Apple pie is a beloved dessert that brings comfort and warmth to the table, often evoking memories of cozy gatherings and family traditions. This Classic Apple Pie with Lemon Cream Filling takes the traditional apple pie and elevates it with a tangy, creamy lemon filling that complements the sweet, spiced apples beautifully. The buttery crust, filled with the smooth lemon cream and topped with tender apples, is finished off with a light and crunchy almond-flake topping. This pie is versatile, perfect for family dinners, holiday celebrations, or any time you’re craving a delicious dessert.
This recipe combines classic apple pie elements—fresh apples, a buttery crust, and a sweet topping—with a fresh, citrusy twist from the lemon cream. The lemon adds a refreshing flavor that balances the sweetness of the apples, creating a delightful contrast in every bite. Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced pastry chef, this pie is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
The dough for this pie is simple to prepare but results in a beautifully flaky crust. The ingredients you’ll need include:
- 2 eggs: The eggs help bind the dough and contribute to its texture, giving it a tender yet sturdy structure.
- 5 tablespoons sugar (100g): The sugar provides sweetness and helps the crust brown nicely when baked.
- 8g vanilla sugar: Adds a subtle vanilla flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the crust.
- 5 tablespoons butter (100g), softened: The butter creates the rich, flaky texture of the dough, contributing to its overall flavor.
- 360g all-purpose flour: The flour is the base of the dough and gives it structure.
- 8g baking powder: The baking powder ensures that the dough has a light texture and rises slightly during baking, preventing it from becoming too dense.
For the Lemon Cream Filling:
This lemon cream filling is a custard-like base that adds a tangy, creamy element to the pie. The ingredients for the filling are:
- 1 egg yolk: The egg yolk is used to create a rich and creamy filling.
- 4 tablespoons sugar (80g): Sweetens the filling and balances the tartness of the lemon.
- Grated peel of 1 lemon: Adds a fresh, zesty lemon flavor that infuses the entire filling.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch (50g): The cornstarch thickens the filling and helps it set properly when baked.
- 500 ml milk: The milk serves as the liquid base for the filling, creating a smooth texture.
- 1 tablespoon butter (20g): The butter enriches the flavor of the filling and adds a silky finish.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: The lemon juice brings out the tartness that perfectly complements the creamy filling.
For the Apple Topping:
The apple topping is simple but crucial for providing the familiar apple pie experience. For this part, you’ll need:
- 6 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced: The apples provide the classic filling of any apple pie. For this recipe, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work best, as they hold their shape well during baking and provide a balance of sweetness and tartness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: The lemon juice prevents the apples from browning and enhances their flavor.
For Decoration:
The final touches for the pie’s appearance and texture are the decorations. To finish your apple pie with lemon cream filling, you’ll need:
- 2 egg whites, beaten: The beaten egg whites are spread over the apples before baking, creating a light, fluffy layer that adds texture and sweetness.
- Almond flakes: These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the top of the pie.
- Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar before serving adds an elegant finish to the pie.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when the pie goes in. Next, grease a 26 cm (10-inch) round baking pan with butter to prevent the crust from sticking during baking. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the 2 eggs, sugar, and vanilla sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using a hand mixer or whisk.
Add the softened butter to the egg mixture and continue mixing until fully combined. The butter should be soft but not melted, as this will help achieve a flaky crust.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. This can be done using a spatula or a spoon. Once the dough begins to form, gently knead it until it comes together. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If necessary, add a little more flour to get the right consistency.
Once your dough is ready, press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, making sure to form a crust around the edges. Set the pan aside while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Cream Filling
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the egg yolk, sugar, grated lemon peel, and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth. This step is important as it prevents the cornstarch from clumping when you add the milk.
Slowly pour the milk into the mixture while stirring constantly. This gradual addition helps ensure that the milk integrates smoothly with the rest of the ingredients. Place the saucepan over medium heat and continue whisking. The mixture will begin to thicken after about 5-7 minutes of cooking. Once it reaches a custard-like consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat.
Stir in the butter and lemon juice, and continue to whisk until both are fully incorporated. Allow the cream to cool slightly before pouring it over the dough in the baking pan. The cream will thicken further as it cools.
Step 3: Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and slice the apples. Toss them with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent them from browning. This step not only keeps the apples looking fresh but also adds a slight tartness that will complement the sweetness of the filling. Arrange the apple slices in a single layer over the lemon cream filling. The apples should cover the entire surface of the pie, creating a beautiful layer of fruit.
Step 4: Decorate and Bake
Beat the 2 egg whites until stiff peaks form. This means that when you lift the beaters, the egg whites should hold their shape without drooping. Gently spread the beaten egg whites over the apples, creating a light, fluffy layer. This step adds texture and sweetness to the top of the pie.
Sprinkle the top with almond flakes for added crunch and flavor. The almond flakes will toast slightly as the pie bakes, adding a nutty aroma to the dish.
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden and the apples are tender. The top should also be lightly browned, and the lemon cream should be bubbling around the edges. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Once the pie is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Just before serving, dust the top of the pie with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Cooking Tips
- Prevent Soggy Dough: If you’re concerned about the crust becoming soggy from the filling, you can prebake (blind bake) the crust for 10 minutes before adding the cream and apples. This helps firm up the crust and prevent it from becoming too soft.
- Apple Varieties: For the best texture and flavor, use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. These varieties hold their shape well when baked and offer a good balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Beating Egg Whites: Make sure that the bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry before beating the egg whites. Even a small amount of fat or moisture can prevent the egg whites from reaching stiff peaks.
Nutritional Benefits
- Apples: Apples are rich in fiber, which promotes digestion, and vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system.
- Lemon: Lemons are a great source of vitamin C, known for boosting the immune system and improving skin health.
- Eggs: Eggs provide high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin B12, which supports brain health.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Suitable for vegetarians.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour for the dough to make this pie suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat individual slices, place them in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 5-10 minutes to preserve the crispiness of the crust.
Conclusion
This Classic Apple Pie with Lemon Cream Filling is a refreshing twist on a traditional dessert. The creamy lemon filling adds a tangy balance to the sweet apples, and the flaky crust complements the texture perfectly. The addition of almond flakes and powdered sugar enhances the pie’s visual appeal and flavor, making it a show-stopping dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, having a family dinner, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this pie will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven, or store leftovers for a delightful snack later on!