Tony’s Very Favorite Dutch Apple Pie

Incredibly delicious and comforting, Tony’s Very Favorite Dutch Apple Pie stands out for its perfectly spiced filling and crunchy crumb topping. This pie is ideal for gatherings, holidays, or simply a cozy night in. With a blend of sweet-tart apples, aromatic spices, and a hint of bourbon, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Your taste buds will thank you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Profile: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and bourbon creates a warm and inviting taste that enhances the sweetness of the apples.
• Perfectly Textured Topping: The traditional Dutch crumb topping adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender apple filling.
• Versatile Dessert: Ideal for Thanksgiving, family gatherings, or as a comforting treat at home.
• Easy to Follow: This straightforward recipe ensures even novice bakers can create a stunning pie.
• Serves a Crowd: With 9 generous servings, it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.

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Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking, gather your tools and prepare yourself for pie perfection. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pie pan
• Large skillet or pot
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Pie pan: A sturdy pie pan ensures even baking and provides the perfect shape for your Dutch apple pie.
• Large skillet or pot: This allows you to sauté the apples evenly while incorporating all the flavors beautifully.
• Wire rack: Cooling on a wire rack helps maintain the pie’s texture by preventing sogginess.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 recipe for pie crust

For the filling:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 ½ pounds sweet-tart, firm apples (honeycrisp, braeburn or pink lady are great), peeled and cut into 1/4th inch slices (about 10 cups sliced apples)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon allspice
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon bourbon or amaretto
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the dutch apple topping:

• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (107g) packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup (24g) rolled oats
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted

For serving:

• vanilla bean ice cream

How to Make Tony’s Very Favorite Dutch Apple Pie

Step 1: Make the Pie Dough

Make the pie dough and shape it in a pie pan ahead of time. Store covered in the fridge. You can follow my recipe for an all-butter flaky pie crust, use your favorite recipe, or opt for store-bought.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sliced apples to coat them with butter.
3. Sprinkle brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg over the apples; stir well.
4. Lower heat to medium-low; cook for about 5 minutes until apples soften.
5. Stir in bourbon, vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar, flour, and cornstarch. Cook over low heat for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
6. Remove from heat; let cool for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.

Step 4: Make the Dutch Crumble Topping

1. In a medium bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon.
2. Pour in melted butter; stir with a fork until crumbles form resembling wet sand.
3. Use your hands if needed to form nice crumbles; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready.

Step 5: Assemble Your Pie

1. Remove pie crust from refrigerator; place it on a large baking sheet to catch spills during baking.
2. Pour cooled apple filling into crust; top with dutch crumble topping.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 50-65 minutes until filling is bubbly and crumble is golden brown. Check after 30 minutes; cover edges with foil if necessary.

Step 7: Cool Before Serving

Allow pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 4 hours before cutting into it. The longer it rests, the easier it is to serve! Enjoy with vanilla bean ice cream!

How to Serve Tony’s Very Favorite Dutch Apple Pie

Serving Tony’s Very Favorite Dutch Apple Pie is all about enhancing its delightful flavors. The warmth of the pie combined with the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great serving suggestions to help you enjoy this delicious treat.

Pair with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

• The classic pairing of warm pie and cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast that melts in your mouth.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of caramel sauce adds a rich sweetness that complements the spiced apple filling beautifully.

Serve with Whipped Cream

• Light and fluffy whipped cream provides a creamy texture that balances the crunchy topping of the pie.

Add a Sprinkle of Cinnamon

• A light dusting of cinnamon on top before serving enhances the aromatic spices in the pie.

Offer Fresh Berries

• Fresh raspberries or blueberries add a tart bite that contrasts nicely with the sweet pie, offering a refreshing touch.

Enjoy with Coffee or Tea

• A warm cup of coffee or tea pairs perfectly, making it an ideal dessert after dinner gatherings.

How to Perfect Tony’s Very Favorite Dutch Apple Pie

Perfecting Tony’s Very Favorite Dutch Apple Pie is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your pie turns out just right every time.

• Use Fresh Apples – Select firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn for optimal flavor and texture.

• Let Filling Cool – Allow the apple filling to cool before adding it to the crust. This helps prevent a soggy bottom and allows easier slicing.

• Check Baking Time – Keep an eye on your pie while baking. If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil.

• Rest Before Slicing – Let the pie cool for at least four hours before cutting. This helps set the filling for cleaner slices.

• Experiment with Spices – Feel free to adjust spices like cinnamon or nutmeg according to your taste preferences for a unique twist.

Best Side Dishes for Tony’s Very Favorite Dutch Apple Pie

When enjoying Tony’s Very Favorite Dutch Apple Pie, side dishes can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some excellent options to consider pairing with your dessert.

1. Cheese Platter – A selection of sharp cheddar or creamy brie complements the sweetness of the apple pie beautifully.

2. Salad with Vinaigrette – A light, tangy salad can balance out the richness of the pie. Opt for mixed greens and a citrus vinaigrette.

3. Roasted Nuts – Warm roasted almonds or walnuts add crunch and a savory element that contrasts well with the sweet flavors.

4. Spiced Chai Latte – The warming spices in chai make it an excellent match for apple pie, enhancing its comforting qualities.

5. Pumpkin Soup – A small cup of creamy pumpkin soup offers seasonal flavors that pair wonderfully with apple desserts.

6. Fruit Salad – A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of rich pie.

7. Gingerbread Cookies – These spiced cookies echo the flavors in your apple pie while providing a chewy texture contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Tony’s Very Favorite Dutch Apple Pie can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using the wrong apple type – Not all apples are created equal. Choose sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn for the best flavor.
• Skipping the cooling time – Cutting into the pie too soon can lead to a soupy filling. Allow it to cool for at least four hours to set properly.
• Overmixing the crumble topping – If you mix too much, your topping may become a paste instead of crumbles. Aim for a texture resembling wet sand.
• Not checking the pie while baking – Burning the edges of your crust is easy if you don’t monitor it. Check after 30 minutes and cover with foil if necessary.
• Forgetting about flavor balance – Too much sugar can overpower the apple taste. Stick to the recommended amounts for a well-balanced flavor profile.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Tony’s Very Favorite Dutch Apple Pie

• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing.
• Best consumed within 2-3 months for peak flavor.

Reheating Tony’s Very Favorite Dutch Apple Pie

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30-45 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop – Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering until heated through (about 5-10 minutes).

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Tony’s Very Favorite Dutch Apple Pie.

Can I use different types of apples?

Yes! While Honeycrisp and Braeburn work best, you can also experiment with Pink Lady or Granny Smith apples for varied flavors.

How do I prevent my crust from getting soggy?

Pre-baking your crust slightly before adding the filling can help maintain its crispiness.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend that works well for baking.

What is the best way to serve Tony’s Very Favorite Dutch Apple Pie?

This pie is delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top!

Final Thoughts

Tony’s Very Favorite Dutch Apple Pie is not just delicious; it’s versatile too. You can customize it by adding caramel or using different spices according to your taste. This comforting dessert will surely win hearts at every gathering. Give it a try!