Appeltaart Variations: Add Your Own Twist to the Classic Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 3-4 apples, peeled and sliced thinly
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• 1/4 cup raisins (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9-inch pie dish and set aside.
2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and mix well. Gradually stir in the flour mixture, alternating with the milk, until the mixture is smooth.
4. Spread half of the mixture in the bottom of the prepared pie dish, pressing it up the sides slightly to create a lip.
5. Place the apple slices on top of the mixture in the pie dish. Sprinkle with cinnamon, nuts (if using), and raisins (if using).
6. Spread the remaining mixture over the top of the apples, making sure to cover all of them completely.
7. Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
8. Remove from the oven and let the pie cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Introduction:

Appeltaart, a classic Dutch apple pie, is a beloved treat that people in the Netherlands enjoy with their morning coffee, afternoon tea, or as a dessert after dinner. Making appeltaart is a tradition that has been passed down through many generations and it’s a recipe that often varies from one family to another. Each household has their own unique twists, adding flavours and ingredients that make their appeltaart stand out.

While I was in Holland, my Dutch host family taught me how to make their classic appeltaart recipe. After learning the basics, I began experimenting with different variations of the recipe. I quickly realised that appeltaart is a versatile dessert that can be tweaked to taste. Here, I’m sharing with you a basic recipe for appeltaart and some fun variations to inspire you to try your own twist.

Cool Tricks and Facts About the Recipe:

1. The traditional recipe calls for the use of a special appeltaart mix, which is a combination of spices that include cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. However, you can easily make your own spice blend by mixing the required amount of each spice.

2. Adding a tablespoon or two of almond paste to the dough will give your appeltaart a nutty and slightly sweet flavour.

3. Coating the apple slices with a blend of sugar and cinnamon before placing them in the pie dish will give them a caramelised coating.

4. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different kinds of fruits, like pears or peaches, to create your own twist on the classic recipe.

5. Serving your appeltaart warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a game changer. Trust me, it’s the perfect combination of hot and cold, sweet and tangy.

Appeltaart is a classic dessert that never goes out of style. With these variations, you can create a dessert that’s uniquely yours. Play around with different fruits, spices, and toppings to discover your favourite appeltaart recipe. Happy baking!