Dutch Apple Crumb Pie

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Introduction

Dutch Apple Crumb Pie is the ultimate comfort dessert, a perfect balance of sweet, tart apples and a buttery, crumbly topping that adds texture and warmth to every bite. The tangy apples create a delightful contrast against the rich, crisp topping, making each slice a mouthwatering treat. Whether enjoyed on a cozy fall afternoon or served at a family gathering, this pie quickly becomes the star of any dessert table.

What makes this pie stand out is the irresistible crumb topping. The combination of flour, butter, sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon bakes into a golden brown, slightly crisp texture that complements the tender apples beneath. I first made this pie for a Thanksgiving dinner, and it was an instant hit with my family. It’s that classic pie you can’t wait to dig into, making it perfect for any occasion when you want to impress with minimal effort.

What I love about this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. The crust can be store-bought to save time, or homemade if you’re feeling extra creative. Plus, the apple filling can be tailored to your personal preference, with different varieties of apples offering varying levels of sweetness and tartness. Whether you’re using Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix of both, this Dutch Apple Crumb Pie will be a showstopper every time.

Perfect For

Dutch Apple Crumb Pie is perfect for fall celebrations, like Thanksgiving or Christmas, but it’s also an excellent dessert for any family meal or special occasion. The sweet, spiced flavor of apples paired with the crunchy topping makes it a comforting treat that works all year round.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy Crumble Topping:
    • The buttery crumble topping on this apple pie is truly the highlight of the dish. Its golden, crispy texture contrasts perfectly with the soft and juicy apple filling, creating a satisfying crunch with every bite. The crumble, made from butter, flour, and sugar, adds a delightful sweetness and rich buttery flavor that melts in your mouth. As the pie bakes, the crumble becomes beautifully caramelized, offering a crunchy, sugary finish that takes the apple pie to the next level. This irresistible topping not only enhances the texture but also elevates the entire flavor profile, making each slice even more comforting.
  • Classic Apple Flavor:
    • This pie delivers the classic, timeless apple pie flavor that evokes memories of fall gatherings and family traditions. The combination of tart apples with a touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit while infusing it with warm, cozy spices. This classic flavor profile is perfect for those who love the comforting taste of a traditional apple pie, full of depth, warmth, and sweetness. Every bite delivers that quintessential apple flavor you crave, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion.
  • Homemade Crust:
    • The homemade crust is the perfect foundation for this apple pie, offering a buttery, flaky texture that complements the sweet, spiced filling. Made with simple ingredients, this crust adds a depth of flavor and crispness that is difficult to achieve with store-bought versions. The buttery layers break apart delicately with each bite, giving you that authentic homemade pie experience that is hard to beat. The rich, flaky crust balances the sweetness and spice of the filling, grounding the pie and ensuring that it isn’t too overwhelming. Whether you’re a fan of the filling or the crust, this homemade version brings the whole dish together beautifully.
  • Easy to Make:
    • Despite its impressive results, this apple crumble pie is surprisingly easy to make, making it an accessible dessert for bakers of all levels. The recipe doesn’t require any special skills or techniques, meaning you don’t need to be an expert baker to enjoy this treat. With a straightforward crust and crumble preparation, plus an easy filling of fresh apples and spices, you can create a delicious pie without stress. The simplicity of this recipe allows it to fit into even the busiest schedules, so you can still serve a made-from-scratch dessert that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare. It’s the perfect recipe for beginners looking to try pie baking and for experienced bakers seeking a fuss-free yet impressive treat.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Servings: 8 slices
  • Calories Per Serving: Approximately 330 calories
  • Key Nutrients Per Serving:
    • Protein: 2g
    • Carbohydrates: 47g
    • Fat: 16g
    • Fiber: 3g
    • Sugars: 25g

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
  • 3-4 tbsp ice water (as needed)

For the Apple Filling:

  • 6-7 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Crumb Topping:

  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Ingredient Highlights

  • Apples: A mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp creates a balanced filling that is both tangy and sweet.
  • Butter: Butter adds richness to both the pie crust and crumble topping, helping to create a flakey crust and a golden, crispy topping.
  • Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These warm spices are the key to that comforting apple flavor that makes Dutch Apple Crumb Pie a seasonal favorite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Pie Crust:

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
  2. Add cold butter cubes and, using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the butter is incorporated and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until a dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until it becomes smooth.
  5. Roll the dough into a 12-inch circle and place it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim any excess dough, and crimp the edges.
  6. Chill the pie crust in the refrigerator for 15 minutes while you prepare the filling and topping.

Preparing the Apple Filling:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice. Stir to coat the apples evenly in the spice mixture.
  3. Pour the prepared apple filling into the chilled pie crust, packing the apples down slightly to avoid gaps.

Preparing the Crumb Topping:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
  2. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
  3. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples in the pie.

Baking the Pie:

  1. Place the pie on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
  2. If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
  3. Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set.

How to Serve

Serve your Dutch Apple Crumb Pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top. It’s a perfect dessert to enjoy on a cool fall evening with family and friends. For an extra touch, add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top or serve with a cup of hot cider.

Additional Tips

  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the apple filling and topping the night before, store them in separate containers, and assemble the pie the next day.
  • Spice Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to suit your personal taste. Some people like to add a bit of allspice for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Crustless Option: For a lower-carb version, you can skip the pie crust and simply bake the apple and topping mixture in a pie dish as a crustless pie.

Recipe Variations

  • Sugar-Free Version: You can substitute sugar with your preferred sweetener, such as stevia or monk fruit, to make a sugar-free version of this pie.
  • Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pie crust and gluten-free oats for the crumb topping to make this dessert gluten-friendly.
  • Nutty Topping: Add some chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumb topping for added crunch and flavor.

Freezing and Storage

  • Storage: Keep leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover loosely with aluminum foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
  • Freezing: Unbaked pies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just assemble the pie, wrap it tightly, and place it in the freezer. Bake directly from the freezer (you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time).

Special Equipment

  • 9-inch pie dish
  • Rolling pin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Pastry cutter

FAQ Section

Q: Can I use a different fruit for the filling?
A: Yes! This recipe works great with other fruits like pears, peaches, or berries. Adjust the sugar and spice levels based on the fruit’s sweetness.

Q: How do I prevent the filling from being runny?
A: Make sure to toss the apples with flour in the filling, which helps thicken the juices. You can also let the pie cool completely to help the filling set properly.

Q: Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
A: Yes, using a pre-made pie crust will save time and still yield great results, especially when you’re in a pinch.

Conclusion

Dutch Apple Crumb Pie is a timeless dessert that combines the tartness of fresh apples with a buttery, crumbly topping. The crisp crust and the sweetness of cinnamon and nutmeg make it a comforting treat perfect for any occasion. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

This pie is simple to make yet impresses with its homemade taste and texture. The crumb topping adds the perfect crunchy contrast to the tender apples, while the filling’s flavor bursts with every bite. You can even experiment with different types of apples for varying sweetness or tartness levels.

Bake a pie today, and let the irresistible aroma fill your kitchen! Be sure to snap a picture of your creation and share it on Instagram—don’t forget to tag me so I can admire your delicious work. Happy baking!

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