As a dedicated home baker, there’s nothing quite like the joy of creating a warm, comforting dessert from scratch. Today, I want to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes that’s not only a delight for your taste buds but also a great stress-reliever – Dutch Apple Pie with a delectable crumb crust and an equally delectable streusel top. Let’s dive into the world of baking and savor the therapeutic magic of this classic dessert.
The Aroma of Comfort
There’s something incredibly soothing about the scent of apples, cinnamon, and butter wafting through your kitchen. As I preheat my oven and gather my ingredients, I can already feel the stress of the day melting away. The anticipation of that first bite of warm apple pie is pure bliss.
The Ease of a Press-In Crumb Crust
The secret to this fantastic Dutch Apple Pie lies in the crumb crust. I discovered this super delicious and super easy crust from Bake from Scratch Magazine (you all know how much I love them!!) and I know it will become one of my ‘go to’ crust recipes. To make this delightfully easy base, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, a pinch of salt, and some homemade apple pie spice. Melt you butter, and mix an egg and vanilla, then combine these into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This crumbly goodness will add an irresistible texture to your pie. Blind bake, and get ready for apple heaven!
The Luscious Apple Filling
Peel, core, and slice five medium to large firm apples. (I prefer Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) Toss them with a mixture of sugar, flour, homemade apple pie spice, and the juice of one lemon. Pour this fragrant apple filling into your prepared crust. As you arrange the apple slices, you’ll find the process meditative, almost therapeutic.
The Finishing Touches
Now, sprinkle your crumb topping generously over the apple filling. It’s time to bake this masterpiece at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown, and the apples are tender. The scent that fills your kitchen during this time is nothing short of heavenly.
Slice and Savor
Finally, let your Dutch Apple Pie cool for a bit before slicing into it. The combination of tender apples, sweet crumbly crust, and aromatic spices is pure comfort. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate stress-relieving indulgence.
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