Best Dutch Apple Pie Recipe

Best Dutch Apple Pie Recipe is a delightful dessert that combines the sweet taste of apples with a crumbly topping. It holds a special place in my heart, shared between generations in my family. My fondest memories include helping my grandmother bake this pie during the harvest season. Each smell that wafts through the kitchen brings back those nostalgic moments of laughter and love. There’s just something magical about biting into a warm slice loaded with cinnamon and nutmeg flanked by a golden buttery crust.

The Heart of Dutch Apple Pie

At its core, the Dutch apple pie features white and tart apples along with a crunchy topping made of flour, sugar, and butter. This recipe brings a twist to the classic American apple pie. What sets it apart is that it’s topped with a streusel-like mixture, unlike the traditional top crust found in standard apple pies.

Choosing the Right Apples for Dutch Apple Pie

Choosing the right apples can elevate your pie to new heights. Here are a few varieties that simply shine in this dessert:

• Granny Smith: Tart and crisp, these apples provide a great balance of flavor.
• Honeycrisp: Known for its sweetness, they add a pleasant contrast to tart apples.
• Braeburn: Juicy and flavorful; they hold their shape well during baking.

A mix of sweet and tart apples will make the filling bright and flavorful. I like to use about 60% tart and 40% sweet for the ideal blend.

Ingredients for the Best Dutch Apple Pie Recipe

The quality of ingredients makes all the difference in flavor. Here’s what you will need:

Pie Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water

Filling:

• 5 cups sliced apples (mixed varieties)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

These ingredients come together beautifully, making a pie that will impress everyone.

How to Make The Best Dutch Apple Pie Recipe

Creating a flaky pie crust is simple when you follow these steps:

1. Mix it Up: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter: Use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix in chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough forms.
4. Chill: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour.

Chilling the dough is critical. It prevents shrinkage while baking and yields a tender crust.

Preparing the Apple Filling

While the crust chills, prepare the filling. Here’s how:

1. Slice the Apples: Peel, core, and slice your apples thinly for even cooking.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the sliced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss well to coat all the apple slices.

Letting the apples sit for a few minutes allows the flavors to meld together, creating a delicious filling.

Making the Streusel Topping

The topping is what makes the Dutch apple pie uniquely irresistible. To prepare it:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon.
2. Add Butter: Pour in melted butter and stir until it resembles coarse crumbs.

This streusel adds so much texture and warmth to the pie, making it a family favorite.

Assembling Your Dutch Apple Pie

This step is like putting together a delicious puzzle. Here’s how:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out your pie crust into a 12-inch circle. Carefully place it in a 9-inch pie plate.
3. Fill with Apples: Spoon the apple filling evenly over the crust, spreading it out gently.
4. Add Topping: Sprinkle the prepared streusel topping over the apples.
5. Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the apples are bubbling and the topping is golden brown.

Your kitchen will smell heavenly during baking!

Tips for a Perfect Dutch Apple Pie

Paying attention to key details can elevate your pie. Here are some helpful tips:

• Keep Everything Cold: Cold butter and water make for a flakier crust.
• Don’t Overmix: Let your topping remain crumbly. Overmixing can make it dense.
• Check for Doneness: If the topping browns too quickly, cover the pie edges with foil to prevent burning.

These small adjustments lead to pie perfection every time.

Serving Suggestions for Dutch Apple Pie

Once your pie is baked, it’s time to enjoy it. Here are some serving ideas:

• A La Mode: Serve a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dreamy contrast.
• Caramel Drizzle: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Whipped Cream: Top with fresh whipped cream for a classic touch.

Each option enhances the pie’s flavors, making it even more enticing.

Storing Leftover Dutch Apple Pie

Storing your pie does not have to be complicated. Here’s how:

• Room Temperature: Covered pie can be kept at room temperature for 1-2 days.
• Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, refrigerate to keep them fresh for up to a week.
• Freezing: You can freeze the pie. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Sharing my love for the Best Dutch apple pie has been a joy. The delightful combination of flavors, textures, and aromas makes this pie a treasure in any home. Whether it’s a family gathering or a quiet evening, this dessert captures the essence of comfort and happiness.

With these tips, tricks, and recipes, you can create a Dutch apple pie that will impress not just your taste buds but also those shared warm memories around your dining table. So go ahead, bake this pie, and let its warm goodness surround you and your loved ones!