American apple pies have a crusty topping. This can be a hard pastry lattice or an all-encompassing pastry topping that encloses the pie. A Dutch apple pie recipe needs a crumbly top — there's no hard pastry crust on top of the pie.

As early as the 17th century, apple trees were planted in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. As a result, apple orchards quickly became a common sight in the colonies. In the late 18th century, Dutch immigrants introduced apple preservation techniques. This is a big part of what led to apple pie's popularity in America.

Dutch apple pies have a crumbly topping while traditional apple pies have a top layer made from pie crust. Unlike other apple pie varieties like French apple pies, Dutch apple pies have a streusel topping that can require extra prep time and tools like a pastry blender.

It usually contains few ingredients such as flour, sugar, butter, egg, and milk and/or fruit or meats and has reached popularity also outside of the U.S. The most traditional pie is probably the apple pie, pumpkin pie or pecan pie is another classic you will find everywhere for Thanksgiving.

Apple pie with cheddar is popular in the American Midwest and New England, particularly in Vermont, where it is considered the state dish. In the north of England, Wensleydale cheese is often used.