Dutch Apple Pie is a delightful dessert that has captured the hearts of many, including mine. This classic pie, with its flaky crust and sweet, spiced apple filling, is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a warm reminder of home and family gatherings. Originating from the Netherlands, this pie has a rich history that dates back centuries, showcasing the Dutch’s love for apples and baking. What I adore about Dutch Apple Pie is its perfect balance of flavors and texturesthe tender apples, the crunchy crumb topping, and the buttery crust come together in a symphony of deliciousness. It’s a dish that brings comfort and joy, making it a favorite for holidays, special occasions, or simply a cozy night in. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this pie is sure to become a cherished recipe in your home as it has in mine.

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
6 to 8 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling:

6 to 8 medium-sized apples (I prefer a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crumb Topping:

1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt

Preparing the Pie Crust

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Whisk them together until well mixed.
Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want to see small pea-sized pieces of butter throughout.
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork after each addition. Continue until the dough starts to come together. You may not need all the water.
Once the dough is formed, divide it in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This will help the gluten relax and make rolling easier.

Preparing the Apple Filling

While the dough is chilling, lets prepare the apple filling. Start by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples into thin wedges. I like to use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor.
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with the granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

Making the Crumb Topping

In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly and well combined. You want it to have a texture similar to wet sand with some larger clumps.

Assembling the Pie

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Take one of the chilled dough disks out of the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll it out into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Make sure its about 1/8 inch thick.
Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a 9-inch pie pan. Gently press it into the bottom and sides of the pan, trimming any excess dough hanging over the edges.
Pour the prepared apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly. Make sure to pile the apples high, as they will shrink during baking.
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple filling, covering it completely.
Roll out the second disk of dough if you want to create a lattice top or simply leave it as is with the crumb topping. If you choose to do a lattice, cut the dough into strips and weave them over the filling.
To prevent the edges from burning, you can cover them with strips of aluminum foil or use a pie shield.

Baking the Pie

Place the assembled pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. This will save you from a messy oven!

Conclusion:

In summary, this Dutch Apple Pie is a must-try for anyone who loves a deliciously comforting dessert that combines the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The flaky, buttery crust paired with the spiced apple filling creates a delightful experience that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether youre serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoying it cold with a dollop of whipped cream, this pie is sure to impress your family and friends. Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions! You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, drizzle some caramel sauce, or even mix in some nuts for an added crunch. If youre feeling adventurous, try swapping out some of the apples for pears or adding a handful of dried cranberries for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this Dutch Apple Pie recipe a try and share your experience with me. I would love to hear how it turned out for you and any variations you decided to make. Remember, baking is all about experimenting and having fun in the kitchen. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and lets create something delicious together! Happy baking!