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Easy Dutch Apple Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe

Autumn is the perfect season for baking, and nothing quite captures the essence of the season like a traditional Dutch apple pie. This delightful dessert, with its sweet, spiced filling and buttery crumb topping, is sure to warm your heart and home. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, making it accessible for both novice and seasoned bakers. Let’s dive into the steps required to create this scrumptious Easy Dutch Apple Pie.

Ingredients

For the Pastry Base:

• 250g plain flour
• 125g unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 75g caster sugar
• A pinch of salt
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1-2 tablespoons cold water (if necessary)

For the Apple Filling:

• 1kg cooking apples (such as Bramley), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 100g brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Crumb Topping:

• 150g plain flour
• 100g unsalted butter, softened
• 100g light brown sugar
• A pinch of salt
• 50g rolled oats (optional for added texture)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

1. Make the Pastry: In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour, diced butter, caster sugar, and salt. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
2. Add Egg: Stir in the beaten egg and mix until combined. If the dough seems too dry, add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until it comes together.
3. Chill: Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in cling film, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Mix Apples: In a separate bowl, add the sliced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are well coated. Set aside to let the flavours meld.

Step 3: Make the Crumb Topping

1. Combine Topping Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the plain flour, softened butter, light brown sugar, and salt. Use your fingers or a fork to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until you achieve a crumbly texture. Stir in the rolled oats if using for added crunch.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.
2. Roll Out Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry to fit a 23cm (9-inch) pie dish. Gently lift the rolled pastry into the dish, trimming any excess hanging over the sides.
3. Fill with Apples: Spoon the apple filling into the pastry shell, spreading it evenly.
4. Add Crumb Topping: Generously sprinkle the crumb topping over the apples, ensuring an even coverage.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake in Oven: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. If the crust edges begin to brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
2. Cool: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Easy Dutch Apple Pie warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of clotted cream for an indulgent treat. This pie is also delightful when served at room temperature, making it a perfect dessert for gatherings or holidays.

Conclusion

This Easy Dutch Apple Pie with Crumb Topping is a lovely way to celebrate the flavours of autumn. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it is sure to become a cherished recipe in your baking repertoire. So gather your apples, don your apron, and enjoy the heart-warming experience of creating this classic dessert. Happy baking!