01 -
First things first, get those apples peeled, cored, and sliced. I like to slice mine about 1/4-inch thick so they cook evenly but still have a bit of bite. Toss them gently in a large bowl with both sugars, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure every apple slice is coated; otherwise, you get weird dry spots, and nobody wants that. This is where I once used a dull peeler and nearly took off a finger – kitchen chaos is real, people!
02 -
In a separate, medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, oats, and a pinch of salt. Now, for the magic: cut in the very cold butter. I use my fingertips, squishing and rubbing the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits. Don't overmix, or you'll have a sad, greasy topping, and nobody wants that. It feels a little messy, but trust the process for that authentic Dutch Apple Pie Crumble texture.
03 -
Pour the seasoned apple mixture into your chosen baking dish (I usually go for an 8x8 or 9x9 inch square dish, or a 9-inch round pie plate). Spread it out, making sure it’s relatively even. Then, sprinkle that glorious streusel topping all over the apples. I like to pile it high in the middle, honestly, because that's where all the crunchy goodness lives. It already smells like pure autumn in my kitchen.
04 -
Pop your Dutch Apple Pie Crumble into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). You’re looking for bubbling apples and a deeply golden, crisp streusel, which usually takes about 45-55 minutes. This step is where I always hover by the oven, watching it transform. The smell starts to fill the house, and I swear my neighbors can smell it too! Patience is key here, don't pull it out early, or the apples won't be tender.
05 -
This is honestly the hardest part of making Dutch Apple Pie Crumble! Once it's out of the oven, let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes. The filling needs to set, and honestly, biting into molten apple lava isn't fun – I've burned my tongue many times, learning this lesson the hard way. The kitchen starts to feel a bit calmer now, but the anticipation for that first bite is definitely high.
06 -
Scoop it out while it’s still warm. Add a generous dollop of vanilla ice cream – for me, that's non-negotiable. The cold ice cream melting into the warm, spiced apples and crunchy streusel? That’s pure magic. This is the moment I always sigh with contentment, knowing all the kitchen adventures and flour-dusted chaos were worth it. Enjoy your homemade Dutch Apple Pie Crumble!