Name: French Apple Cream Pie Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 double crust pie; 21 oz apple pie filling; ¼ tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1 egg; ⅓ cup white sugar; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 3 oz cream cheese; ¼ cup sour cream

Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet apples and creamy filling with this French apple cream pie. The spices and lemon zest add a burst of flavor that elevates this classic dessert to a gourmet experience, perfect for any occasion.

Photos of French Apple Cream Pie Recipe

When preparing this recipe, you might need to purchase a few items that aren't typically found in every kitchen. Lemon zest can be obtained by grating the outer peel of a lemon, which adds a vibrant citrus flavor. Cream cheese and sour cream provide a creamy texture and tanginess, both of which can be found in the dairy section of your supermarket.

Ingredients for French Apple Cream Pie

Double crust pie: This is used as the base and the top layer of the pie, providing structure and a delightful flaky texture.

Apple pie filling: A pre-made mixture of apples and spices, which serves as the main filling for the pie.

Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor to the apple filling.

Ground nutmeg: Enhances the apple filling with a slightly sweet and nutty taste.

Lemon zest: Freshly grated lemon peel that adds a bright citrus flavor to the pie.

Egg: Helps to bind the cream cheese mixture and adds richness.

White sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture and adds a slight crunch when sprinkled on top.

Lemon juice: Provides acidity and brightness to balance the sweetness of the filling.

Cream cheese: Adds a creamy texture and slight tang to the mixture.

Sour cream: Contributes to the creaminess and tanginess of the filling.

One reader, Joy Woo says:

This French apple cream pie recipe is a delightful treat! The creamy filling pairs perfectly with the spiced apples, creating a rich and flavorful dessert. The crust is golden and flaky, making each bite heavenly. Highly recommend for any pie lover!

Joy Woo

Key Techniques for Mastering French Apple Cream Pie

How to roll out pastry dough: Rolling out pastry dough evenly ensures a consistent crust. Use a rolling pin on a floured surface, starting from the center and working outwards. How to combine ingredients: Mixing ingredients thoroughly ensures even distribution of flavors. Use appropriate tools like a spoon or mixer. How to line a pie pan: Gently place the rolled-out dough into the pie pan, pressing it into the corners and trimming any excess. How to beat ingredients: Use a mixer at medium speed to combine ingredients until smooth, ensuring no lumps remain. How to seal pie edges: Press the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to prevent filling from leaking during baking. How to cut steam vents: Use a sharp knife to make small slits in the top crust, allowing steam to escape and preventing a soggy crust. How to bake a pie: Preheat the oven to the specified temperature and bake until the crust is golden brown, ensuring the filling is cooked through.

How To Make French Apple Cream Pie

Savor a bite of this unbelievable creamy and zesty apple cream pie packed with apple pie filling layered with a delicious cream cheese-lemon mixture!

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 30 minutes

Total: 40 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1double crust pie,9-inch
21ozapple pie filling,(1 can)
¼tspground cinnamon
¼tspground nutmeg
1tsplemon zest
1egg
⅓cupwhite sugar
1tbsplemon juice
3ozcream cheese
¼cupsour cream

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Roll out the pastry shell and allow it to rest in the refrigerator. Line a 9-inch pie pan with one rolled out pastry crust.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the pie filling, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon rind. Stir until fully combined and spread into the pastry-lined pan.
In a small mixer bowl combine the egg, sugar, lemon juice, cream cheese, and sour cream. Beat at medium speed until smooth.
Spread the cheese mixture over the apple mixture, and place the top crust over the filling. Seal the edges, cut some steam vents on the top crust, and sprinkle top with sugar.
Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown. Cool completely.
Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 293.06kcal
Fat: 12.96g
Saturated Fat: 5.81g
Trans Fat: 0.00g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4.40g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.26g
Carbohydrates: 43.33g
Fiber: 1.35g
Sugar: 19.22g
Protein: 2.40g
Cholesterol: 35.43mg
Sodium: 202.00mg
Calcium: 28.65mg
Potassium: 89.73mg
Iron: 0.67mg
Vitamin A: 61.67µg
Vitamin C: 2.40mg

Expert Technique Tip for Perfect French Apple Cream Pie

For a flakier crust, make sure to chill your pastry dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This helps the butter in the dough to firm up, creating steam pockets during baking that result in a light and flaky texture.

