CATEGORY
Dutch Apple Pies
2008 CHEFSBEST® AWARD FOR BEST TASTE WINNER
Sara Lee
What Makes a Great Frozen Dutch Apple Pie?
Many among us are particular about their apple pie, be it about latticed crusts, organic fillings, or celebrity recipes. Even the pickiest of pie connoisseurs can appreciate a good Dutch apple pie, no matter who happened to throw it in the oven.
The best Dutch apple pies will have a streusel topping similar to what you would expect from a coffee cake or cobbler. The filling color should have a pleasant amber color, and have fresh quality.
Great frozen Dutch apple pies have a moderate aroma that should include natural fruit, toasted, and buttery notes.
The most predominant taste in high-quality Dutch apple pies is a moderate sweetness, which should be accompanied by a less intense saltiness and sourness. If you are able to detect any bitterness, it should be quite mild.
The filling in your pie should taste of fresh apples and seasonings, including cinnamon and caramelized notes. The streusel of a good Dutch apple pie should ideally have discernible buttery, toasted, and brown sugar notes.
Our expert chefs looked for Dutch apple pies that had quality apple ingredients and smooth, silky fillings. Quality pies will have a streusel topping that’s both crumbly and tender.
We know what makes a great Dutch apple pie, but what makes a bad one?
Appearances can tell you a lot with apple pies. Grey or brown fillings are always a bad sign, as are mushy or artificial fruit. The streusel on a Dutch apple pie shouldn’t be dry or burnt, and the crust should never taste bitter or leave an astringent aftertaste in your mouth.
Why is Sara Lee the best frozen Dutch apple pie?
Sara Lee won the ChefsBest Award because we were so impressed with the filling in their Dutch apple pie. The apples tasted fresh and natural, and the seasonings were well-balanced. There was an appropriate amount of streusel topping, and the toasted aroma was bright and appetizing.
We judged the following flavors: Dutch apple pie and apple pie.
For more information and recipe ideas, please visit the Sara Lee website.
Other Leading Brands:
Mrs. Smith’s
ONE-STEP IDEAS
Don't forget pie on your next summer picnic.
Top slices with fresh whipped cream.
Pair with a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate decadent dessert.
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TASTING
TERMINOLOGY
PRODUCT
FUN FACTS
- The Morton Packing Company began marketing frozen pies in 1940.
- Historians believe pies originated with the ancient Egyptians in 2000 B.C.
- According to a recent survey, more than half of Americans prefer their pie without ice cream on top.
The ChefsBest Award for Best Taste is awarded to the brand rated highest overall among leading brands by independent professional chefs.
