Apple Streusel Pie

Indulge in the comforting flavors of fall with our irresistible Apple Streusel Pie recipe. This delectable pie features tender slices of baked apples, delicately spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, all nestled within a flaky, buttery crust. Topped with a crunchy streusel topping and served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this pie is the epitome of autumn bliss. Join us as we explore the art of creating this classic dessert and discover why it’s a perennial favorite among pie lovers everywhere.

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Ingredients:

• 1 (9-inch) pie crust

Pie Filling:

• 6 large baking apples, peeled, cored, and sliced ½ inch thick
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons flour
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Streusel Topping:

• 1 stick cold, unsalted butter, cubed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions:

Preparing Apple Streusel Pie:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges as desired.
2. Prepare Pie Filling: In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss until the apples are evenly coated with the mixture.
3. Make Custard Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the egg, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Assemble Pie: Arrange the coated apple slices in the prepared pie crust, mounding them slightly in the center. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the apples.
5. Prepare Streusel Topping: In a separate bowl, combine cold cubed butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, ground ginger, and kosher salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6. Top Pie with Streusel: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the top of the pie, covering the apples and custard completely.
7. Bake: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve warm or at room temperature, with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.

Cook’s Notes and Variations:

• Apple Varieties: Use a mix of apple varieties such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for a balanced flavor and texture in the pie.
• Nuts: Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for extra crunch and flavor.
• Glaze: Brush the top crust of the pie with a beaten egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar before baking for a shiny, sweet finish.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

• Keto Option: For a keto-friendly version of Apple Streusel Pie, replace the pie crust with a low-carb almond flour crust or a crust made from crushed nuts and butter. Substitute the sugar in the filling and streusel topping with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit.
• Low-Carb Variation: Reduce the amount of sugar used in the filling and streusel topping, or use a combination of sugar and a low-carb sweetener. Opt for a coconut flour or almond flour streusel topping to lower the carb content further.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use store-bought pie crust for this recipe? A: Yes, store-bought pie crust can be used for convenience. Alternatively, you can make your own homemade pie crust if preferred.

Q: How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy? A: To prevent the crust from getting soggy, you can blind bake the pie crust before adding the filling. Simply line the crust with parchment paper or aluminum foil, fill it with pie weights or dried beans, and bake it in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes before adding the filling.

Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the pie ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes before serving.

With its irresistible combination of tender apples, creamy custard, and crunchy streusel topping, Apple Streusel Pie is a dessert that embodies the essence of fall. Whether enjoyed as a comforting treat on a chilly evening or served as the grand finale to a holiday feast, this pie is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your heart. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!