Time-Saving Tips for Making French Apple Cream Pie

Use pre-made crust: Save time by using a store-bought pie crust instead of making one from scratch.

Pre-mixed spices: Use a pre-mixed apple pie spice blend to replace the individual spices.

Room temperature ingredients: Ensure cream cheese and sour cream are at room temperature for easier mixing.

Food processor: Use a food processor to quickly blend the cream cheese mixture.

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven while preparing the pie to save time.

Chill the dough: Roll out and chill the pastry dough in advance.

Substitute Ingredients For French Apple Cream Pie Recipe

double crust pie - Substitute with graham cracker crust: Provides a different texture and flavor, but still serves as a sturdy base for the pie.
apple pie filling - Substitute with fresh apples and sugar: Use fresh apples mixed with sugar and a bit of flour to create a homemade filling.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Contains cinnamon along with other complementary spices like nutmeg and cloves.
ground nutmeg - Substitute with allspice: Offers a similar warm, spicy flavor that complements apples well.
lemon zest - Substitute with orange zest: Provides a citrusy aroma and flavor, though slightly sweeter than lemon.
egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water to replace one egg, suitable for binding.
white sugar - Substitute with brown sugar: Adds a deeper, molasses-like flavor that pairs well with apples.
lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Adds acidity and a slight apple flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
cream cheese - Substitute with mascarpone cheese: Provides a similar creamy texture with a slightly sweeter taste.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Offers a similar tangy flavor and creamy consistency, but with less fat.

Presentation Ideas for a Delightful French Apple Cream Pie

Use a decorative pie dish: Select a visually appealing pie dish to bake the pie in, ensuring it complements the elegance of the French apple cream pie.
Create a lattice top crust: Instead of a solid top crust, weave strips of pastry to form a lattice pattern. This adds a touch of sophistication and allows the apple filling to peek through.
Brush with egg wash: Before baking, brush the top crust with a mixture of egg and a little water. This will give the crust a beautiful golden sheen.
Sprinkle with coarse sugar: After the egg wash, sprinkle the top crust with coarse sugar for added texture and a subtle crunch.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Once the pie is baked and cooled, garnish the edges with a few sprigs of fresh mint or thyme. This adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream: Plate each slice with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream, lightly sweetened and flavored with a touch of vanilla.
Add a drizzle of caramel sauce: For an extra layer of indulgence, drizzle a bit of warm caramel sauce over the whipped cream and pie slice.
Use a clean, white plate: Serve each slice on a pristine, white plate to make the colors and textures of the pie stand out.
Include a side of fresh fruit: Add a small side of fresh berries or thinly sliced apples to the plate for a burst of color and complementary flavors.
Dust with powdered sugar: Just before serving, lightly dust the entire plate with a fine layer of powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making French Apple Cream Pie

Oven: Used to bake the pie at the specified temperature of 425 degrees F.
Refrigerator: Allows the pastry shell to rest and chill before baking.
Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the pastry crust to the desired thickness.
9-inch pie pan: The vessel in which the pie is assembled and baked.
Medium mixing bowl: Used to combine the apple pie filling, spices, and lemon zest.
Small mixer bowl: Used to mix the egg, sugar, lemon juice, cream cheese, and sour cream.
Electric mixer: Helps achieve a smooth consistency for the cheese mixture by beating it at medium speed.
Spatula: Useful for spreading the cheese mixture evenly over the apple filling.
Knife: Needed to cut steam vents into the top crust.
Pastry brush: Handy for sprinkling sugar on top of the crust before baking.
Cooling rack: Allows the pie to cool completely after baking.
Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of spices, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the white sugar and sour cream accurately.

