How to Make a Traditional Dutch Apple Pie with Streusel Topping

How to Make a Traditional Dutch Apple Pie with Streusel Topping

Dutch Apple Pie, also known as “Appeltaart,” is a beloved dessert in the Netherlands. With its rich, buttery crust, spiced apples, and crunchy streusel topping, it offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. This pie is often served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and is perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or a cozy afternoon treat. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make this traditional Dutch apple pie from scratch.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cold water (or as needed)

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-8 medium-sized tart apples (Granny Smith or Jonagold are great options)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• Pinch of salt

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg, beaten with a tablespoon of water (for glazing)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

2. Add the egg and vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until the dough begins to come together. If the dough feels too dry, add cold water a little at a time until the dough forms a smooth ball.

3. Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out and prevent it from shrinking while baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Peel, core, and slice the apples: Peel the apples, core them, and slice them into thin wedges or chunks, depending on your preference.

2. Mix the filling: In a large mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch (if using), and a pinch of salt. Make sure the apples are evenly coated with the mixture. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Make the Streusel Topping

1. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

2. Add the butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the dry mixture and use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to incorporate the butter until it forms a crumbly texture. Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan, making sure the dough is about 1/8-inch thick. Transfer the dough into the pie pan, pressing it gently into the edges. Trim any excess dough, leaving about 1-inch around the edge of the pan.

3. Add the apple filling: Spoon the prepared apple mixture into the pie crust, pressing down gently to ensure it’s packed tightly.

4. Top with streusel: Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the apples, covering the entire surface.

5. Apply the egg wash: Brush the edges of the pie crust with the egg wash to give it a golden, glossy finish while baking.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

1. Bake the pie: Place the pie on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.

2. Check for over-browning: If the crust or streusel topping begins to brown too quickly, cover the edges of the pie with aluminum foil and continue baking until done.

3. Cool the pie: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least an hour before serving. This will help the filling to set and make it easier to slice.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the pie and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips for the Perfect Dutch Apple Pie:

• Choose the right apples: A mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith, Jonagold, or Honeycrisp is ideal for balancing flavor. The tart apples hold their shape better during baking.
• Don’t skip the chilling time: Chilling the dough before rolling it out prevents shrinking and ensures a flakier crust.
• Customize the streusel: You can add nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

This traditional Dutch Apple Pie with Streusel Topping is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Its perfect combination of buttery crust, spiced apples, and sweet streusel will have everyone coming back for seconds!