Dutch Apple Pie beckons the senses with its warm aroma and delicious flavors. Picture a cozy kitchen filled with the scents of cinnamon and baked apples, inviting you to enjoy a slice with family or friends. This pie is a classic, yet it has a unique twist thanks to its crumb topping that adds a delightful texture. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple weeknight treat, Dutch Apple Pie is sure to bring joy to any occasion. Making this pie is more than just a recipe; it’s about creating memories. Gather your loved ones, share stories, and let this delightful dessert be the centerpiece of your meal. Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the process of creating this yummy treat together.
Why This Recipe Works
First off, let’s talk about the apples. The combination of sweet and tart varieties creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. Think about biting into a slice and tasting that burst of juicy sweetness balanced by a hint of tartness. What’s even better is the crumb topping, which makes this pie stand out from your average apple pie with its crunchy texture and rich taste. Plus, the cooking techniques are straightforward; anyone can master the art of pie baking with a little guidance.
Why You’ll Love This Dutch Apple Pie
Imagine a chilly fall day, where all you want is something warm and comforting. This pie perfectly captures that feeling with its warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, evoking nostalgia with every bite. It’s incredibly versatile too. You can serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoy it cold the next day. Quite simply, it’s easy to make yet impressive enough to knock the socks off your guests.
Ingredients
To whip up this delightful Dutch Apple Pie, gather the following ingredients:
– 1 pie crust
– 7-8 medium-sized apples (a mix of red and green works wonders)
– ¾ cup granulated sugar (divided)
– ¾ teaspoon apple pie spice (or ground cinnamon)
– 6-8 small pieces of butter (for dotting the pie)
– ¾ cup all-purpose flour
– ½ cup softened butter
Prepare the Apples
Peel and Slice Apples
Start by peeling your apples. Slice them into small pieces, about ¼” thick. Mixing red and green apples gives you the best flavor – the sweet and tart balance is fantastic.
Fill the Pie Crust
Now, place those lovely apple slices into your pie crust. Fill it generously, as the apples will shrink a bit during baking.
Sweeten the Apples
Next, sprinkle the apples with ¾ cup of granulated sugar. Then, add ¾ teaspoon of apple pie spice or ground cinnamon evenly over the top. This will enhance the flavor beautifully.
Add Butter
For a final touch, dot the top of your apple filling with 6-8 small pieces of butter. This little step will contribute to the richness of the pie.
Prepare the Crumb Topping
Combine Ingredients
Moving on to the crumb topping, take a medium-sized bowl. Mix together ½ cup of softened butter, ¾ cup of all-purpose flour, and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Using a pastry blender or the back of a fork, create crumbly bits.
Top the Pie
Once that’s done, sprinkle the crumb mixture generously over the apple filling in the pie crust. It should look inviting and delicious.
Bake the Pie
Preheat the Oven
Now it’s time to bring this pie to life. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Bake
Place your pie on the middle rack of the oven and let it bake for 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye on it! About 20 minutes in, cover the edges of the pie with a foil tent. This will prevent burning and ensure even browning.
Check for Doneness
The pie will be ready when you see the juices bubbling and the edges turning golden brown. Once it reaches this point, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a cooking rack.
Serving Suggestions
When it’s time to serve, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this pie:
– Serve it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream on top.
– For an upscale twist, pair it with a dollop of crème fraîche. The creamy tang is simply delightful!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Dutch Apple Pie turns out perfectly, keep these simple tips in mind:
– Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best overall flavor. This combination is key!
– Mix the crumb topping well. A good blend leads to an optimal texture.
– Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set nicely, making it easier to serve.
Variations
Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations to consider:
– Add chopped nuts to your crumb topping for a delightful crunch.
– Incorporate dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a sweet twist.
– Experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger to create unique flavors.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! Store-bought pie crusts are a convenient option that works perfectly for this recipe.
2. What type of apples are best for Dutch apple pie?
A mix of Granny Smith apples for tartness and Fuji or Honeycrisp apples for sweetness gives the best flavor.
3. Can I make this pie in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pie a day ahead. Just reheat it before you serve it, and it’ll taste fresh!
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
5. Can I freeze Dutch apple pie?
Yes, you can freeze a baked pie for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Making this Dutch Apple Pie is not just about following a recipe; it’s an experience full of lovely aromas and warm flavors that brings people together. Its perfect balance of sweetness and spice makes it a timeless favorite. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and enjoy every moment of creating this lovely dessert!
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Dutch Apple Pie
Dutch Apple Pie combines the warmth of baked apples with a crunchy crumb topping, making it a delightful dessert for gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 7–8 medium-sized apples (a mix of red and green works wonders)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (divided)
- ¾ teaspoon apple pie spice (or ground cinnamon)
- 6–8 small pieces of butter (for dotting the pie)
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup softened butter
Instructions
- Peel and slice apples into ¼” thick pieces.
- Fill the pie crust generously with apple slices.
- Sprinkle apples with ¾ cup of sugar and apple pie spice.
- Dot top with small pieces of butter.
- Mix softened butter, flour, and sugar for crumb topping.
- Sprinkle crumb mixture over apple filling.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Bake pie for 50-60 minutes, covering edges with foil after 20 minutes.
- Check for doneness by ensuring juices bubble and edges are golden.
- Cool on a rack before serving.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Use a blend of tart and sweet apples for best flavor.
Allow pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing for easier serving.
Consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruits for unique variations.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
