If you’re looking for a dessert that encapsulates the essence of comfort food, look no further than homemade Dutch apple pie. With its flaky, buttery crust and a generous topping of sweet, crumbly streusel, this pie is a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Did you know that apple pie has been so cherished in American culture that it’s often associated with the phrase “as American as apple pie”? This dish is not only flavorful and inviting but also surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner bakers. Whether you’re feeding a family or impressing friends, this recipe is always a winner. Plus, the smell of it baking in your oven will make everyone gather in the kitchen – and let’s be honest, who can resist a slice of this sweet delight?
If you’ve made my classic apple pie before, you’ll love this Dutch version for its unique streusel topping that adds a delightful crunch. So grab your aprons, and let’s dive into the heartwarming world of homemade Dutch apple pie, where every bite feels like a warm hug!
What is Homemade Dutch Apple Pie?
Ah, Dutch apple pie! Isn’t it funny how something so deliciously sweet can have such a peculiar name? I mean, what makes it “Dutch” anyway? Some say it’s because of the Dutch immigrants who brought this scrumptious recipe to America, while others joke that “Dutch” just means it comes from the “lands of deliciousness!” The way to a man’s heart is, after all, through his stomach, and this pie could win over even the pickiest of bakers. The true charm of Dutch apple pie lies in its combination of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and that signature crumbly topping that makes it stand out from regular apple pie. So, why not grab those apples and give this delectable recipe a whirl?
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Dutch Apple Pie
Homemade Dutch apple pie is an irresistible treat that brings together a few key features, making it a must-try for any dessert lover. First off, the flaky, buttery crust serves as a perfect base for a delightful filling made from fresh apples, lightly spiced with cinnamon and sugar. However, the true star here is the streusel topping—made with flour, brown sugar, and butter—that lends an incredible crunch to the soft apples beneath.
Secondly, making this pie at home is budget-friendly. It utilizes simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, allowing you to enjoy a crowd-pleasing dessert without breaking the bank. Finally, its versatility is worth mentioning; you can serve it warm with ice cream or chilled with whipped cream, giving you endless options to savor every slice. If you love this pie, you’ll definitely want to check out our other desserts like the iconic chocolate chip cookies for another delightful treat!
How to Make Homemade Dutch Apple Pie
Quick Overview
Creating a homemade Dutch apple pie is as simple as it is delicious! With just a handful of ingredients and a short preparation time of about 20 minutes, you’ll have a gorgeous pie baking in the oven. The combination of fresh apples and that irresistible crumb topping blends flavors beautifully but remains easy enough for even novice bakers.
Key Ingredients for Homemade Dutch Apple Pie
To whip up your scrumptious Dutch apple pie, here’s what you will need:
- For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4–5 tablespoons ice water
- For the filling:
- 6 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- For the streusel topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water until a ball forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Make the filling: In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until well coated. Set aside.
- Roll out the crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Place the dough into the pan and trim any excess.
- Fill the pie: Pour the apple mixture into the prepared crust.
- Prepare the streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon until crumbly. Sprinkle the mixture over the apples.
- Bake the pie: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack before serving.
What to Serve Homemade Dutch Apple Pie With
Pair your homemade Dutch apple pie with a delightful scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a perfect dessert experience. You can also serve it alongside a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a fantastic balance. Consider rounding out your meal with a simple side salad or some roasted vegetables, as the freshness will complement the sweet flavors beautifully!
Top Tips for Perfecting Homemade Dutch Apple Pie
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a depth of flavor.
- Make sure your butter for the crust is cold; this helps create that flaky texture.
- For extra flavor, add some nutmeg or ginger to the apple filling.
- If your streusel topping browns too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil for the last few minutes of baking.
Storing and Reheating Tips
After you’ve devoured a few slices, don’t worry about leftovers! Simply cover the pie with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to relive that fresh-baked goodness, just reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. You can also warm it up in the microwave for a quicker option, though the oven is preferable for maintaining that delightful crust texture.
Now that you have a fantastic recipe for homemade Dutch apple pie, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking! Treat yourself to this classic dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy every bite, and happy baking!
Homemade Dutch Apple Pie
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour Measure accurately for best results.
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed Use cold butter for a flaky crust.
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 4-5 tablespoons ice water Add gradually until dough comes together.
For the filling
- 6 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and sliced Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for best flavor.
- 0.75 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice Helps maintain apple color.
For the streusel topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.75 cup brown sugar, packed
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water until a ball forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until well coated. Set aside.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Place the dough into the pan and trim any excess.
- Pour the apple mixture into the prepared crust.
- In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon until crumbly. Sprinkle the mixture over the apples.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
- Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Leave a Reply