Dutch Apple Pie

• Many apple pie recipes, including that of the French version, require apples, sugar, and butter for the filling. What makes the Dutch apple pie distinct from the others is the addition of cinnamon and lemon juice. Dutch apple pies can also include other ingredients, such as raisins, sour cream, and custard.

French Apple Pie

• Tarte Tatin, which is the official name of real French apple pie, is distinguished from Dutch apple pie and other variations because it is baked upside down. This French dessert requires skill to master, since it can be difficult to flip the hot pie over onto a plate. As with the Dutch apple pie, the French apple pie is often topped with whipped cream or ice cream before it's served.

Caramelized Apples

• In contrast to the Dutch pie, which requires the apple filling and uncooked pie shell to be baked simultaneously, French apple pie recipe calls for the apples to be caramelized before the pie goes in the oven.

  For the French pie, the apples are cooked in sugar and butter for at least 20 minutes. They are removed from heat after caramelization and the filling is deep golden and brown. The apple filing is spread in a buttered skillet and topped with uncooked pastry, and the French apple pie is baked in the oven.

Streusel Topping

• The typical Dutch apple pie is topped with a cinnamon and brown sugar streusel. The streusel topping can also include chopped walnuts. After the Dutch pie has baked for a specified time, it is removed, the streusel topping is added and it is baked for a little longer. When the top is golden brown, the pie is removed from the oven and cooled.