Storage and Freezing Guidelines for French Apple Cream Pie

Allow the french apple cream pie to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the crust soggy.
To store the pie, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
If you want to freeze the pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Label the pie with the date and contents. Frozen apple pie can be stored for up to 4 months.
To thaw a frozen pie, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Do not thaw the pie at room temperature, as this can cause the crust to become soggy.
To reheat a thawed or refrigerated pie, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet and cover the edges of the crust with foil to prevent over-browning. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the crust is crisp.
If you want to freeze individual slices of pie, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or bag. To thaw, remove a slice from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.

How To Reheat Leftover French Apple Cream Pie

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover french apple cream pie on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. This will help prevent the crust from browning too quickly while the filling heats through. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pie is warmed to your liking. The exact time will depend on the size of the slice and how cold it was to begin with.
If you prefer a crispier crust, you can also reheat the pie in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the slice of pie in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the filling is heated through. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
For a quick and easy method, you can reheat individual slices of french apple cream pie in the microwave. Place the slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 30-second intervals until it reaches your desired temperature. Be aware that the microwave may cause the crust to become slightly soggy. To mitigate this, you can place a damp paper towel over the pie slice before microwaving.
If you have a toaster oven, you can use it to reheat your leftover pie slice. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the slice directly on the rack. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the pie is warmed through and the crust is crispy.
For a more unconventional method, you can try reheating your french apple cream pie slice in a waffle iron. Preheat the waffle iron and place the slice in the center. Close the lid and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the filling is heated through. This method works best with smaller slices of pie.

Is Making French Apple Cream Pie at Home Cost-Effective?

This French apple cream pie recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like apple pie filling, cream cheese, and sour cream are relatively affordable and easy to find. The use of a double crust pie and common spices like cinnamon and nutmeg further enhance its value. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Is French Apple Cream Pie Healthy or Unhealthy?

This French apple cream pie recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:

High sugar content from the apple pie filling and added white sugar
Saturated fat from the cream cheese and sour cream
Refined carbohydrates from the pie crust

The combination of these ingredients can contribute to increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease when consumed in excess.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and topping, or use a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit
Replace the cream cheese and sour cream with low-fat or non-fat versions, or use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative
Use a whole wheat or almond flour crust to increase fiber and nutrient content
Incorporate more spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, which have anti-inflammatory properties and can enhance the natural sweetness of the apples
Serve smaller portions and pair with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad to balance out the richness of the pie

By making these adjustments, you can still enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dessert while minimizing its potential negative impact on your health.

Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on the French Apple Cream Pie Recipe

This French apple cream pie recipe is a delightful fusion of classic apple pie and creamy cheesecake elements. The combination of spiced apple filling with the tangy cream cheese and sour cream layer adds depth and richness. The lemon zest and juice provide a refreshing contrast, enhancing the overall flavor profile. The double crust ensures a satisfying, flaky texture. However, using fresh apples instead of canned filling could elevate the dish further. Overall, it's a comforting and indulgent dessert that balances sweetness and tartness beautifully.

Enhance Your French Apple Cream Pie Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: Imagine the crispiness of roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze. The slight bitterness of the sprouts pairs beautifully with the sweet and creamy notes of the French Apple Cream Pie, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Butternut Squash Soup: A velvety butternut squash soup can be the perfect prelude to your dessert. The rich, earthy flavors of the soup will complement the spices in the pie, making each bite of the French Apple Cream Pie even more delightful.

Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tart: For a savory contrast, consider a caramelized onion and goat cheese tart. The sweetness of the onions and the tanginess of the goat cheese will provide a delightful counterpoint to the creamy, sweet apple pie.

