Apple Custard Pie with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe

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If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming dessert that sings with the flavors of fall, you absolutely have to try this Apple Custard Pie with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe. This is not just your everyday apple pie; it’s a luscious custard nestled atop tender, warmly spiced apples, all crowned with a delightfully crumbly cinnamon streusel. Every bite is an enchanting blend of creamy, fruity, and spicy textures that’ll make you want to savor it all year long. Whether it’s for a special holiday or just a sweet treat to brighten your day, this pie promises pure comfort and joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating this unforgettable pie. Each element plays a distinct role, from adding depth and creaminess to injecting warm spice and crisp texture, making the final result feel like a hug on a plate.

• Pie crust (9 inch): A deep dish crust to hold all the delicious filling and streusel topping snugly.
• 5 large apples: Opt for firm, tart varieties to balance the richness of the custard and streusel.
• 1/2 lemon: Adds brightness and prevents the apple slices from browning.
• 4 tablespoons butter (1/2 stick): For cooking the apples and enriching the custard’s flavor.
• 1/2 cup white sugar: Sweetens the sautéed apples just enough without overpowering them.
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice: Gives a warming spice mix that complements the apples perfectly.
• 1 & 1/3 cup sour cream (+ 1 tablespoon): Provides tanginess and creaminess to the custard.
• 5 large egg yolks: They create the silky texture and help the custard set beautifully.
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons vanilla: Enhances the custard’s flavor with a subtle, sweet aroma.
• 1 & 1/2 cups white sugar: Sweetens the custard filling for balanced indulgence.
• 6 tablespoons flour: Stabilizes the custard as it bakes.
• 1/2 cup flour (for streusel): Forms the base of the crumbly streusel topping.
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (for streusel): Infuses the topping with a nostalgic fall spice punch.
• 1/4 cup white sugar (for streusel): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the crumb topping.
• 4 tablespoons cold butter (cut into chunks): Responsible for the streusel’s irresistible crumbly texture.

How to Make Apple Custard Pie with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s heating up, fit your pie crust snugly into a deep pie plate and crimp the edges to secure it. This crust is the sturdy, buttery base that will hold all your luscious fillings, so take a moment to make it perfect. Set it aside for now.

Step 2: Slice and Lemon-Toss the Apples

Peel, core, and slice your apples very thin—around one-eighth of an inch. Using a mandolin works wonders here, but a sharp knife will do just fine. As you slice, squeeze lemon juice onto the apples and toss to coat after each one. This stops them from turning brown and adds a subtle zing that brightens the entire pie.

Step 3: Sauté the Apples in Butter and Spice

Heat 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add half a cup of sugar and a tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice, stirring until fragrant and bubbling. Toss in your apples, adding only about one teaspoon of the leftover lemon juice if you used a lot, then cook them for about 3 minutes on medium. Turn the heat to high for another 2 to 3 minutes until the liquid thickens and bubbles away, concentrating the flavors deliciously.

Step 4: Load Apples into the Crust

Carefully pour the warm, spiced apples into the prepared pie crust. The smell alone at this point will convince you that you’re about to make something truly special. Set aside the pie while you whip up the silky custard.

Step 5: Whisk Together the Custard

In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, egg yolks, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth. Slowly add the sugar, ensuring it dissolves completely before gradually whisking in the flour. Make sure there are no lumps—the custard needs to be perfectly smooth to set beautifully and encase the apples with creamy goodness.

Step 6: Pour Custard Over Apples

Gently pour the custard mixture over the apples in the pie crust, careful not to overfill. Depending on your pie pan size, you’ll use most of the custard but may have a little left over. This luscious layer will bake into a creamy custard that complements the tender fruit beneath.

Step 7: Begin Baking the Pie

Place the pie plate on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready for the next step when the custard is just beginning to set and the top looks lightly golden. At this point, reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 8: Prepare and Add the Cinnamon Streusel

While the pie bakes, mix together the streusel topping. Whisk half a cup of flour, a tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice, and a quarter cup of sugar in a bowl. Use a fork or pastry cutter to cut in cold butter until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs. Chill until you’re ready to sprinkle it over the pie.

Step 9: Top and Finish Baking

After the initial baking, carefully remove the pie and sprinkle the chilled streusel evenly on top. Cover the crust edges with a pie crust shield or foil to prevent burning. Return the pie to the oven and bake at 375 degrees for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the custard layer. Your kitchen will start to smell like pure autumn magic.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Patience is key! Let the pie sit at room temperature for at least an hour or two so the custard can fully set. If you’re eager (and who wouldn’t be?), pop it in the freezer for 45 minutes to speed things up. Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an unforgettable treat.

How to Serve Apple Custard Pie with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe

Garnishes

A scoop of rich vanilla bean ice cream is a classic way to elevate every bite of this apple custard pie. If you want to get fancy, a light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce adds a luscious finishing touch that brings out the spices in the streusel and custard perfectly.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs beautifully with a warm spiced latte or a mug of hot apple cider to keep the fall vibes going strong. For a more substantial dessert course, consider serving alongside a simple green salad dressed with walnuts and cranberries, which adds a fresh contrast to the pie’s sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve the pie in clear glass plates that showcase all its layers, then garnish each slice with a fresh apple fan or cinnamon stick. If you’re hosting a brunch, cut smaller, bite-sized pieces and top each with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg for an elegant finger-friendly treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pie should be covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container and refrigerated. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, during which time the custard remains creamy and the streusel retains a pleasant texture.

Freezing

You can freeze this pie either before or after baking. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil, and it should hold well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To enjoy your Apple Custard Pie with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe warm, bake it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through. This will refresh the custard’s creaminess and crisp up the streusel topping for a just-baked experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apples for this pie?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work wonderfully to balance sweetness, combining varieties such as Honeycrisp or Fuji can add a lovely complexity of texture and flavor. Just be sure to slice them evenly for uniform cooking.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute vegan butter for regular butter, and use a non-dairy sour cream alternative. Just make sure the egg yolk substitute you choose works well in custards to help them set properly.

Can I prepare this pie in advance?

Definitely. You can assemble the pie up to the point of baking, cover it, and keep it refrigerated overnight. Add the streusel topping and finish baking just before serving for the freshest results.

Why do I need to bake the pie at two different temperatures?

The initial high heat helps the custard set quickly and the filling bubble, while the lower heat during the final bake ensures the pie cooks evenly without burning the crust or streusel topping. It’s a crucial step for perfect texture.

What can I do if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

Feel free to mix your own using ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. This combination mimics pumpkin pie spice and keeps the pie wonderfully aromatic and spiced.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about this Apple Custard Pie with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe that elevates it beyond a typical dessert. It’s the perfect blend of creamy custard, tender spiced apples, and crunchy cinnamon streusel that will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy it brings around your table—you might just find it turning into your new favorite fall tradition.

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