Dutch Apple Cake (Appeltaart)

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch springform pan.

Step 2

In a large bowl, cream 3/4 cup of the butter with 3/4 cup of the sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 3

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the flour until a soft dough forms.

Step 4

Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pan, forming a 2-inch wall. Sprinkle the bread crumbs over the bottom crust.

Step 5

In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and the cinnamon, then pile into the crust.

Step 6

Melt the remaining 1/4 cup butter and drizzle it over the apples.

Step 7

Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the apples, covering most of the surface.

Step 8

Bake for 55-65 minutes, until the top is deep golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a knife.

Step 9

Cool in the pan at least 30 minutes before releasing the springform ring and slicing.