Dutch Apple Pie Recipe Easy: The Crumbly, Delicious Secret!

Craving a slice of warm, comforting apple pie but intimidated by the thought of a complicated recipe? Look no further! This Dutch Apple Pie recipe is unbelievably easy to make, delivering that classic apple pie flavor with a delightful crumb topping that’s far simpler than a traditional pie crust. Forget fussy lattice work and perfectly crimped edges; this recipe focuses on deliciousness and ease, perfect for beginner bakers or anyone short on time. Get ready for a dessert that will impress your family and friends without keeping you in the kitchen all day!

Why This Recipe Works

This Dutch Apple Pie recipe shines because it simplifies the traditional apple pie process without sacrificing flavor or texture. Here’s why it’s a winner:

• Easy Crumb Topping: Instead of a finicky top crust, we use a buttery, crumbly topping that’s quick to prepare and adds a satisfying textural contrast to the soft apple filling. No rolling, no crimping, just delicious crumbles!
• Simple Filling: The apple filling is straightforward and uses readily available ingredients. The perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and a touch of tartness is achieved with a combination of sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
• No-Fuss Crust: We use a pre-made pie crust to save time and effort. This allows you to focus on the filling and crumb topping, making the whole process much more manageable.
• Adaptable: This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences. You can use different types of apples, add nuts to the topping, or adjust the spices to your liking.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 6-7 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

For the Crumb Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Also Needed:

• 1 (9-inch) pre-made pie crust

Instructions

1. Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss well to ensure the apples are evenly coated. Dot the apple mixture with the small pieces of butter.
2. Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry blender (or your fingertips) to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It’s important that the butter is cold for the topping to be crumbly.
3. Assemble the Pie: Place the pre-made pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate. Pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.
4. Add the Crumb Topping: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple filling, making sure to cover the entire surface.
5. Bake the Pie: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the topping is nicely browned and the apple filling is bubbling. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the pie with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Success

• Use a Variety of Apples: Combining different types of apples adds depth of flavor and texture to the filling. Try a mix of tart Granny Smith apples and sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pie: Make sure the apple slices are not packed too tightly in the pie crust, as this can prevent them from cooking evenly.
• Keep the Butter Cold: Cold butter is essential for a crumbly topping. If the butter gets too warm, the topping will be greasy and less crumbly.
• Protect the Crust: If your pie crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil or use a pie shield.
• Let it Cool Completely: Patience is key! Letting the pie cool completely allows the filling to set properly, making it easier to slice and serve.
• Add Nuts to the Topping: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the crumb topping. About 1/2 cup of chopped nuts is a good amount.
• Adjust the Sweetness: Taste the apple mixture before adding it to the crust. If your apples are particularly tart, you may want to add a bit more sugar.
• Blind Bake the Crust (Optional): If you want a particularly crisp bottom crust, you can blind bake the crust before adding the filling. To do this, line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, then remove the parchment paper and weights and bake for another 5-10 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool slightly before adding the filling.

Storage Instructions

To store leftover Dutch Apple Pie, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the pie for longer storage. To freeze, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight before serving. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different type of crust?
A: Yes, you can use a homemade pie crust if you prefer. Just make sure it’s a 9-inch crust. You can also use a gluten-free pie crust if needed.

Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the pie ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also bake the pie and then freeze it for longer storage.

Q: Can I add other fruits to the filling?
A: Yes, you can add other fruits to the filling, such as pears, cranberries, or blueberries. Just be sure to adjust the amount of sugar as needed.

Q: My crumb topping is too dry. What should I do?
A: If your crumb topping is too dry, add a tablespoon or two of melted butter until it comes together to form crumbs.

Q: My crumb topping is too wet. What should I do?
A: If your crumb topping is too wet, add a tablespoon or two of flour until it reaches the desired consistency.

Conclusion

This easy Dutch Apple Pie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its simple ingredients, straightforward instructions, and delicious crumb topping, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll be able to whip up this pie in no time. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of homemade apple pie heaven!