Name: Mini Dutch Apple Pie Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ tablespoons salted butter, softened; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; ⅛ teaspoon salt; 2 – 3 medium-sized apples (2 to 2 ½ cups sliced; use gala, honeycrisp, fuji, or granny smith); 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon brown sugar; ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 3 tablespoons salted butter, softened

Ingredients

2 ½ tablespoons salted butter, softened

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

¼ cup all-purpose flour (for crust)

1 tablespoon cornstarch

⅛ teaspoon salt

2 – 3 medium-sized apples (2 to 2 ½ cups sliced; gala, honeycrisp, fuji, or granny smith)

2 teaspoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for filling)

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for filling)

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ cup all-purpose flour (for streusel topping)

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

1 teaspoon brown sugar

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel topping)

3 tablespoons salted butter, softened (for streusel topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar with a hand mixer until smooth. Add ¼ cup flour, cornstarch, and salt; mix until fully combined.

Step 2: Press the dough firmly into a lightly buttered 5×5-inch baking dish using your fingers or the back of a spoon. Bake for 18-20 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Peel, core, and slice the apples about ¼ inch thick. Toss them with lemon juice in a bowl to prevent browning.

Step 4: In another bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add this mixture to the apples and toss to coat evenly. Stir in the vanilla extract. Spoon the filling evenly over the cooled crust.

Step 5: For the streusel topping, combine ¼ cup flour, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl. Add the softened butter and mix with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the apples.

Step 6: Place the baking dish on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 55-60 minutes until the filling is bubbly and the streusel topping is golden brown.

Step 7: Allow the pie to cool to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like granny smith and honeycrisp for balanced flavor and texture.

Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping for extra crunch.

Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or a pinch of ground ginger into the filling for a warm spice boost.

If you prefer a sweeter pie, increase the sugar in the filling by 1 tablespoon.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Fresh apples are best for texture and flavor, but if you use frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture in the filling.

How can I make this pie gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures like wheat flour, and ensure your cornstarch is gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.