Dutch Apple Pie

There’s just something magical about the aroma of a freshly baked Dutch apple pie wafting through your kitchen. This delightful dessert combines a buttery, flaky crust with sweet, tender apples, all topped off with a crunchy streusel. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both comforting and impressive, Dutch apple pie is the answer. Did you know that Dutch apple pie is actually a variation that flourished in America, embraced for its rich flavor and easy preparation? With just a little effort, you can create a pie that tastes like it came straight from grandma’s kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen!

What makes this recipe extra special is its combination of simplicity and deliciousness. Whether it’s your first time baking a pie or you’re a seasoned pro, you’ll find that Dutch apple pie is surprisingly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and about an hour of baking time, you can create a dessert that everyone will love. And while you’re at it, consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect touch! Trust me, the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, and this pie will surely do the trick.

What is Dutch Apple Pie?

Now, you might be wondering why it’s called “Dutch” apple pie. Is it because it has an affinity for windmills or tulips? Not quite! The term “Dutch” actually refers to the style of the crumbly topping rather than anything specifically from the Netherlands. Some say it resembles the well-known Dutch apple pie made in the US, while others think it could be a nod to the Dutch settlers who popularized it. So maybe there’s a little bit of history behind that flaky crust after all! Wherever the name comes from, one thing is clear—this pie is all about layers of flavor and texture. So why not roll up your sleeves and dive into this delightful treat?

Why You’ll Love This Dutch Apple Pie

1. A Flavorful Experience: The highlight of Dutch apple pie is undoubtedly the filling, which consists of tart and sweet apples seasoned with cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar to create a sensational taste experience. The contrast of the gooey apple filling and the crunchy streusel topping will leave you craving more.

2. Cost-Effective Casual Baking: Making your own Dutch apple pie at home is budget-friendly. Rather than splurging on premade pies, why not create your own masterpiece with wholesome ingredients? You can enjoy a more flavorful pie that often costs less than store-bought options!

3. Toppings Galore: While this pie shines on its own, it can be made even more special with toppings. A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate your Dutch apple pie from delicious to heavenly.

Not to mention, if you’ve tried other dessert recipes on the blog, like classic cherry pie, you’ll find that Dutch apple pie offers a different but equally satisfying experience. So gather your ingredients and get ready to impress!

How to Make Dutch Apple Pie

Quick Overview

Making a Dutch apple pie is a straightforward process that combines a few basic steps. From preparing the flaky crust to layering the filling and topping, it’s a quick endeavor—even for beginners! You’ll spend approximately 20 minutes preparing and 45-60 minutes baking the pie to perfection.

Key Ingredients for Dutch Apple Pie

• For the Base:
  • 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade)
• For the Filling:
  • 6-8 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• For the Topping:
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup rolled oats
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the pie bakes evenly.
2. Prepare the Crust: If you’re using a pre-made crust, roll it out and place it in a pie dish. If you’re making your own, prepare the dough and fit it into the dish.
3. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
4. Fill the Crust: Spoon the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
5. Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to combine until crumbly. Sprinkle this topping generously over the apple filling.
6. Bake: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown. Keep an eye on it; you might want to shield the edges of the crust with foil if they brown too quickly.
7. Cool and Serve: Once fully baked, let the pie cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to set and make slicing easier.

Top Tips for Perfecting Dutch Apple Pie

• Choose the Right Apples: A mix of tart and sweet apples works best. Try using a combination of Granny Smith and Fuji for depth of flavor.
• Don’t Overmix the Topping: When making the crumb topping, just mix until combined. Overmixing can result in a tough texture.
• Adjust Sugar to Taste: Depending on how sweet your apples are, you might want to adjust the sugar in the filling.
• Let It Cool: Patience is key! Allow your pie to cool before slicing for the best results.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare but can happen!), store your Dutch apple pie in the refrigerator. It can last up to 3-4 days when covered. For optimal taste, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 10-15 minutes. This will revitalize the flavors and give you that freshly baked feel again!

Now that you’re armed with a fantastic recipe for Dutch apple pie, why not whip one up today? Your kitchen will smell divine, and the rewards will definitely be worth it. Happy baking!

Dutch Apple Pie

A delightful dessert combining a buttery, flaky crust filled with sweet, tender apples and topped with a crunchy streusel.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8 pieces

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 280

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Base

• 1 piece pre-made pie crust (or homemade) Opt for a quality crust for the best results.

For the Filling

• 6-8 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced Use a mix for a balance of tartness and sweetness.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar Adjust according to the sweetness of the apples.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice Enhances flavor and prevents browning of apples.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon Adds warmth and depth to the filling.
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg For an extra layer of flavor.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Helps thicken the apple filling.

For the Topping

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar For a richer flavor.
• ½ cup rolled oats Adds texture to the topping.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed) Ensure the butter is cold for a crumbly topping.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon For a touch of spice.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. If using a pre-made crust, roll it out and place it in a pie dish. If making your own, prepare the dough and fit it into the dish.
3. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
4. Spoon the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to combine until crumbly. Sprinkle this topping generously over the apple filling.

Baking

1. Place the pie in the oven and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown. Shield the edges with foil if they brown too quickly.
2. Let the pie cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, choose a mix of tart and sweet apples. Adjust sugar to taste based on apple sweetness.