Authentic Dutch Apple Pie Recipe: Easy & Delicious!

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 52 views

Craving a taste of the Netherlands? Look no further! This authentic Dutch apple pie recipe, or nederlandse appeltaart, will transport you straight to a cozy Dutch bakkerij with its warm, comforting flavors. Guys, get ready to bake the most delicious apple pie you've ever tasted! This recipe is surprisingly easy, even for beginner bakers. We'll walk you through each step, ensuring your appeltaart turns out perfectly every time.

What Makes Dutch Apple Pie Special?

Okay, so you might be wondering, what's the big deal about Dutch apple pie? What makes it so different from the apple pie I already know and love? Well, let me tell you, there are a few key distinctions that elevate this pie to a whole new level of deliciousness. Forget everything you thought you knew about apple pie – this is a game-changer!

First off, the crust. Unlike American apple pie, which often features a double crust, Dutch apple pie typically has a crumbly, buttery topping made from flour, butter, and sugar. This gives it a delightful textural contrast – the soft, tender apples nestled beneath a sweet, crunchy topping. It's seriously addictive! The crust itself is also different; it's usually a shortcrust pastry, which is richer and more crumbly than a standard pie crust. This adds to the overall decadence of the pie.

Then there are the apples. While you can use various types of apples, the best Dutch apple pie recipes call for a mix of tart and sweet varieties. This creates a complex flavor profile that's both refreshing and comforting. Think Granny Smith apples for that tangy bite, combined with something like Jonagold or Honeycrisp for sweetness. The combination is pure magic! Furthermore, the apples are often soaked in lemon juice to prevent browning and add a hint of brightness to the filling. Some recipes even call for adding raisins or currants for extra texture and flavor.

Finally, the spices! While cinnamon is a staple in most apple pies, Dutch apple pie often incorporates a blend of spices that's a little more complex. In addition to cinnamon, you might find nutmeg, cloves, or even a touch of cardamom. These spices add warmth and depth to the pie, making it incredibly aromatic and inviting. The spice blend is what truly sets this pie apart and gives it that unique Dutch flavor.

So, in a nutshell, Dutch apple pie is special because of its crumbly topping, rich shortcrust pastry, mix of tart and sweet apples, and unique spice blend. It's a pie that's both comforting and sophisticated, perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try it, you'll never go back to regular apple pie again!

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let's gather all the ingredients you'll need. Don't worry, most of them are pantry staples! For the crust, you'll need:

All-purpose flour: This forms the base of our crust, providing structure and stability.
Cold unsalted butter: Cold butter is crucial for creating a flaky, tender crust. Make sure it's straight from the fridge!
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to create a slightly crisp crust.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
Pinch of salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Ice water: Ice water helps to keep the butter cold and prevents the gluten from developing too much, resulting in a tender crust.

For the apple filling, you'll need:

Apples: A mix of tart and sweet apples is ideal. Granny Smith, Jonagold, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are all great choices.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the filling and helps to draw out the juices from the apples.
Cinnamon: A classic spice that adds warmth and depth to the apple filling.
Nutmeg: Adds a warm, nutty flavor that complements the apples beautifully.
Lemon juice: Prevents the apples from browning and adds a touch of brightness.
Cornstarch: Thickens the filling and prevents it from becoming too runny.
Raisins (optional): Adds extra texture and sweetness.

For the crumb topping, you'll need:

All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the crumb topping.
Cold unsalted butter: Cold butter is essential for creating a crumbly texture.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the topping to crisp up in the oven.
Cinnamon (optional): Adds a touch of warmth and spice.

Make sure you have all these ingredients on hand before you start baking. It'll make the whole process much smoother and more enjoyable!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, guys, let's get baking! Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you'll have a delicious Dutch apple pie in no time.

1. Make the Crust

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and ice water. Gradually add it to the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust.

2. Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel, core, and slice the apples. Place them in a large bowl and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Add this mixture to the apples and toss to coat.
Stir in the raisins (if using).

3. Make the Crumb Topping

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and cinnamon (if using).
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Assemble the Pie

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate.
Trim and crimp the edges of the crust.
Pour the apple filling into the crust.
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples.

5. Bake the Pie

Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the pie with foil.
Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the filling to set properly.

Tips for the Perfect Dutch Apple Pie

Want to take your Dutch apple pie to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks to help you bake the perfect pie every time:

Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and ice water are essential for creating a flaky, tender crust. Make sure your ingredients are as cold as possible before you start baking.
Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten, resulting in a tough crust. Mix until just combined.
Use a mix of apples: A combination of tart and sweet apples will create a more complex and flavorful filling.
Soak the apples in lemon juice: This will prevent the apples from browning and add a touch of brightness to the filling.
Let the pie cool completely: This will allow the filling to set properly, making it easier to slice and serve.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream: For the ultimate indulgence, serve your Dutch apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream complements the warm pie perfectly!

Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with this recipe and add your own personal touch! Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:

Add nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for extra crunch and flavor.
Use different spices: Experiment with different spices like cardamom, ginger, or allspice.
Substitute the apples: Use pears, peaches, or other fruits instead of apples.
Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the crust and topping gluten-free.
Add a glaze: Brush the crust with a simple glaze made from egg wash or milk before baking for a shiny finish.

Serving and Storing Your Appeltaart

Your delicious Dutch apple pie is best served warm, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It's the perfect dessert for any occasion, from a cozy family gathering to a fancy dinner party.

To store leftover pie, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the pie for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Enjoy Your Homemade Dutch Apple Pie!

There you have it, guys! A simple yet incredibly delicious recipe for authentic Dutch apple pie. I hope you enjoy baking and savoring this classic treat. Let me know in the comments how your appeltaart turns out! Eet smakelijk! (Enjoy your meal!)