Name: Sour Cream Apple Pie with Brown Sugar Streusel
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pie crust; 4 cups sliced apples (mixed sweet and tart); 1 cup sour cream; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp nutmeg (optional); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 1/2 cup oats

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Discover the Joy of Sour Cream Apple Pie with Brown Sugar Streusel

If you’re looking for a pie that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors, this Sour Cream Apple Pie with Brown Sugar Streusel is a must-try! With a creamy filling and a crumbly, caramel-like topping, it’s a delightful twist on the classic apple pie. Over the years, I’ve honed this recipe to showcase the rich flavors of autumn, and it’s become a beloved favorite in my home.

Why Make This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet apples, tangy sour cream, and rich brown sugar creates a depth of flavor that elevates this pie above ordinary desserts.
Comfort Food: Few things are more comforting than a freshly baked pie, and this one is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is approachable for cooks of all skill levels. You’ll impress friends and family without spending all day in the kitchen.
Special Occasion Treat: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a birthday, or a potluck, this pie is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
A Personal Favorite: I love this recipe because it captures the essence of fall and reminds me of baking with my grandmother. The warm aroma filling the kitchen is worth every minute spent preparing it.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Difficulty Level: Easy
Cooking Method: Baking in a pie dish

You’ll be mixing fruits and cream, layering flavors, and achieving a golden-brown crust that’s sure to impress.

My Experience Making This Recipe

When I first attempted this Sour Cream Apple Pie, I was surprised at how simple it was to create such a delightful dessert. I learned a few tricks regarding apple selection that helped enhance the taste—using a mix of tart and sweet apples is key to achieving that perfect balance. After a couple of trials, I discovered that slightly undercooking the pie in the oven gave a lovely custard-like texture to the filling.

How to Make Sour Cream Apple Pie with Brown Sugar Streusel

Making this luscious pie involves a few key steps: preparing the pie crust, mixing the filling, and creating the streusel topping. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your pie dish with the crust. Then, mix together sliced apples with sugar, sour cream, and spices for the filling. For the streusel, combine flour, brown sugar, butter, and oats until crumbly. Layer your filling, top it off with the streusel, and bake until golden and bubbly.

Expert Tips for Success

Choose the Right Apples: Use a mixture of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet varieties like Honeycrisp for an ideal flavor balance.
Prevent a Soggy Crust: Pre-bake the pie crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling to help set it and avoid any sogginess.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste your apples before mixing in the sugar; if they’re particularly sweet, you can reduce the sugar in your filling.
Uniform Slices: Aim for uniform apple slices to ensure even baking. A mandoline slicer can be a helpful tool.
Cooling Time: Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set, giving you cleaner slices.

How to Serve Sour Cream Apple Pie

Classic Pairing: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Coffee Companion: This pie pairs wonderfully with coffee or spiced chai, making it perfect for a dessert after brunch.
Presentation: Sprinkle a little cinnamon on top just before serving for a visual pop and added flavor.
Holiday Highlights: Serve it on a beautiful cake stand for special occasions, or slice it into small pieces for bite-sized party snacks.

Storage and Reheating Guide

To store, cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap well in foil or plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn; it can last up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes until warmed through.

Recipe Variations

Gluten-Free: Substitute a gluten-free pie crust and flour blend in the streusel to make this pie gluten-free.
Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free sour cream alternative and plant-based butter for the streusel.
Spice It Up: Add a touch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel topping for added texture and flavor.

Nutritional Highlights

This pie features fiber-rich apples, providing a good source of vitamins and minerals. While it does contain sugar, you can adjust sweetness to maintain a healthy balance. It’s wise to enjoy it in moderation, especially given its richness from sour cream and streusel.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Overcooked Filling: If the filling is too runny, it might be due to undercooked apples. Ensure they’re slightly firm before assembling the pie.
Streusel Not Crumbly: If your streusel is too wet, add a little more flour until it reaches the right texture.
Burnt Edges: If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil halfway through baking to prevent burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen apples?
Yes, frozen apples can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid to avoid a soggy pie.

2. What is the best way to slice apples?
Using a sharp knife or mandoline is best for even slices. Aim for 1/4-inch thick slices for optimal baking.

3. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and crust a day in advance and assemble before baking for fresh pies in no time. This works great for holidays or special occasions.

Sour Cream Apple Pie with Brown Sugar Streusel