Description
This Sweet Dutch Apple Pie features a flaky homemade crust filled with a spiced, juicy apple mixture topped with a buttery crumble topping. Perfectly baked to golden brown perfection, it offers a delightful combination of tart lemon, warm spices, and sweet sugars — an irresistible dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Dough and Filling
- 1 single homemade pie dough (1 sheet)
- 1/4 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon)
- 5 lb apples (before peeling/coring), sliced
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 3/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp cardamom (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Crumble Topping
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 3/4 cup melted butter (1 1/2 sticks)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Roll out the homemade pie dough and place it into a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring it fits snugly along the bottom and sides.
- Mix Apples with Lemon: In a large bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, and sliced apples, tossing them to coat evenly.
- Add Sugar and Spices: Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, kosher salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom (if using), and vanilla extract to the apples. Mix well to fully incorporate all ingredients.
- Fill Pie Crust: Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust and spread out evenly.
- Prepare Crumble Topping: In another bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt for the crumble topping.
- Add Butter to Crumble: Pour in the melted butter and mix until the topping forms crumbly clumps.
- Top the Pie: Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apple filling in the pie crust.
- Bake at High Temperature: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes to set the crust and start browning the topping.
- Reduce Heat and Continue Baking: Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes until the crumble topping is golden brown and the filling bubbles.
- Cool Before Serving: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely before serving to let the filling set.
Notes
- Using tart apple varieties like Granny Smith helps balance the sweet topping and enhances flavor.
- Letting the pie cool improves slicing and prevents filling from spilling.
- Optional cardamom adds a warm aromatic nuance that elevates the pie but can be omitted.
- For crispier topping, sprinkle a little extra sugar on top before baking.
- Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerate up to 4 days.
