This Dutch Apple Crumb Pie is a classic apple dessert recipe that will impress everyone. Its sweet apple filling and buttery crumb topping create a perfect blend of textures and flavors. You’ll love making this comforting and easy-to-follow recipe.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Apples: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix for the best apple dessert.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is best; you can use salted butter but omit the added salt in the crust and crumb.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar for sweetness. Brown sugar can be used for a richer crumb.
- Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg are essential for that classic apple pie flavor.
Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, very cold and cubed
- ¼ cup ice water (or slightly more if needed)
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups sliced apples (about 6-7 medium apples)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crumb Topping:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Tools: 9-inch pie dish, large mixing bowls, pastry blender (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pie Crust
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Form into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Roll Out the Crust
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pie dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to your 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges as desired. Prick the bottom with a fork a few times.
3. Make the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss gently until the apples are evenly coated. Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust.
4. Prepare the Crumb Topping
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour and brown sugar. Pour in the melted butter and mix with a fork until large, moist crumbs form. Sprinkle this crumb topping evenly over the apple filling.
5. Bake the Pie
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 55-60 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust or topping browns too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil.
6. Cool Completely
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Variation Ideas:
- Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the apple filling for extra spice.
- Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumb topping for added crunch.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.
- Use a mix of apples for a more complex flavor in your apple dessert recipes.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Dutch Apple Crumb Pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: What kind of apples are best for Dutch Apple Crumb Pie?
A: Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a blend of sweet and tart varieties work best for this apple dessert recipe.
Q: Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the pie crust dough up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Q: Why is my crumb topping not crunchy?
A: Ensure your butter is melted for the crumb topping, and don’t overmix. Baking until golden brown helps achieve crispiness.
Q: How do I prevent the pie crust from getting soggy?
A: Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork before adding the filling. Baking the pie on a hot baking sheet can also help.
Q: Can I freeze Dutch Apple Crumb Pie?
A: Yes, you can freeze a baked and cooled pie for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Q: Do I need to peel the apples?
A: While some prefer to leave the peels on for added fiber and rustic appeal, most apple dessert recipes for pie recommend peeling the apples for a smoother texture.