Why the dutch apple pie is the easiest hosting hack for moms
As a mom, especially one living abroad or adjusting to a new culture, you probably know the pressure of trying to “do it all.” Between school drop-offs, work, grocery runs, and laundry piles who has time to plan the perfect get-together?
But what if I told you that here in the Netherlands, there’s a charming little shortcut to hospitality that doesn’t require a spotless home or a perfectly curated cheese board?
Enter: Dutch Apple Pie. Or as the locals call it—appeltaart.
Yes, this humble dessert is more than just a sweet treat. It’s a cultural staple, a gesture of warmth, and—surprisingly—a mom-friendly life hack for hosting, even when your day seems chaotic. Let me share how this simple pie has changed the way I connect with people, and how you can use it to welcome guests effortlessly, the Dutch way.
When Hosting Feels Like Just One More Thing on Your Plate
Let’s be honest. Hosting can be overwhelming—especially when you’re new in town, navigating a different language, culture and school system. You want to build friendships, connect with your neighbors, and let your kids have playdates, but the idea of having people over sounds exhausting. You might think that your house is a mess and needs tidying up. You’re thinking that you don’t really have time to cook something, or that you’re too tired.. etc. Been there, felt that. But here’s what I’ve learned living in the Netherlands: hospitality doesn’t have to be complicated — it just needs to feel genuinely warm. And in this culture, that warmth is often served with a thick slice of appeltaart, together with a cup of coffee or tea.
The Dutch Way of Welcoming Guests
In Dutch homes, offering guests a slice of apple pie is as natural as saying “hello.” Whether it’s a casual visit from a friend, or even a birthday party, appeltaart is often the first thing on the table. There’s something comforting and inviting about it. No pressure, no frills—just a slice of pie and a cup of coffee or tea. And that pie doesn’t even have to be homemade either.
Apple Pie as a Hospitality Hack for Busy Moms
Let me tell you something. Dutch apple pie isn’t just a dessert—it’s a solution for moms like us.
Here’s how you can use it to make hosting feel less stressful and more doable, as I have learned all these years.
1. Keep It Simple
Hosting doesn’t need to be a production. Invite someone over for coffee or tea and offer a slice of appeltaart. That’s it. No appetizers, no pressure.
2. Make It Ahead (or Buy It!)
You can:
- Bake one and freeze it. It holds up beautifully and just needs a reheat in the oven.
- Buy one from the grocery store. Albert Heijn, Jumbo, even HEMA all carry decent versions.
3. Add Your Own Twist
If you do want to make it special, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some fresh whipped cream. But don’t overthink it. The warmth of the pie is doing most of the heavy lifting. Plus some people want it as is.
My Go-To Dutch Apple Pie Recipe
If you want to try making your own (because sometimes baking is therapy), here’s a simplified, no-fuss recipe adapted for busy moms. Let me share a video of how to make it step by step as well.
Ingredients:
Crust:
2 1/3 cups (300 g) flour
1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tbsp (200 g) butter, diced unsoftened
1 large egg
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
2 tbsp (30 ml) water (optional)
Filling and finish:
5-6 large apples, peeled, cored and sliced
1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (70 g) raisins
1 egg, beaten as egg wash
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F)
- Peel and slice apples. Toss with cinnamon, lemon juice, and raisins. Set aside.
- Mix butter, sugar, egg, salt, vanilla and flour until a dough forms. Reserve 1/3 of the dough for the top.
- Press the rest into a greased springform pan, covering the base and sides.
- Add the apple mixture on top.
- Roll the remaining dough and cut into strips. Lay them criss-cross over the top.
- Bake for 60 minutes until golden and your kitchen smells like a Dutch café.
- Cool slightly and serve warm with whipped cream.
Optional: Let your kids help with the dough—it makes for a fun weekend bonding activity.
So, the Next Time You Feel the Pressure to Host...
Don’t panic. Don’t overplan. Just do what Dutch moms have been doing for generations: put the kettle on, pull out a pie, and invite someone in—even if it’s just for 30 minutes after school pickup. Because sometimes, the smallest gestures—like a warm slice of appeltaart—make the biggest difference.