Pour in the cold milk and mix with your hands just until the dough starts to come together.
  4. Add the vanilla extract and knead gently until a smooth dough ball forms.
  5. Wrap the dough ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  6. Roll the chilled dough between two sheets of parchment paper into a circle large enough to fit your pie pan.
  7. Place the greased pie pan upside down over the dough, then flip everything together so the pan is right-side up. Gently press and shape the dough into the pan. Trim the edges.

Pro tips

  • Use a mix of sweet and tart apples (like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith) for a balanced filling.
  • Ensure your butter is very cold for a flaky crust; small pieces are key.
  • If your dough cracks while rolling, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly, then try again. I once added a splash of ice water when my dough was too dry, which helped bring it together without overworking it.
  • For best results, chill the dough for at least 1 hour, or even overnight, to prevent shrinkage during baking.

This Dutch apple pie recipe delivers on taste and texture, offering a delightful gluten-free option for a beloved classic. Enjoy baking and sharing this comforting dessert with loved ones!

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