Have you ever wondered what makes a pie truly unforgettable? Is it the flaky crust, the sweet-tart filling, or perhaps the delightful crunch of a streusel topping? The answer lies in the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Today, we’re diving into the world of desserts with a Classic Sour Cream Apple Pie with Brown Sugar Streusel. This recipe not only combines the rich creaminess of sour cream with the sweetness of apples but also features a decadent brown sugar streusel that elevates it to gourmet status.

In this post, we’ll explore how to create this beloved dessert, share tips to ensure your pie is a hit, and provide insights into its nutritional value. Let’s get started!

Ingredients List

To create the perfect Classic Sour Cream Apple Pie with Brown Sugar Streusel, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Pie Filling:

• 6-8 cups of sliced tart apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Brown Sugar Streusel:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional Substitutions:

• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.
• Swap maple syrup for granulated sugar for a unique flavor twist.
• Try gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out your favorite pie crust (store-bought or homemade) and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim and crimp the edges as desired.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
2. In another bowl, whisk together sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 3: Combine and Fill

1. Add the apple mixture to the sour cream mixture and stir gently to combine.
2. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Prepare the Streusel Topping

1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

1. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the apple filling.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This will help set the filling.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per slice (based on 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	320
Total Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	8g
Cholesterol	70mg
Sodium	150mg
Total Carbohydrates	45g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	25g
Protein	4g

This pie is a delightful treat, but be mindful of portion sizes if you’re watching your calorie intake!

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’re looking to make the Classic Sour Cream Apple Pie with Brown Sugar Streusel a bit healthier, consider these alternatives:

• Use whole wheat flour for the crust and streusel to increase fiber content.
• Replace half of the sour cream with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat.
• Incorporate more spices like ginger or cardamom for added flavor without extra calories.

Serving Suggestions

This pie is perfect on its own, but here are some creative serving suggestions:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a classic touch.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Pair it with a cup of chai tea or coffee for a cozy dessert experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the Filling: Be gentle when combining the apple and sour cream mixtures to avoid a mushy texture.
2. Not Pre-baking the Crust: If using a homemade crust, consider pre-baking it for 10 minutes to prevent sogginess.
3. Skipping the Cooling Step: Allowing the pie to cool helps set the filling, making it easier to slice.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep your pie fresh:

• Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• You can also freeze the pie for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

In summary, the Classic Sour Cream Apple Pie with Brown Sugar Streusel is a delightful dessert that combines creamy, tangy flavors with a sweet, crunchy topping. It’s perfect for any occasion and easy to make. We invite you to try this recipe, share your feedback in the comments, and subscribe for more delicious updates!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?

A1: Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal, you can mix in sweeter varieties like Fuji or Gala for added flavor.

Q2: Is it necessary to use sour cream?

A2: Sour cream adds creaminess and tang. However, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute if you prefer a lighter option.

Q3: How can I make the pie gluten-free?

A3: Simply use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute all-purpose flour in the streusel with a gluten-free flour blend.