Homemade Dutch Apple Pie with Cinnamon Crumb Topping

Create a delightful festive homemade Dutch apple pie with a cinnamon crumb topping that will leave your guests craving for more. Discover the secrets to perfection!

Servings

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 50

Total Time 1 20

Equipment

9-inch Pie Dish
Mixing bowls
Rolling Pin
Whisk
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

1 pie crust (9-inch, store-bought or homemade)
6 cups apples (peeled and sliced)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar (granulated)
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup flour (all-purpose)
1 tsp cinnamon (ground)
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup butter (unsalted, cold and cubed)

Crumb Topping

1/2 cup flour (all-purpose)
1/4 cup sugar (granulated)
1 tsp cinnamon (ground)

Instructions

Roll Out Pie Crust
Typically, rolling out pie crust is a straightforward process that sets the foundation for your delicious Dutch apple pie. Start with a well-chilled dough; trust me, it makes a huge difference!
Dust your work surface lightly with flour, then place your dough in the center. Using a rolling pin, gently roll the dough outwards, applying even pressure. Remember, pie crust techniques like rotating the dough every few rolls help achieve an even crust thickness, preventing it from sticking.
Aim for about a quarter-inch thickness; too thin, and it might break, too thick, and it won't bake properly. If it starts to stick, sprinkle a bit more flour underneath. You want it to be smooth and slightly larger than your pie dish, allowing for a nice overhang to crimp later.
Once it's ready, carefully lift the crust into your 9-inch pie dish. Don't worry if it tears a little – just patch it up with your fingers. Trim any excess dough, and you're all set!
Isn't it satisfying to see that perfect crust? You're one step closer to a delicious pie that'll impress everyone at the table!
Toss Apples With Lemon Juice
Before you plunge into creating the delicious filling for your Dutch apple pie, it's vital to toss the sliced apples with lemon juice. Why, you ask? Well, using lemon juice not only prevents those lovely apple varieties, like Honeycrisp and Fuji, from browning, but it also brightens their flavor, making your pie truly irresistible!
Grab a large mixing bowl and add your freshly sliced apples. Drizzle about a tablespoon of lemon juice over them. The lemon benefits are twofold: it adds a zesty kick and helps to enhance the sweetness of the apples.
Gently toss the apples with your hands or a spatula, ensuring each slice gets a nice coating. Think of it as giving your apples a revitalizing spa treatment!
Once coated, let the apples sit for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to mingle and the lemon juice to work its magic. Trust me; this step is essential for achieving that perfect balance of tartness and sweetness in your pie.
Plus, it'll make your kitchen smell fantastic! Now that your apples are ready, you're one step closer to pie perfection!
Mix Sugars and Spices Together
With your apples prepped and ready, it's time to create the perfect blend of sugars and spices that will elevate your pie filling. In a large mixing bowl, grab your granulated sugar and light brown sugar—these sugar types will bring out the natural sweetness of your apples while adding a hint of caramel richness.
Don't be shy; measure out half a cup of each and toss them together.
Next, let's talk spice variations. Grab your ground cinnamon—you're going to want a full teaspoon of that warm goodness. It's the heart of this pie, making every bite comforting.
But why stop there? If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for an unexpected twist.
Now, sprinkle in a quarter cup of flour and a touch of salt to balance everything out. Use a whisk to combine these ingredients thoroughly, ensuring you've got a well-mixed, fragrant blend.
This step is essential—after all, who doesn't want every slice of pie to burst with flavor? Once you've got it all mixed, gently fold it in with your apples, ensuring they're fully coated.
You're one step closer to pie perfection!
Combine Dry Ingredients Thoroughly
To achieve a perfectly blended dry mixture for your apple pie filling, start by placing your granulated sugar, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, flour, and salt together in a mixing bowl. This step is essential, as the right dry ingredient ratios can elevate your pie from ordinary to extraordinary.
Using a whisk, mix those ingredients thoroughly. You want to guarantee that every bit of sugar, spice, and flour is evenly distributed. Why is this important? Well, uneven mixing can lead to pockets of sweetness or saltiness, and you wouldn't want that, would you?
As you're mixing, think about the texture you're aiming for. The goal is a smooth, cohesive blend that'll coat your apples beautifully. This is where your mixing techniques come into play; gentle yet firm strokes help incorporate everything without creating a lumpy mess.
Once you're satisfied with the consistency, it's time to move on to the next delicious step.
Add Crumb Topping Mixture
After you've prepared your dry mixture, it's time to create the crumb topping that'll crown your pie with a delightful crunch. This step is where the magic happens. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cold, cubed butter, 1/2 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
Grab a pastry cutter or your fingers and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don't worry; it's okay if it's a little uneven. That's what gives your crumb topping its charm!
Now, here's the fun part—sprinkling that crumb topping evenly over your apple filling. Imagine the texture contrast between the soft, spiced apples and the crispy crumb topping. It's like a warm hug for your taste buds!
You'll love how this topping adds not just a crunch but also an extra layer of flavor that complements the sweet-tart apples perfectly.
Take a moment to appreciate your handiwork before sliding the pie into the oven. Your kitchen is about to smell heavenly, and soon enough, you'll see why this pie is a holiday favorite.
Ready to take the next step? Let's bake!
Bake Until Golden Brown
Now it's time to bake your pie to perfection. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let the magic begin! Carefully place your pie in the oven and watch as it transforms. You're aiming for that perfect golden brown crust and a crumb topping that's just begging to be crunched into.
As your pie bakes, the delightful aromas of cinnamon and warm apples will fill your kitchen, making it feel like a cozy holiday gathering. This is where those baking techniques come into play—monitor the pie closely. You want the apples to become tender but not mushy, creating that lovely balance of textures. If you notice the edges of your crust browning too quickly, just cover them with aluminum foil.
After 40 to 50 minutes, take a peek. If your crumb topping is golden and the filling is bubbling slightly, you're on the right track to achieving that crunch you crave.
Once it's done, resist the urge to dive right in; let it cool for at least 15 minutes. Trust me, the wait will make slicing so much easier—and oh, so worth it!

Nutrition

Calories: 365kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 210mgPotassium: 158mgFiber: 3gSugar: 42gVitamin A: 230IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Calories: 365kcal

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Dutch

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