A buttery shortcrust tart filled with tender, spiced apple slices and crowned with a golden oat crumble—Dutch Apple Crumble Tart offers the familiar comfort of apple pie in a rustic and sliceable tart form. Best served warm and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s a simple yet impressive dessert that’s perfect for fall gatherings, holiday dinners, or weekend baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines the best parts of apple pie and crumble in one dish
Buttery, flaky crust made from scratch
Warm spices bring out the natural sweetness of apples
Oat topping adds satisfying texture and crunch
Easily adaptable with different fruits or nuts
A cozy dessert perfect for any occasion
Can be served warm, room temperature, or chilled
Stores and reheats well
Made with basic pantry staples
Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Tart Crust:

all-purpose flour
unsalted butter, cold and cubed
sugar
salt
cold water

For the Apple Filling:

medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
sugar
brown sugar
cinnamon
nutmeg
lemon juice
flour

For the Crumble Topping:

old-fashioned oats
all-purpose flour
brown sugar
cinnamon
unsalted butter, melted

Optional Topping:

vanilla ice cream

directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
To prepare the crust, pulse the flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor. Add the cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
Press the dough evenly into a 9-inch tart pan and chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples with sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Toss to coat evenly.
Spread the apple mixture over the chilled crust.
To make the crumble topping, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Stir in the melted butter until crumbly.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple filling.
Bake the tart for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
Let the tart cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: Makes 8 slices
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Chilling time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40–45 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes

Variations

Add Nuts: Stir chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumble for added crunch.
Use Pears: Swap apples for ripe pears for a twist on the classic.
Spice Blend: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for deeper spice flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for both the crust and topping.
Mini Tarts: Make individual tartlets using small tart pans for a charming presentation.

storage/reheating

Store the tart, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes until warmed through. You may also reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds, though this may soften the crust. The tart can be frozen after baking—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

What type of apples are best for this tart?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are ideal because they hold their shape and provide a balance of sweetness and tartness.

Can I make the crust without a food processor?

Yes, you can cut the butter into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Can I prepare the tart in advance?

Yes, the tart can be baked a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving for the best texture.

Is it necessary to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but you may leave the skins on for a more rustic presentation.

Can I use store-bought crust?

Yes, a ready-made shortcrust or pie dough can be used to save time.

Can this tart be made vegan?

Yes, substitute dairy-free butter in both the crust and topping. Also, ensure your sugar is vegan-certified.

How do I know when the tart is done?

The topping should be golden brown, and the apple filling should be bubbling gently around the edges.

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Quick oats can be used but will yield a softer crumble. Old-fashioned oats are preferred for better texture.

Do I need to blind-bake the crust?

No blind baking is necessary since the tart bakes thoroughly in one session with the filling and topping.

Can I serve it cold?

Yes, the tart can also be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, though warming enhances the flavors.

Conclusion

Dutch Apple Crumble Tart is a comforting, delicious dessert that combines the nostalgic charm of apple pie with the simplicity of a crumble. With its buttery base, warmly spiced apple filling, and crisp oat topping, this tart is a go-to treat for family dinners, holidays, or whenever a cozy, homemade dessert is in order. Its adaptability and timeless appeal make it a recipe worth returning to again and again.