When it comes to classic American desserts, two pies come to mind: Dutch Apple Pie and Apple Pie. While both are delicious and have similarities in terms of ingredients, crust, and filling, there are also significant differences that set them apart. In this article, we’ll explore the history and origin of both pies, the ingredients that make them unique, the differences in their crust and filling, and how they are served and paired with other foods. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of what makes these two pies distinct and which one might be your favorite.
Comparison of Dutch Apple Pie vs Apple Pie
History and Origin
Dutch Apple Pie is believed to have originated in the Netherlands in the 16th century. It was originally called appel taart and was made with a buttery, crumbly crust filled with spiced apples. The recipe for Dutch Apple Pie was brought to the United States by Dutch settlers in the 18th century and became a popular dessert in the northeastern region of the country.
On the other hand, Apple Pie has a long and storied history in America, dating back to colonial times. It’s believed that the first apple pie was made by English settlers who brought apple seeds with them to the New World. Apple Pie became a staple in American households and was even popularized in song and literature, with phrases like “as American as apple pie” commonly used.
Ingredients
The ingredients used in both Dutch Apple Pie and Apple Pie are quite similar, but there are a few differences that set them apart. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into each pie.
Dutch Apple Pie typically has a buttery, crumbly crust made with flour, sugar, and butter. The filling is made with sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes lemon juice. What sets Dutch Apple Pie apart from other apple pies is the crumb topping made with flour, sugar, and butter that’s sprinkled on top of the apples before baking. This topping creates a crunchy, sweet layer that pairs perfectly with the spiced apples.
In contrast, Apple Pie usually has a flaky, buttery crust made with flour, salt, sugar, butter, and water. The filling is similar to that of Dutch Apple Pie, consisting of sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes lemon juice. However, instead of a crumb topping, Apple Pie is typically covered with a second layer of pastry that’s either latticed or solid. This top crust helps to seal in the juices of the apples and create a tender, flaky texture.
Crust
The crust is an important part of any pie, and both Dutch Apple Pie and Apple Pie have distinct crusts that add to their flavor and texture.
Dutch Apple Pie has a crumbly, buttery crust that’s made with flour, sugar, and butter. This type of crust is similar to a shortbread cookie and provides a sweet and slightly salty contrast to the spiced apples. The crumb topping on top of the pie adds an extra layer of texture and flavor that sets Dutch Apple Pie apart from other types of apple pies.
Apple Pie, on the other hand, typically has a flaky, buttery crust that’s made with flour, salt, sugar, butter, and water. This type of crust is light and delicate and provides a buttery flavor that complements the sweetness of the apples. The top crust of Apple Pie is usually latticed or solid, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the pie.
Filling
The filling of Dutch Apple Pie and Apple Pie is quite similar, but there are a few differences in the spicing and texture.
Dutch Apple Pie filling is made with sliced apples that are coated in a mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes lemon juice. The filling is typically denser than the filling of Apple Pie, as the apples are sliced thicker and coated with a mixture that includes flour. The result is filling that’s firm, slightly tart, and spiced with cinnamon.
On the other hand, Apple Pie filling is made with sliced apples that are coated in a mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes lemon juice. The filling is typically lighter and more delicate than the filling of Dutch Apple Pie, as the apples are sliced thinner and not coated with flour. The result is filling that’s more tender, sweeter, and spiced with cinnamon.
Toppings
The toppings of Dutch Apple Pie and Apple Pie are where they differ the most. While Dutch Apple Pie has a crumb topping, Apple Pie has a top crust.
Dutch Apple Pie has a crumb topping made with flour, sugar, and butter that’s sprinkled on top of the apples before baking. The crumb topping is baked until golden brown and creates a crunchy, sweet layer that complements the spiced apples.
Apple Pie, on the other hand, typically has a top crust that’s either latticed or solid. The top crust is rolled out and placed over the apple filling, sealing in the juices and creating a tender, flaky texture.
Serving and Pairing
Dutch Apple Pie and Apple Pie are both delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of toppings and paired with other foods.
Dutch Apple Pie is often served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The sweetness of the ice cream pairs perfectly with the spiced apples and crumb topping. For a more indulgent dessert, Dutch Apple Pie can also be topped with whipped cream or caramel sauce.
Apple Pie is also often served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm pie and cold ice cream is a classic pairing. Apple Pie can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added sweetness.
Both pies can also be paired with other foods, such as coffee or tea. The sweetness of the pies pairs well with the bitterness of coffee or the subtle flavors of tea.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dutch Apple Pie and Apple Pie are two classic American desserts that have many similarities, but also distinct differences. While both pies have a buttery crust, and spiced apple filling, and are often served warm with vanilla ice cream, Dutch Apple Pie has a crumb topping while Apple Pie has a top crust. The filling of Dutch Apple Pie is denser and more spiced, while the filling of Apple Pie is more tender and sweet.
Ultimately, which pie you prefer comes down to personal taste. Some people may prefer the sweet, crunchy texture of Dutch Apple Pie, while others may prefer the delicate, flaky crust of Apple Pie. Regardless of which one you prefer, both pies are delicious and a staple of American cuisine.
