Dutch Apple Pie Recipe

I recently discovered a delicious apple pie recipe that transforms simple Granny Smith apples into a sublime dessert with a flaky crust and crunchy topping. The medley of tart apples, sweet sugars, and a hint of cinnamon creates an unforgettable flavor journey that beckons you to explore its irresistible charm.

I been perfecting my Dutch Apple Pie recipe for years and when it finally came out the way i hoped it would, i just knew i had the best ever one on my hands. Im always on the hunt for that best easy apple pie recipe feel and this one truly nails it.

I start off by making a delicate crust with 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt and sugar, and 1 cup of chilled diced unsalted butter mixed together with just enough cold water to bind it all. Then comes the filling: 6 cups sliced Granny Smith apples combined with lemon juice and a bit of ground cinnamon thats simple and tasty.

Its topped off with a crumb topping made from all-purpose flour, brown sugar and cubed butter, and accented lightly with cinnamon. Its one of those delightful recipes that makes you wonder how its ever been kept a secret.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because the crust comes out really flaky and buttery and it reminds me of homemade treats. I love how the apple filling is a perfect mix of sweet and tart with the cinnamon adding a cozy spice. The crumb topping gives it a great crunchy texture that makes every bite fun. I also really appreciate how simple the recipe is and how it fills the whole place with an awesome, comforting aroma.

Ingredients

• Granny Smith apples: Provide fiber, vitamin C, and a tart flavor that awakens taste buds.
• All-purpose flour: Offers carbohydrates and structure for the hearty crust and filling.
• Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a flaky, tender dough every time.
• Granulated sugar: Balances tartness with sweetness and enhances the filling’s taste.
• Brown sugar topping: Brings deep caramel notes and a chewy texture to the crumble.
• Lemon juice: Adds a bright, sour zing that lifts the natural apple flavors.
• Ground cinnamon: Provides warm spice notes enhancing both the filling and topping.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour for the crust
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 6 cups sliced Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour for the filling
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon in the filling
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour for the crumb topping
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed for the topping
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon for the topping

How to Make this

1. First, mix 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp sugar in a bowl. Add the 1 cup chilled diced butter and mix in with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks crumbly. Then slowly add 1/2 cup cold water until a dough forms.

2. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s big enough to cover your pie dish. Press it gently into the dish making sure the bottom is even.

3. In another big bowl, toss together 6 cups sliced Granny Smith apples with 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tbsp flour, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon for the filling.

4. Pour the apple filling into the pie crust and spread it out evenly.

5. To make the crumb topping, mix 3/4 cup flour, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon in a bowl.

6. Add the 1/3 cup chilled cubed butter into the crumb mixture and rub it in gently with your fingers until it forms a crumbly texture.

7. Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the apple filling.

8. Preheat your oven to 375°F and then place the pie inside.

9. Bake for about 50 minutes until the topping is golden and the apples are soft when you poke them with a fork.

10. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a bit before serving so the filling can set. Enjoy your best ever Dutch Apple Pie!

Equipment Needed

1. One large mixing bowl for the dough
2. A pastry cutter or just your fingers to work in the butter
3. A rolling pin to roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface
4. A pie dish to gently press the dough into
5. Another large bowl to toss the apple slices with the spices and sugar
6. A separate bowl to whip up the crumb topping mixture
7. Measuring cups and spoons to make sure you get the ingredients right
8. An oven preheated to 375°F for baking the pie
9. A cooling rack or a clean surface where you can let the pie cool before serving

FAQ

Dutch Apple Pie Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Unsalted butter (for the crust): You can swap it out with an equal amount of margarine. Its flavor is a bit different but it works great.
• Cold water: If you don’t have cold water, use ice water or add a few extra ice cubes to the water to keep it chilled.
• Granny Smith apples: In case you dont have these, try using a mix of tart apples like Braeburn or Honeycrisp for a similar taste and texture.
• Brown sugar (for the topping): You can use white sugar mixed with a teaspoon of molasses, just be sure to pack it lightly if needed.

Pro Tips

Try to only work with super chilled ingredients so the butter stays cold while you mix everything up, this helps with getting a flakier crust.

Don’t skip letting your dough chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes after you form it, cause this really helps prevent it from shrinking when you bake it.

Make sure when you mix the crumb topping you don’t overwork the butter into the flour. You want those little butter bits so the topping turns out extra crunchy.

When you’ve tossed the apples with the sugar and spices, let them sit for a few minutes; it helps the flavors blend a bit better and keeps the apples nice while they are baked.