Tony’s Very Favorite Dutch Apple Pie

Tony’s Very Favorite Dutch Apple Pie is a delicious dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. With its perfectly spiced apple filling, enhanced by a hint of bourbon and topped with a crunchy crumble, this pie is sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a cozy family dinner, or just a special treat for yourself, Tony’s Very Favorite Dutch Apple Pie shines as the star of the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet-tart apples with warm spices creates an irresistible filling.
• Easy to Make: Follow simple steps to create a homemade pie that tastes like it came from a bakery.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy warm or cold, with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for holidays, gatherings, or just a sweet indulgence on any day.
• Hearty Portions: This recipe serves 9, making it great for sharing with loved ones.

Tools and Preparation

To create Tony’s Very Favorite Dutch Apple Pie, gather your essential tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pie pan
• Large skillet or pot
• Mixing bowls
• Fork
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Pie pan: A good pie pan helps achieve even baking and prevents sticking.
• Large skillet or pot: Ideal for cooking the apple filling evenly without overcrowding.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows for better organization when preparing ingredients.

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: Prepare the Pie Crust

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

Step 2: Make the Apple Pie Filling

1. Melt butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced apples to the pan and stir 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 and 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 sauce thickens.
6. Remove from heat and allow to cool for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven temperature to 375 degrees F while you prepare the crumble topping.

Step 4: Make the Dutch Crumble Topping

1. In a medium bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon.
2. Add melted butter; stir with a fork until mixture resembles wet sand.
3. You may need to use your hands to form nice crumbles. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

1. Remove pie crust from the refrigerator and place it on a large baking sheet—this helps catch any spills during baking.
2. Pour cooled apple pie filling into the crust.
3. Top with Dutch crumble topping evenly over the filling.

Step 6: Bake Your Pie

Bake for 50–65 minutes until filling is bubbly and crumble is slightly golden brown. Check after 30 minutes; if edges are browning too much, cover them with foil.

Step 7: Cool Before Slicing

Allow your pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 4 hours before cutting into it. This waiting period helps set the filling for easier serving! Enjoy this delightful treat warm or cold with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream!

How to Serve Tony’s Very Favorite Dutch Apple Pie

Serving Tony’s Very Favorite Dutch Apple Pie can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this classic treat.

A La Mode

• Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla bean ice cream complements the warm, spiced apple filling perfectly.
• Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a luxurious touch to each slice of pie.

With Caramel Sauce

• Drizzled Caramel: A generous drizzle of warm caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and adds an extra layer of flavor.
• Salted Caramel: For a sophisticated twist, try salted caramel for a sweet and salty combination that pairs wonderfully with the pie.

Fresh Fruit

• Berries: Fresh strawberries or raspberries add a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the pie.
• Sliced Bananas: Soft, sweet bananas can provide a unique contrast to the crunchy crumble topping.

Coffee Pairing

• Hot Coffee: A steaming cup of coffee provides a perfect balance to the sweetness of the pie, enhancing your dessert experience.
• Espresso: For coffee lovers, a shot of espresso offers a bold flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices in the pie.

How to Perfect Tony’s Very Favorite Dutch Apple Pie

Perfecting Tony’s Very Favorite Dutch Apple Pie can take it from great to unforgettable. Here are some helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Apples: Always opt for fresh, firm apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn for the best flavor and texture.
• Chill Your Dough: Keeping your pie crust chilled will result in a flaky, tender crust that holds its shape during baking.
• Let It Cool: Allowing the pie to cool for at least four hours before slicing helps set the filling for cleaner slices.
• Check Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your pie. If it starts browning too quickly, cover it with foil.
• Flavor Boost: Adding a splash of bourbon or amaretto can enhance the depth of flavor in your filling.

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

Pairing side dishes with Tony’s Very Favorite Dutch Apple Pie can create a more complete meal. Consider these delicious options.

1. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like Brie or aged cheddar complements the sweetness of the pie.
2. Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pie.
3. Candied Nuts: Sweet and crunchy candied pecans or walnuts add an exciting texture and flavor profile alongside dessert.
4. Pecan Pralines: These sweet treats bring additional nutty flavors that work well with apple desserts.
5. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup as an appetizer sets a cozy tone for your meal before diving into dessert.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Savory roasted veggies can balance out the sweetness, providing a well-rounded dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Using the wrong apples: Not all apples work well for pie. Choose sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady for the best flavor and texture.
• Skipping the cooling time: Cutting into the pie too soon can result in a runny filling. Allow it to cool for at least 4 hours to set properly.
• Overmixing the crumble topping: Mixing too much can lead to a tough topping. Combine ingredients gently until they resemble wet sand for that perfect crumble.
• Not checking the crust: If your pie crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil to prevent burning while the filling cooks through.
• Ignoring spice measurements: Proper spices enhance flavor. Always measure spices accurately to achieve that amazing taste Tony loves.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your pie in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing Tony’s Very Favorite Dutch Apple Pie

• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tony’s Very Favorite Dutch Apple Pie

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm the pie for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30-60 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat with a lid on, warming them gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Tony’s Very Favorite Dutch Apple Pie so special?

Tony’s Very Favorite Dutch Apple Pie stands out due to its perfectly spiced apple filling and crunchy crumble topping, creating a delightful contrast of textures.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling and crumble topping in advance, storing them separately in the fridge before assembling and baking when you’re ready.

What types of apples are best for this Dutch apple pie?

For optimal flavor and texture, use sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady in your recipe.

How do I ensure my crumble topping is perfect?

To achieve an ideal crumbly texture, combine ingredients gently until they resemble wet sand. Avoid overmixing!

Can I add other ingredients to the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize by adding raisins, cranberries, or nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Tony’s Very Favorite Dutch Apple Pie is not only a heartwarming dessert but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite spices or fruits. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!