Appeltaart

Appeltaart is a traditional Dutch apple pie that is frequently served with a cup of hot coffee. Although it is essentially the same as most apple pies, Dutch appeltaart differs from the classic American apple pie in several ways: it is baked in a spring-form pan, which makes it deeper; it is drier on the inside; it is full of big chunks of apple, currants, and raisins; and it is full of speculoos spices such as cinnamon, lemon juice, and other warm spices.

Appeltaart dates back to the Middle Ages, and it is believed that the baking time was determined by the number of prayers said until it was ready to be removed from the oven, as ovens with temperature controls did not exist at the time. In the Netherlands, appeltaart is typically served at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream on top, a dish known as appeltaart met slagroom.

This traditional dessert is one of the first pies that young people learn to make in the Netherlands, but grandmas are said to make the best ones.