Dutch Apple Pie

Dutch Apple Pie is a delightful twist on the classic apple pie, featuring a buttery, crumbly streusel topping that adds texture and sweetness to the tender spiced apple filling. It’s a perfect dessert for fall or any time you want a warm, comforting treat. Here’s how to make it:

Dutch Apple Pie

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pie Crust:

   • In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together.
   • Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.

2. Make the Apple Filling:

   • While the dough is chilling, prepare the apple filling. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch (if using). Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.

3. Make the Streusel Topping:

   • In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
   • Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can use a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands. Set aside.

4. Assemble the Pie:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • On a floured surface, roll out the chilled pie dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish, trimming any excess dough.
   • Pour the apple filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.
   • Sprinkle the streusel topping over the apples, covering the entire surface.

5. Bake the Pie:

   • Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the topping is golden brown. If the crust or topping starts to brown too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

6. Cool and Serve:

   • Let the pie cool for at least 1 hour before slicing to allow the filling to set. Serve it warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Dutch Apple Pie offers the perfect balance of sweet, spiced apples with a crunchy, buttery streusel topping. It’s a comforting dessert that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy!