Glazed Apple Cream Pie: A Deliciously Decadent Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a slice of apple pie. The warm spices, the tender apples, and the flaky crust evoke feelings of home and hearth. But what if we elevated this classic dessert with a luxurious cream filling and a glossy glaze? Enter the Glazed Apple Cream Pie – a delightful twist on tradition that’s sure to impress.

This recipe combines the best of both worlds: the familiar flavors of apple pie with the creamy richness of a custard pie. The glaze adds a touch of elegance and a hint of extra sweetness, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual weeknight treats.

**Why You’ll Love This Recipe:**

* **Deliciously Different:** It’s an apple pie, but with a creamy, dreamy twist.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The glaze makes it look like it came straight from a fancy bakery.
* **Comforting and Familiar:** Retains the classic apple pie flavors we all know and love.
* **Versatile:** Perfect for holidays, parties, or a special weeknight dessert.
* **Customizable:** Adaptable to your favorite apple varieties and spice preferences.

**What You’ll Need:**

Let’s break down the ingredients for each component of this amazing pie:

**For the Pie Crust:**

* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 1/4 cup cold shortening, cut into cubes
* 1/4 – 1/2 cup ice water

**For the Apple Filling:**

* 6 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or a combination), peeled, cored, and sliced
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice

**For the Cream Filling:**

* 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup cornstarch
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 4 large egg yolks
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

**For the Glaze:**

* 1/2 cup powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons milk or apple cider
* 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

**Equipment You’ll Need:**

* 9-inch pie plate
* Mixing bowls
* Pastry blender or food processor
* Rolling pin
* Saucepan
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons

**Step-by-Step Instructions:**

Let’s embark on this culinary adventure! Follow these detailed instructions to create your own masterpiece:

**Part 1: Making the Pie Crust**

The foundation of any great pie is a delicious crust. You can use a store-bought crust if you’re short on time, but homemade is always best. Here’s how to make a flaky, tender pie crust from scratch:

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. **Cut in the Fat:** Add the cold butter and shortening to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see small pieces of butter and shortening – this is what creates flakiness.
3. **Add Ice Water:** Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Add just enough water until the dough comes together in a shaggy mass. Be careful not to overmix, as this will develop the gluten and make the crust tough.
4. **Form the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently shape it into a disc. Wrap the disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This allows the gluten to relax and the fat to firm up, resulting in a more tender crust.
5. **Roll Out the Crust:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Gently transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim the edges and crimp decoratively. You can use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
6. **Pre-bake the Crust (Blind Bake):** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the pie crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the parchment paper and pie weights and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown. This helps to prevent the crust from becoming soggy when the filling is added.
7. Let the crust cool completely before adding the apple filling.

**Part 2: Preparing the Apple Filling**

Now for the star of the show – the apple filling! Choose your favorite apple varieties and get ready to create a symphony of flavors.

1. **Prepare the Apples:** Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick slices. A mandoline can be helpful for achieving uniform slices.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly.
3. **Add Butter and Lemon Juice:** Dot the apple mixture with small pieces of butter. This adds richness and helps to create a glossy filling. Stir in the lemon juice to prevent the apples from browning and to add a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness.
4. **Pre-Cook the Filling(Optional):** For a more tender apple filling and to reduce the cooking time of the pie, you can pre-cook the apple mixture in a saucepan over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples are slightly softened. Let the mixture cool slightly before adding it to the pre-baked pie crust.
5. **Add Filling to Crust:** Pour the apple filling into the pre-baked pie crust, spreading it evenly.

**Part 3: Making the Cream Filling**

The cream filling is what transforms this apple pie into something truly special. It’s rich, decadent, and adds a wonderful contrast to the tartness of the apples.

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. The cornstarch is essential for thickening the cream filling.
2. **Whisk in Cream and Egg Yolks:** Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until the mixture is smooth. Then, whisk in the egg yolks until well combined. The egg yolks add richness and help to set the filling.
3. **Cook the Filling:** Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk, until it thickens and comes to a simmer. Be patient – this may take several minutes. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to ensure that the cornstarch is fully cooked and the filling is smooth and glossy. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. **Remove from Heat:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter. The vanilla extract adds flavor, and the butter adds richness and shine.
5. **Pour Over Apple Filling:** Carefully pour the hot cream filling over the apple filling in the pie crust, spreading it evenly.

**Part 4: Baking the Pie**

Now, it’s time to bake our Glazed Apple Cream Pie! This step ensures that the cream filling sets properly and the apple filling is cooked through.

1. **Bake the Pie:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
2. **Baking Time:** Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cream filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. The edges of the cream filling should be lightly golden brown. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it with foil.
3. **Cool Completely:** Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This is crucial for the cream filling to set properly. The pie will continue to set as it cools.

**Part 5: Preparing the Glaze**

The final touch – the glaze! This adds a touch of sweetness and makes the pie look absolutely stunning.

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk (or apple cider) until smooth. Add the vanilla extract, if using.
2. **Adjust Consistency:** Add more milk or powdered sugar, one teaspoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the pie but thin enough to spread easily.
3. **Glaze the Pie:** Once the pie is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top, spreading it evenly. You can also use a pastry brush to apply the glaze.
4. **Set the Glaze:** Let the glaze set for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows it to harden slightly and creates a beautiful, glossy finish.

**Tips for Success:**

* **Use Cold Ingredients:** Cold butter and shortening are essential for creating a flaky pie crust. Make sure your butter and shortening are very cold before you start.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the pie crust dough will develop the gluten and make the crust tough. Mix just until the dough comes together.
* **Use a Variety of Apples:** A combination of sweet and tart apples will create a more complex and flavorful filling.
* **Blind Bake the Crust:** Pre-baking the crust helps to prevent it from becoming soggy when the filling is added.
* **Let the Pie Cool Completely:** This is crucial for the cream filling to set properly. Be patient!
* **Adjust the Glaze Consistency:** Add more milk or powdered sugar to adjust the glaze to your desired consistency.

**Variations and Substitutions:**

* **Crust:** Use a store-bought pie crust for convenience.
* **Apples:** Experiment with different apple varieties, such as Gala, Fuji, or Braeburn.
* **Spices:** Adjust the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to your liking. You can also add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling for extra flavor and texture.
* **Cream Filling:** Use a different flavor extract in the cream filling, such as almond or maple.
* **Glaze:** Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for a warm, spiced flavor. Use apple cider instead of milk for a more intense apple flavor.
* **Caramel Drizzle:** Instead of a glaze, drizzle the pie with caramel sauce for an extra decadent treat.
* **Add a streusel topping:** Prepare a simple streusel topping with flour, butter, sugar, and oats and sprinkle over the apple filling before adding the cream filling.

**Serving Suggestions:**

* Serve the Glazed Apple Cream Pie chilled or at room temperature.
* Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
* Sprinkle with chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon.
* Pair with a cup of coffee or tea.

**Storage Instructions:**

* Store leftover Glazed Apple Cream Pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.

**Nutritional Information (per slice):**

* Calories: Approximately 450-550 (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Fat: 25-35g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 150-200mg
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Sugar: 30-40g
* Protein: 5-7g

*Note: These values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

**Conclusion:**

The Glazed Apple Cream Pie is a truly special dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a delightful twist on the classic apple pie, with a creamy, decadent filling and a glossy, sweet glaze. With its comforting flavors and impressive presentation, this pie is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to bake up a slice of happiness!

**Enjoy your delicious homemade Glazed Apple Cream Pie!**