If you've made apple pies before then you've probably encountered the same issues that I have after they're baked. The dreaded air pocket between the filling and the top crust. This normally happens because the apple filling shrinks as the pie cools. Don't get me wrong, it doesn't impact the taste in the least, but the Virgo in me (aka perfectionist), is chagrined.
Dutch Apple Pie is the solution! Don't know why I didn't think of it sooner. It's perfect because there's no top crust to contend with, therefore no air pocket. And who doesn't love the buttery crumb topping? Genius!
If you were following my InstaStories then you know that this pie was actually my second attempt at making Dutch apple. In the initial recipe I tested the filling came out too watery and the crust was a bit too gummy. I went back to the drawing board and mashed up a few components from different recipes to get to this beauty you see here before you.
Without a doubt my favorite pie crust of all time is the foolproof one from Cook's Illustrated that contains vodka. It is seriously no fail and bakes up crispy and flaky every single time. For the filling I piggybacked off my Honeycrisp Apple Pie but tweaked it ever so slightly. Everyone knows Dutch apple pie is all about the crumb topping and Cook's Country has the best version around.
When combined, all three components were culinary magic. I'll definitely be making this pie again for Thanksgiving. I recommend you do too!