Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

This Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe is a delightful treat that combines the best of flavors and textures. With its flaky, buttery crust, sweet apple filling, and golden-crisp streusel topping, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this pie will impress everyone at your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: The combination of sweet apples and warm spices creates an unforgettable taste.
• Versatile Dessert: Great for holidays, family gatherings, or just a weekend treat.
• Easy Preparation: Simple steps make this pie accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Stunning Presentation: The golden topping makes this pie as beautiful as it is delicious.
• Comfort Food Classic: A comforting dessert that evokes memories and warms the soul.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pie dish
• Skillet
• Microplane grater
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Pie dish: Ensures even baking and provides the right shape for your pie.
• Skillet: Ideal for cooking the apple filling to perfection before baking.
• Microplane grater: Helps achieve fine lemon zest without any bitterness.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust

• 1 homemade single pie crust (1 sheet of pie dough)

For the Apple Filling

• 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
• juice from half a lemon (2 tablespoons, no more)
• 5 pounds apples (5 pounds before peeling and coring)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

For the Crumble Topping

• 1 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (use a little less if using table salt)
• 3/4 cup butter (melted (1 and 1/2 sticks))

How to Make Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

• Choose 5 pounds of apples. A mix like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious works best for flavor.
• Zest 1/4 teaspoon of lemon peel into a high-sided skillet with no heat.
• Add juice from half a lemon to prevent browning.

Step 2: Slice the Apples

• Peel the apples using a potato peeler or an apple peeler.
• Slice them into 1/8-inch pieces. Add each sliced apple to the skillet with lemon juice to coat.

Step 3: Cook the Filling

• Set the skillet over medium heat once all apples are sliced.
• Mix in brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Stir gently to avoid breaking apples.
• Cover with a lid and cook for 20 minutes, stirring every 3 minutes until fork-tender but still holding shape.

Step 4: Cool the Filling

• Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
• Transfer to a pan with edges to cool completely in the fridge or freezer.

Step 5: Prepare Your Crust

• Roll out your chilled pie dough into a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp edges as desired.
• Chill again in the fridge or freezer for about 30 minutes.

Step 6: Preheat Oven

• Place a baking sheet in your oven’s center rack and preheat to 425°F for at least 20 minutes.

Step 7: Make the Sugar Crumble

• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, white sugar, brown sugar, and salt.
• Melt butter separately and pour it over dry ingredients; stir gently until sandy with some large clumps.

Step 8: Assemble Your Pie

• Once cooled, fill your chilled pie shell with apple filling ensuring even distribution.
• Top with about a cup or two of sugar crumble—just enough to cover without piling on too much.

Step 9: Bake

• Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes until edges are light brown then reduce heat to 350°F without removing from oven.
• Bake an additional 10 minutes.

Step 10: Finish Baking

• Quickly sprinkle remaining crumble on top after lowering temperature. Use foil shield around crust edges if necessary.
• Bake at 350°F for about another 25–35 minutes until golden brown.

Step 11: Cool Before Serving

• Let cool on wire rack for about four hours before slicing. This allows flavors to meld properly.

Once cooled completely, slice up this delicious Dutch Apple Crumble Pie! Serve it plain or with vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence!

How to Serve Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

Serving your Dutch Apple Crumble Pie can enhance the experience of this delicious dessert. Here are some delightful ways to present and enjoy it.

With Vanilla Ice Cream

• Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a creamy contrast to the warm pie, making each bite indulgent.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of caramel sauce adds a rich sweetness that complements the spices in the apple filling beautifully.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Light and airy whipped cream adds a fluffy texture and balances the richness of the pie.

Served Warm

• Serving the pie warm allows the flavors to shine and gives a comforting feel, especially on chilly days.

With Fresh Fruit Garnish

• Place slices of fresh apples or berries on the side for a refreshing touch that brightens the plate.

Accompanied by Coffee or Tea

• Pairing your pie with a warm beverage enhances its flavors and creates a cozy dessert moment.

How to Perfect Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

Perfecting your Dutch Apple Crumble Pie can take your baking skills to the next level. Here are some tips for success.

• Choose the right apples: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious for depth of flavor.

• Don’t skip chilling: Chilling your pie crust before baking helps ensure a flaky texture that holds up well.

• Monitor cooking time: Keep an eye on your apples while cooking. They should be tender but not mushy before adding them to the pie.

• Layer crumble evenly: Distribute the crumble topping evenly across the apples to ensure every slice has that delightful crunch.

• Cool before serving: Allowing your pie to cool completely helps set the filling and prevents it from becoming too runny when sliced.

Best Side Dishes for Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Dutch Apple Crumble Pie can create a more rounded meal. Here are some excellent options.

1. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like sharp cheddar or brie offers savory notes that balance out the sweetness of the pie.

2. Roasted Nuts: Serve spiced roasted nuts for an added crunch and contrasting flavor profile alongside your dessert.

3. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits brings freshness and balances out the richness of the pie.

4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a light, healthy side that complements your pie perfectly.

5. Savory Scones: Offer cheese or herb scones for guests who enjoy both sweet and savory flavors together.

6. Spiced Tea: A warm cup of spiced tea can enhance dessert time, bringing warmth and additional aromatic flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe to the next level.

• Using the wrong apples: Choosing apples that are too soft will result in a mushy filling. Use a mix of tart and firm apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the best texture.
• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can lead to a tough crust. Always refrigerate or freeze your pie crust before baking for optimal flakiness.
• Overcrowding the filling: Adding too much apple filling can prevent it from cooking evenly. Aim for a balanced amount that fills the pie without overflowing.
• Neglecting to cool the pie: Cutting into a warm pie can result in runny filling. Allow your pie to cool completely for at least four hours before slicing.
• Skipping the foil shield: Not protecting your crust with a foil shield may cause it to burn. Use foil during baking to ensure a perfectly golden crust without over-browning.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the pie covered with plastic wrap or foil for up to 2 days.
• Ensure that it’s kept in a cool area.

Freezing Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for long-term storage.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30-60 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid, and heat until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common queries regarding this Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe.

What type of apples are best for Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe?

A mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious works best. They provide flavor depth and maintain their shape during baking.

Can I use store-bought pie crust instead?

Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust if you’re short on time. Just ensure it’s thawed properly before use.

How do I prevent my crumble from becoming too wet?

To keep your crumble topping crunchy, avoid adding too much liquid from the apple filling. Use just enough butter to create clumps without making it soggy.

Is it necessary to let the pie cool completely?

Yes, letting the pie cool is essential. This helps set the filling and prevents it from being too runny when sliced.

Final Thoughts

This Dutch Apple Crumble Pie Recipe offers an irresistible blend of flavors and textures that are sure to delight any dessert lover. Its versatility allows for customization—consider adding nuts or swapping spices—to make it uniquely yours. Give this recipe a try; it’s an excellent way to enjoy classic apple flavors in every bite!