Arugula and Pear Salad with Candied Walnuts: A fresh arugula and pear salad with candied walnuts can add a refreshing crunch to your meal. The peppery arugula and sweet pears will enhance the flavors of the French Apple Cream Pie, while the candied walnuts add an extra layer of sweetness.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus: For a touch of elegance, serve prosciutto-wrapped asparagus. The salty prosciutto and tender asparagus will provide a savory contrast to the rich, creamy apple pie, making each bite a delightful experience.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love French Apple Cream Pie

Dutch Apple Pie: Imagine a dessert that combines a buttery, flaky crust with a rich apple filling, topped with a sweet and crunchy streusel. This Dutch Apple Pie is a classic that never goes out of style. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Apple Crumble: For those who love a good apple dessert but want something a bit simpler, Apple Crumble is the way to go. Juicy apples are baked under a blanket of buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumble. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible treat.

Apple Tart: Elevate your dessert game with a sophisticated Apple Tart. Thinly sliced apples are arranged in a beautiful pattern over a layer of rich almond cream, all encased in a crisp, buttery tart shell. It’s as stunning to look at as it is delicious to eat.

Apple Strudel: Take a trip to Austria with a classic Apple Strudel. This dessert features a flaky, golden-brown pastry filled with spiced apples, raisins, and a hint of lemon zest. It’s perfect for a cozy afternoon with a cup of coffee or tea.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake: Combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet and tart flavors of caramel apples in this decadent dessert. A graham cracker crust holds a luscious cheesecake filling, topped with caramelized apples and a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s a showstopper that’s sure to impress.

Appetizers and Main Dishes to Serve with French Apple Cream Pie

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Elevate your next gathering with these delectable stuffed mushrooms. Imagine plump mushroom caps filled with a savory blend of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The cream cheese provides a rich, creamy base, while the garlic and herbs add layers of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. Bake them until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown. Serve warm, and watch them disappear in no time.

Bruschetta: Transport your guests to Italy with a classic bruschetta. Start with slices of toasted baguette, brushed with olive oil and lightly rubbed with garlic. Top each slice with a vibrant mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The tomatoes provide a juicy, sweet contrast to the crisp bread, while the basil adds a fresh, aromatic note. This simple yet elegant appetizer is perfect for any occasion.

Main Courses:

Chicken Marsala: Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich and savory marsala wine sauce. The chicken is lightly coated in flour and sautéed until golden brown, then simmered with mushrooms and marsala wine to create a deeply flavorful sauce. Serve it over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes or al dente pasta to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Beef Stroganoff: Beef Stroganoff is a comforting and hearty dish that features tender strips of beef cooked in a creamy sour cream sauce. The beef is first seared to lock in its juices, then simmered with onions, mushrooms, and a touch of white wine to build layers of flavor. The addition of sour cream creates a velvety sauce that perfectly complements the rich beef. Serve this over a bed of egg noodles or rice for a satisfying meal that will warm you from the inside out. Top with a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.

Why trust this French Apple Cream Pie Recipe:

This French apple cream pie recipe combines the classic flavors of apple pie filling with a creamy twist, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon zest enhances the apple's natural sweetness, while the cream cheese and sour cream add a rich, smooth texture. The double crust ensures a flaky, golden finish. Trust this recipe for its perfect balance of flavors and textures, creating a pie that's both comforting and indulgent.

Share your thoughts on this delectable French Apple Cream Pie recipe in the Baking and Desserts forum and let's discuss how to make this classic dessert even better!

FAQ:

How do I prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy?

To keep the bottom crust from getting soggy, you can blind bake it for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. Just line it with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans.

Can I use fresh apples instead of apple pie filling?

Absolutely! Just peel, core, and slice about 5-6 medium apples. You might want to cook them down a bit with some sugar and spices to soften them before adding to the pie.

What type of apples work best for this pie?

I like to use a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. It gives a nice balance of flavors and textures.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it a day ahead. Just keep it covered and stored in the refrigerator. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

How do I know when the pie is done baking?

The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges start to brown too quickly, you can cover them with foil to prevent burning.