Surprise Your Taste Buds with French Apple Cream Pie Recipe
Take a trip to your oven and create something truly delectable with me! Are you looking for the perfect French Apple Cream Pie recipe? Look no further since you have landed on the right page! This dessert is made of a delectable blend of apples, cinnamon, and creamy custard all nestled in a buttery, flaky crust. Trust me, it’ll be love at first bite.
Preparing this dish is pure magic. As the pie bakes, the aroma of tart apples, cinnamon spice, and oozing cream cheese wafting from your oven is guaranteed to make everyone’s mouth water. One bite will be enough to transport your taste buds straight to heaven.
Don’t worry if baking isn’t your natural forte; this recipe is easy-peasy even for beginners. I promise you’ll impress your family and friends with the magnificent flavors and texture created within each slice of the French Apple Cream Pie.
So let’s grab our aprons and ingredients and let me guide you through my favorite fusion recipe of traditional apple pie and rich cheesecake – a magical dessert that will leave you feeling nothing short of delighted!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hello there, baking enthusiasts! I’m here to introduce you to a pastry that is both classic and creative- the French Apple Cream Pie.
Now, let me tell you why this recipe is going to be your new favorite: picture this – a crumbly pie crust filled with succulent apples in a creamy filling, topped off with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Hungry yet?
This pie isn’t just any apple pie. It’s got an irresistible twist of cream cheese and lemon juice that takes it to the next level. The cream cheese gives it the perfect tangy flavor and the lemon juice cuts through the sweetness to give you a perfectly balanced taste. Trust me, it’s absolutely delicious!
Whether you’re looking for a dessert for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this french apple cream pie recipe has got you covered. Your family and friends will love it, and they’ll be raving about it for days.
So if you’re looking to level up your baking game and impress your loved ones, look no further than this delectable French Apple Cream Pie recipe. Happy baking!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make the French Apple Cream Pie Recipe:
- Pie Crust: one 9-inch unbaked pie crust
- Apples: 4 cups thinly sliced and peeled apples (about 2 medium apples)
- Cream Cheese Filling: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Apple Filling: 4 cups thinly sliced and peeled apples (about 2 medium apples); 1/4 cup water; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 cup brown sugar
- Pie Topping: 1 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Other Ingredients: 1 tablespoon cornstarch ; lemon juice (from juice of 1 lemon)
Note: If you’re looking for a sweeter pie, you can add more granulated sugar to taste. Also, if you’re into something tart, you can opt to make this recipe a French Apple Cranberry Tart.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients for this French Apple Cream Pie Recipe, let’s get started on making this delectable dessert. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect pie crust, apple filling, and cream cheese topping.
Step 1: Preparing the Pie Crust
To prepare the pie crust, place 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to combine the ingredients until they resemble coarse sand. Pour 3-4 tablespoons of cold water into the mixture and continue blending until it forms a ball-like consistency. Flatten the dough, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Making the Apple Filling
In another medium bowl, combine 4 cups thinly sliced apples, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch gradually so that they create an even mixture. Toss with a spoon to coat all the apples evenly.
Step 3: Assembling the French Apple Cream Pie
Roll out your chilled pie crust dough onto a floured surface. Place in a deep dish pie plate, pressing it firmly against the sides and bottom. Arrange the apple filling on top of the prepared crust. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a separate mixing bowl, beat together 8 ounces of cream cheese, 1 egg, 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until smooth. Spread this mixture on top of the apple layer.
Step 4: Baking Your French Apple Cream Pie
Bake your French Apple Cream Pie for about 45 minutes or until done by checking if it’s browned on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, remove from oven, let it cool for about 20-25 minutes before slicing.
Congratulations! You have successfully made this scrumptious French Apple Cream Pie!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to baking, sometimes you may not have all the ingredients on hand or you may want to switch things up a bit. Here are some substitution and variation suggestions for the French Apple Cream Pie recipe:
– Not a fan of cream cheese? Swap it out with sour cream or mascarpone cheese for a slightly different tangy flavor.
– If you don’t have lemon juice on hand, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar for that acidic kick.
– Love nutmeg and cinnamon? Add more of these spices to your taste preferences for an even spicier pie.
– Want to make a Dutch apple version of this pie? Skip the cream cheese layer and pile on more apples mixed with sugar and spices on top.
– Prefer a traditional apple pie? Leave out the cream cheese and cornstarch in the filling and just use apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and sugar.
– Looking for a way to add some tartness to this recipe? Add cranberries to your apple filling for a delicious twist.
Remember, when making substitutions or variations, keep in mind that the final product may not be exactly the same as the original recipe. Experimenting with flavors is part of the fun of baking!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve made this scrumptious French Apple Cream Pie, it’s time to serve it up! This rich and creamy pie is absolutely perfect for any special occasion or even just as a treat for your family and friends. Here are some tips on how to serve and pair this delicious dessert:
First, let the pie cool down slightly before serving. This will allow the cream cheese filling to set properly and make cutting much easier. For a neater cut, clean your knife after each slice.
Next, slice into 8-10 even pieces and serve on a plate or in a bowl. You can also top with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra special touch.
When it comes to pairing, the options are endless! A scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a great classic option, while a dollop of whipped cream can add an extra layer of flavor. You can also pair this pie with a hot cup of coffee or tea to help balance out the sweetness.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing this French Apple Cream Pie with other desserts like cranberry pie or even cake! The combination of flavors is sure to impress.
No matter how you choose to serve and pair this delicious dessert, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead and indulge in every creamy and crumbly bite of this irresistible French Apple Cream Pie!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
You made your French apple cream pie and it turned out amazing. But what happens when there are a few slices left over? Fear not, my friend, for I have the solution.
To store the pie, cover it with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator. This pie will last up to four days in the fridge.
