Traditional Dutch Apple Vlaai

Ingredients

• For the crust: For the crust:
• 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 125g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 125g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 large egg 1 large egg
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 4-5 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced 4-5 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 20g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt for the crust. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Add the egg to the mixture and gently knead until the dough comes together. Shape it into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
4. 4.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish and press it gently into the bottom and sides.
5. 5.
   Arrange the sliced apples evenly over the crust.
6. 6.
   In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the filling. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples.
7. 7.
   Bake the vlaai in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
8. 8.
   Allow the vlaai to cool completely before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Apples — Choose firm and slightly tart varieties such as Granny Smith or Braeburn for the best flavor and texture.
• Butter — Make sure the butter is cold and cubed to achieve a flaky crust.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of indulgence, serve the vlaai with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can increase the amount of sugar in the filling mixture.
• To achieve a beautifully golden crust, brush the top of the vlaai with a beaten egg before baking.
• Experiment with different apple varieties to find your favorite flavor combination.
• Leftover vlaai can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Serving advice

Serve Traditional Dutch Apple Vlaai at room temperature to allow the flavors to develop fully. Cut it into wedges and present it on a decorative platter for an inviting display.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, lightly dust the top of the vlaai with powdered sugar just before serving. This adds a touch of elegance and contrasts beautifully with the golden crust.