A Glazed Apple Cream Pie is the ultimate dessert for apple lovers and pie enthusiasts alike. Combining the crisp tartness of apples with the smooth richness of cream, this pie is topped with a luscious glaze that adds an extra layer of sweetness and shine. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a delicious treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Follow along to create a dessert that is both visually stunning and irresistibly tasty.
Ingredients for Glazed Apple Cream Pie
For the Pie Crust
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Apple Filling
- 4-5 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Cream Filling
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze
- 1/2 cup apple jelly
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
How to Make Glazed Apple Cream Pie
Preparing the Pie Crust
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to add too much water; the dough should be moist but not sticky.
- Form Dough: Gather the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preparing the Apple Filling
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the apple slices, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Toss until the apples are well coated.
- Set Aside: Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the apples to release some of their juices.
Preparing the Cream Filling
- Beat Ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat together the heavy cream, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Assembling the Pie
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges as desired.
- Add Apple Filling: Spread the apple mixture evenly in the pie crust.
- Pour Cream Filling: Pour the cream mixture over the apples, spreading it evenly to ensure it covers all the apple slices.
Baking the Pie
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Place the assembled pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Cool: Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour.
Preparing the Glaze
- Melt Jelly: In a small saucepan, combine the apple jelly and lemon juice. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the jelly is melted and smooth.
- Glaze the Pie: Using a pastry brush, gently brush the glaze over the top of the cooled pie, giving it a shiny, delicious finish.
About the Main Ingredients
Apples
Apples are the star of this pie, providing natural sweetness and a lovely texture. Granny Smith apples are often preferred for baking due to their tartness and firmness, which hold up well during baking. Honeycrisp apples can also be used for a sweeter, juicier option.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream adds a rich, velvety texture to the pie filling. It enhances the overall creaminess and provides a luxurious contrast to the tart apples.
Butter
Butter is essential for creating a flaky, tender pie crust. Using chilled butter helps to create layers of fat and flour that result in a deliciously crisp crust.
Sugar
A combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar is used in the apple filling to add depth of flavor and sweetness. The granulated sugar in the cream filling helps to balance the richness of the cream and eggs.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg
These warm spices are classic companions to apples, adding depth and warmth to the filling. They enhance the natural flavors of the apples and provide a comforting, autumnal aroma.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice not only prevents the apples from browning but also adds a subtle brightness that balances the sweetness of the filling. It’s also used in the glaze to add a hint of tartness.
Flour
Flour in the apple filling helps to thicken the juices released by the apples as they bake, ensuring the filling is not too runny. Flour in the crust provides structure and stability.
Apple Jelly
Apple jelly is used for the glaze, adding a beautiful sheen and an extra layer of apple flavor. It’s an easy way to make the pie look more appealing and professional.
Creating a Glazed Apple Cream Pie is a rewarding baking project that combines the classic flavors of apples and cream with the elegance of a shiny glaze. The process involves making a homemade pie crust, preparing a spiced apple filling, and creating a creamy custard layer. Topped with a glossy glaze, this pie is not only delicious but also a showstopper for any dessert table. Enjoy baking and savoring every bite of this delightful dessert!
