Harvest season: indulge in the apple flavours of Amsterdam

Apple of Amsterdam's eye

It is no coincidence that apples have become the flavour of the Dutch autumn. For centuries, the Netherlands’ cool climate and fertile river valleys have been ideal for growing apples, with orchard-rich regions such as the Betuwe and Limburg producing abundant harvests. Unlike delicate summer fruit, apples could be stored for months in cool cellars, making them a natural choice for autumn and winter baking. The Dutch were baking apple pies long before they became a café staple. The earliest known recipe in the Dutch language appears in Een notabel boecxken van cokeryen, printed in 1514, already calling for warming spices such as cinnamon, ginger and cloves. As global trade brought those spices within easier reach, apple pie gradually evolved into the comforting classic we know today.

Today, it is a fixture in Dutch cafés, where a generous slice of apple pie, served with whipped cream, remains one of life’s simplest pleasures. And the tradition continues to evolve. Whether baked into buttery pastries, shaken into seasonal cocktails, pressed into crisp local cider or picked straight from the orchard, apples remain at the heart of the Dutch autumn. Here are some of our favourite ways to experience apple season.

‘t Papeneiland

Looking for a slice of Amsterdam history with your traditional Dutch appeltaart? This charming family-run Delft-tiled café, housed in a building dating back to 1642, offers both. Perched on one of the city’s prettiest canal corners, it combines classic brown café charm with a waterside terrace that’s perfect for watching Amsterdam drift by. Tucked away on what was once known as ‘Papists’ Island’, the building also hides a remarkable secret. Back when Catholic worship was banned in Protestant Amsterdam, a tunnel ran beneath the canal to a hidden church on the opposite bank. The tunnel still exists today, although it's now closed off. Not many cafés can claim their apple pie comes with a side serving of religious intrigue.

't Papeneiland | Prinsengracht 2

Fitz’s Bar

Inspired by the ‘scents that evoke places and memories’, Gault&Millau’s Cocktail Bar of the Year 2026 lets guests sample a selection of edible perfumes before choosing their cocktail. The stylish Roaring Twenties-inspired interior, polished service and inventive menu make every visit feel like an occasion. For autumn, don’t miss the crisp Lady Astor, where cider and horseradish add bite to gin and Pimm’s, or the indulgent Pomology, layering Calvados, apple shrub, apple pie meringue and apple crumble into a liquid dessert. Both capture the season beautifully.

Fitz's Bar | Mauritskade 61

Appels & Peren Cider Shop

Fancy a change from beer or wine? Amsterdam’s only dedicated cider shop is tucked away in the Jordaan. It is a treasure trove for anyone keen to discover what cider can really be. With more than 150 ciders and poirés from small producers across Europe, this specialist shop goes far beyond the sweet supermarket versions many of us know. Expect everything from crisp and refreshing to complex and rustic, with expert advice on hand if you’re not sure where to start. This delicious detour for curious drinkers is a great reminder that apples can be every bit as interesting as grapes.

Appels & Peren Cider Shop | Rozengracht 220B

Fruittuin van West

Pick over 20 varieties of seasonal fruit including heirloom apples and local pears at this organic orchard in Nieuw-West. Rent a bike, follow the Haarlemmervaart westwards, and make a day of it.

Fruittuin van West | Tom Schreursweg 48

Winkel43

On Saturdays, an organic farmers’ market fills the Noordermarkt and queues form quickly at this famous corner café. The reward? A generous slice with chunky apple filling, a rich buttery crust and, if you're lucky, a hint of oven warmth still lingering.

Winkel43 | Noordermarkt 43

Proeflokaal Arendsnest

Taste your way beyond the city limits at this cosy canal district tasting house, where you can sample cider from Utrecht and Gelderland. Or try one of 52 beers on tap and over 50 bottled brews – all from the Netherlands.

Proeflokaal Arendsnest | Herengracht 90

Deguelle Patisserie

Discover the deeply delicious world of the Limburgse vlaai at this Oost-based bakery. This Limburgian speciality looks like a large, open fruit pie but is actually more like a sweet pizza, baked with a bread-like dough. The appelkruimelvlaai is not to be missed.

Deguelle Patisserie | Eerste Oosterparkstraat 158