Are apples America’s favorite fruit? Maybe . . . but what we know for sure is that our Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Pie is the favorite apple recipe of Cook’s Country readers—it has been saved more than any other apple recipe by our online members.
Recipe Spotlight
The Top Cook’s Country Apple Recipe of All Time Is . . .
Our readers have spoken, and they have a strong opinion about which of our apple recipes is best.
By Published Sept. 25, 2023.
What makes this recipe so special? A lot. Our version of this classic treat from Pennsylvania Dutch country was inspired by the pie Bryan Roof sampled on his visit to the exquisite (and sadly now-shuttered) Philadelphia bakery Magpie, which was helmed by Holly Ricciardi.
Sign up for the Cook's Country Dinner Tonight newsletter
10 ingredients. 45 minutes. Quick, easy, and fresh weeknight recipes.
America's Test Kitchen will not sell, rent, or disclose your email address to third parties unless otherwise notified. Your email address is required to identify you for free access to content on the site. You will also receive free newsletters and notification of America's Test Kitchen specials.
Dutch apple pie is a single-crust affair made with a filling of thinly sliced apples, cinnamon, cream, and sometimes raisins. It has a caramelly, brown sugar–based crumb topping and—like many pies—is often enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
What makes our version of this pie so popular? For one, the sour cream in the buttery crust makes the dough easy to work with and adds a layer of richness. And instead of cream in the pie, we use melted vanilla ice cream to add creamy decadence. (Don’t let that stop you from still topping your slice with a scoop of ice cream.) You can watch our test cook make the recipe in the video below.
But don’t take our word for it, take a look at what some of our digital subscribers had to say:
“My husband, daughter, and extended family said this was the best apple pie they've ever had, and they're not wrong.” -Debra D.
“Hands down the best apple pie I've ever tasted. It literally brought a tear to my eye. Throw out all your other apple pie recipes and hold this one in the highest regard!” - Thom M.
“. . . the recipe developers at America's Test Kitchen did not let me down! The pie was perfect. My family all agreed that it was the best apple pie ever.” -Deirdre B.
180 Foolproof Recipes
The Perfect Pie
Your ultimate guide to baking beautiful, foolproof versions of the corner bakery classics and French patisserie favorites—plus a host of whimsical, modern pies and tarts of all kinds.Shop Now
Other favorite apple recipes of Cook’s Country readers include our Apple Slab Pie (which is made in a rimmed baking sheet and feeds a hungry crowd), the elegant Caramel Apple Cake, the rustic-yet-stunning Cranberry-Ginger Apple Tart, and the timeless classic that is Apple Turnovers.
When life gives you apples, get cooking!