When you want to reheat a slice, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You don’t want to microwave this beauty, trust me – it will ruin the consistency of your stunning pie. Instead, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Cover the edges of the pie in foil to prevent over-browning and bake for 10-12 minutes for one slice or 15-18 minutes for a larger portion.
This brings us to our next point: make-ahead options. French apple cream pie can be a bit tricky because always tastes best when fresh. But hey, sometimes we need to plan ahead. If you know that you’ll be entertaining guests soon or just really craving a slice of this deliciousness, follow these tips:
First, prepare the crust and apple filling, but don’t assemble the pie or add the custard on top. Keep these separate in the refrigerator until you’re ready to make and serve the pie.
It is recommended that you do not freeze this pie completely assembled as it may alter its texture and overall taste. However, if you absolutely have to freeze a whole pie (maybe it’s an emergency?), ensure that it is wrapped securely with plastic wrap then placed in an airtight container before freezing. When ready to serve, defrost overnight in the fridge then follow the reheating instructions as indicated above.
With these useful tips and tricks, you can now enjoy your scrumptious French apple cream pie every day of the week – straight out of the oven or even a few days later!
Tips for Perfect Results
Are you ready to make the perfect French Apple Cream Pie? Here are some tips that will help you achieve the best results.
First and foremost, choose the right type of apples for your pie. The best apples for pies are those that remain firm when baked. In this recipe, Granny Smith apples are highly recommended as they are tart and hold their shape well while baking.
Additionally, take your time while preparing your pie crust, and do not overwork the dough. The pastry should be chilled before rolling out to ensure it is flaky and tender. If you’re using a store-bought crust, let it thaw in the fridge before use.
Another tip is to mix the cream cheese well with sugar and lemon juice until it becomes fluffy and smooth, then gently fold in beaten eggs, flour, salt and sour cream. This mixture is what gives your pie its distinctive taste.
When preparing the apple filling for your pie, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry thickener instead of adding flour directly to avoid clumps in your filling. Add nutmeg, cinnamon, sugar and lemon juice to your apples – this gives a unique depth of flavor that truly makes a difference!
Lastly, when assembling your pie, load in as many apple slices as possible without over-stuffing it. You want to fill every space up but still maintain a neat looking crust! Cover with aluminum foil shortly after baking to avoid burnt crusts or over-browning.
Through following all these tips while making your heavenly French Apple Cream Pie will surely impress your friends and family alike!
FAQ
Before we wrap things up, I want to address some frequently asked questions about this French Apple Cream Pie Recipe. You may have some burning queries about its preparation and storage that need to be answered. Fret not, for I am here to provide you with everything you need to know. Keep on reading until the end, and you just might find the answers to whatever questions you have lingering in your mind.
What is different about a French apple pie?
When it comes to apple pies, there’s something special about the Dutch version. It’s also known as Streusel or French apple pie, and the variation comes from the topping. While traditional apple pies have a crust covering the spiced apples, the Dutch apple pie tantalizes taste buds with a brown sugar crumb. It’s a small difference but a delightful one.
What is the difference between Dutch apple pie and French apple pie?
When it comes to apple pies, there are different variations in the toppings used in their recipes. One of these variations is the Dutch apple pie, which features a crumbly topping instead of the usual pie crust top layer. This crumbly topping is called streusel and is prepared differently compared to typical pie crusts, often requiring additional tools such as pastry blenders. This means that making Dutch apple pie might take a bit more time and effort, but the result is a deliciously unique dessert that’s worth the extra effort.
Does French apple pie need to be refrigerated?
It’s recommended that you promptly refrigerate your pie, but if by chance it’s left out overnight, there’s no need to panic. Your pie will survive on the kitchen counter for a day or two before it’s time for it to be transferred to the refrigerator.
Bottom Line
your culinary journey with an indulgent and elegant French Apple Cream Pie. A combination of tart and sweet, this pie will take your taste buds on a joyride through autumnal flavors. With other varieties of apple pies to choose from, why not give the French Apple Cream Pie a try?
This recipe is all about balance – balancing the sweetness from the apples with the tanginess of cream cheese and lemon juice, while cinnamon and nutmeg add a warm depth to the filling. The creaminess from the cream cheese and egg custard beautifully complement each other, with a flaky pastry crust tying everything together.
You will love how easy this recipe is to prepare, especially when it takes only 20 minutes to prep and 50 minutes in the oven. Plus, this pie can be baked ahead of time and kept in the fridge for up to three days, making it an ideal dessert choice for potlucks or family gatherings.
Why settle for a basic apple pie when you can elevate your dessert game with a French Apple Cream Pie? This recipe is versatile enough to add your personal touch by swapping out apples for pears or even adding cranberries into the mix!
So go on and impress your family and friends with a delectable French Apple Cream Pie that will have them coming back for seconds. Happy baking!
French Apple Cream Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 9 inches pie crusts (baked)
- 4 large apples
- 1 teaspoon orange peel (finely grated)
- 2/3 cup orange juice
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 1/2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup almonds (chopped)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- Peel and core apples.
- Slice apples 1/2" thick to make 4 cups.
- In 3 quart saucepan combine 1/2 t Orange peel, orange juice, butter, 2/3 C sugar and spices.
- Bring to a boil and stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Add apples,and cook until translucent.
- Blend water and cornstatch and add to apples.
- Cook until boils and thickens.
- Remove from heat, add lemon juice and cool.
- Whip cream cheese until fluffy and gradually beat in 1/3 C sugar and remaining orange peel.
- Beat in the egg.
- Turn cooled filling into baked crust.
- Spoon whipped cheese mixture evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle almonds and coconut over cheese.
- Bake @350 degrees for 20-25 minutes until set and lightly browned.
- Cool and Chill before serving.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.