The Ultimate Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Apple Crumble Pie (Dutch Apple Pie)

Prepare to be amazed by this incredible gluten-free and dairy-free apple crumble pie! Featuring a perfectly flaky crust, a luscious filling of perfectly spiced apples, and a generous topping of crunchy oat pecan streusel, this dessert is so good that you won’t believe it caters to both gluten-free and dairy-free diets. It’s a comforting classic made accessible for everyone, ensuring a delightful treat without compromise.

What is an Apple Crumble Pie (Dutch Apple Pie)?

An apple crumble pie, often referred to as Dutch apple pie, is a delightful variation of the traditional apple pie. While classic apple pies typically feature a double crust – a bottom crust and a full top crust that might be whole with vents or intricately woven into a lattice – the apple crumble pie offers a different, equally satisfying experience. This style of pie maintains a sturdy, flaky bottom crust, but instead of a second layer of pastry on top, it’s crowned with a delectable streusel topping. This streusel is typically a crumbly mixture of flour, sugar, butter, and often oats and nuts, baking into a golden, crunchy layer that perfectly complements the soft, spiced apple filling beneath.

If you find yourself with just enough pie crust for the base, or if you simply prefer a less pastry-heavy dessert with an added textural element, an apple crumble pie is the perfect choice. It offers a wonderful contrast between the tender fruit, the crisp streusel, and the buttery bottom crust, making it a favorite for many.

Can Apple Crumble Pie Be Gluten-Free? Absolutely!

Traditionally, apple crumble pie is made with wheat-based flour in both the crust and the streusel, making it unsuitable for those with gluten sensitivities. However, creating a delicious gluten-free apple crumble pie is not only possible but also incredibly straightforward with the right substitutions! You absolutely can achieve a pie that is every bit as flavorful and satisfying as its conventional counterpart.

To make your apple crumble pie completely gluten-free, simply swap out regular pie crust for a certified gluten-free pie crust. For the apple filling, use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to achieve that perfect thickness without any gluten. The streusel topping also requires a gluten-free flour blend and, importantly, certified gluten-free oats to ensure no cross-contamination. If you’re baking your pie crust from scratch, be sure to use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for that as well. With these simple adjustments, you can enjoy a heavenly gluten-free apple crumble pie that everyone will love.

Making This Apple Pie Dairy-Free: A Simple Switch

Yes, absolutely! This apple crumble pie is designed to be easily made dairy-free, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a slice of this comforting dessert. All three key components of this pie – the flaky crust, the spiced apple filling, and the crunchy streusel topping – can be adapted for a dairy-free diet with simple substitutions that don’t compromise on flavor or texture.

For the pie crust and the apple filling, you’ll simply need to use a high-quality dairy-free or vegan butter. There are many excellent plant-based butter alternatives available today that perform wonderfully in baking, providing the richness and flakiness you expect. For the streusel topping, in addition to dairy-free butter, you’ll also use a non-dairy milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk) to help bind the crumbs together. These easy swaps ensure that your apple pie is deliciously dairy-free while still delivering that classic, heartwarming taste.

Selecting the Best Apples for Your Gluten-Free Apple Crumble Pie

The key to a truly outstanding apple pie lies in choosing the right apples. For an ideal apple pie, you want a crisp apple that brings a good amount of tartness to balance the sweetness of the sugar and spices. This tartness prevents the pie from tasting overly sweet and adds a depth of flavor that is essential.

My top recommendation for apple pie is often Jonathans. They are wonderfully crisp, offering a pleasant bite even after baking. They strike a perfect balance between sweet and tart, ensuring a complex flavor profile. Furthermore, Jonathans possess a robust structure that holds up exceptionally well during cooking, preventing the apple slices from turning into an undesirable mush. Other excellent choices include Honeycrisp, Granny Smith (often blended with a sweeter apple), Fuji, or Braeburn. These varieties maintain their shape and offer that desirable textural contrast in the finished pie.

What If I Only Have Soft, Sweet Apples? Don’t Worry!

Don’t let a less-than-ideal apple selection deter you from making this delicious pie! Even if you only have soft or very sweet apples on hand, they can absolutely still be used, and your pie will be tasty nonetheless. For instance, I once used a batch of apples gifted by a neighbor that weren’t typically recommended for baking, and the pie turned out delicious.

When using softer or sweeter apples, you might find that your apple filling turns out a bit “jammier” or more akin to applesauce in texture. This is perfectly fine and can be a delightful variation! While you might miss some of the distinct apple slices, the flavor will still be fantastic. To compensate for extra sweetness, you might consider slightly reducing the amount of sugar in the filling or adding a touch more lemon juice to introduce some tartness. The most important thing is to enjoy the process and the delicious outcome, regardless of your apple variety.

How to Make the Perfect Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Apple Crumble Pie

Crafting this delightful gluten-free and dairy-free apple crumble pie involves a few key steps, each designed to ensure a perfect texture and rich flavor. Follow these detailed instructions to create a show-stopping dessert that everyone can enjoy.

1. Prepare and Par-Bake the Gluten-Free Pie Crust.

   The first step is crucial for preventing a soggy bottom crust, which can sometimes be a challenge with gluten-free pastry. Par-baking ensures a firm base for your delicious apple filling.

   • Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature helps to quickly set the crust.
   • On a lightly floured surface (using gluten-free flour, of course), roll out your gluten-free pie dough into an 11-inch (28cm) circle. Carefully transfer the dough into a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it into the contours. You can crimp or decorate the edges as desired for a beautiful finish.
   • Place the pie crust in the freezer for about 10 minutes. This chilling period is vital as it helps the gluten-free dough maintain its shape and prevents excessive shrinking during baking.
   • Using a fork, generously pierce the bottom and sides of the chilled pie crust. This creates small vents that allow steam to escape, preventing the crust from puffing up. Line the crust with a crumpled piece of parchment paper, then fill it with pie weights (dry beans or rice work perfectly as an alternative). The weights help to keep the crust flat and prevent the sides from collapsing.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 17 minutes. Afterward, carefully remove the pie weights and parchment paper, then return the crust to the oven for another 2 minutes to allow the bottom to dry out slightly. Remove the par-baked crust from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before proceeding.
2. Craft the Perfectly Spiced Apple Filling.

   This is where the magic of flavor truly comes to life, as the apples soften and absorb the warming spices.

   • In a large pan or Dutch oven, melt the dairy-free butter over medium heat.
   • Add the sliced apples, light brown sugar (or granulated sugar), a pinch of salt, and all the aromatic spices (ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and allspice). Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the apples evenly.
   • Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften slightly and release their juices. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
   • Sprinkle in the gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and toss again. The flour will help thicken the released apple juices as the pie bakes, creating a rich, luscious filling. Continue to cook for another minute.
   • Remove the apple filling from the heat and let it cool down completely. A cooled filling prevents the pie crust from getting soggy and helps maintain the integrity of the streusel topping.
3. Prepare the Irresistible Oat Pecan Streusel Topping.

   The streusel is the crowning glory of this pie, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

   • In a medium bowl, combine the gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, light brown sugar, fine sea salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk these dry ingredients together.
   • Add the very cold, cubed dairy-free butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, a pastry blender, or a food processor, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse, wet sand with some pea-sized crumbs. The colder the butter, the flakier and crunchier your streusel will be.
   • Pour in the non-dairy milk and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
   • Finally, fold in the gluten-free rolled oats and chopped pecans. These additions provide extra texture and a wonderful nutty flavor to the streusel.
4. Assemble and Bake Your Masterpiece.

   Bringing all the components together for the final bake.

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Pour the completely cooled apple filling into the par-baked and cooled pie crust. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly.
   • Evenly sprinkle the prepared streusel topping over the entire surface of the apples. Ensure good coverage for that signature crumble effect.
   • Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. Keep an eye on the crust and streusel during baking. If the edges of the crust or the streusel topping start to brown too quickly, gently tent the pie with aluminum foil to prevent burning. The pie is done when the streusel is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling through the crumbs.
   • Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and, this is crucial, allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Cooling allows the filling to set properly, ensuring clean slices and a more enjoyable texture.

Serving and Storage Tips for Your Gluten-Free Apple Pie

Once your amazing gluten-free and dairy-free apple crumble pie has cooled completely, it’s ready to be enjoyed! For an extra special treat, serve it warm with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream. A drizzle of homemade vegan caramel sauce would also elevate this dessert to new heights of deliciousness.

Storage: Leftover pie should be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat a slice, you can gently warm it in the microwave or in a preheated oven (around 300°F/150°C) until warm, which helps to crisp up the streusel again.

Freezing: You can freeze the baked and cooled pie for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can also freeze individual components, like the pie crust or streusel, to save time on future baking endeavors!

Frequently Asked Questions About Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Apple Pie

Here are some common questions to help you master this recipe:

• Can I make my own gluten-free pie crust? Yes, absolutely! If you prefer to make your own, ensure you use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum for the best results. There are many excellent recipes available online for homemade GF pie crusts.
• What kind of dairy-free butter should I use? Look for plant-based butter sticks that are specifically designed for baking. Brands like Miyoko’s Kitchen, Earth Balance, or Country Crock Plant Butter often work very well and provide a rich flavor and texture.
• Can I use cornstarch instead of gluten-free flour for the filling? Yes, you can! Cornstarch is a great alternative for thickening the apple filling. Use half the amount of cornstarch compared to the flour called for in the recipe (e.g., if it calls for 1/4 cup flour, use 2 tablespoons of cornstarch).
• My streusel didn’t get very crispy. What went wrong? Ensure your dairy-free butter is very cold when you incorporate it into the dry ingredients. Also, avoid overmixing the streusel, as this can develop the gluten-free flour too much and result in a less crumbly texture. Make sure the oven temperature is accurate.
• How can I prevent a watery apple filling? Cooking the apples slightly before baking helps release some of their liquid, which the flour then thickens. Also, make sure to cool the filling completely before adding it to the pie crust, as this helps it set further.

Explore More Delicious Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Pie Recipes

If you loved this apple crumble pie, you’re in for a treat! Discover more delightful pie recipes that cater to various dietary needs:

• This ultimate dairy-free pumpkin pie is incredibly easy to make, yet boasts an unbelievably creamy and rich flavor that’s perfect for holidays or any time of year.
• For those who need an egg-free option, our vegan pumpkin pie offers the same comforting taste and smooth texture without any animal products.
• No oven? No problem! Learn to make this decadent no-bake chocolate haupia pie, a tropical-inspired dessert that’s rich, creamy, and surprisingly simple.
• If coconut is your passion, you absolutely must try this vegan gluten-free coconut cream pie! It’s wonderfully light yet intensely coconutty, offering a refreshing and satisfying dessert experience.
• While not a “pie” in the traditional sense, these fun gluten-free whoopie pies are more like delightful cake sandwiches. They are incredibly delicious, enjoyable to bake, and even more fun to eat!