Frequently Asked Questions
What is Autumn Delight Sour Cream Apple Pie?
It is a classic fall dessert featuring tart Granny Smith apples in a creamy sour cream filling, topped with a crunchy, spiced walnut streusel.
What type of apples should I use for this pie?
The recipe specifically calls for Granny Smith apples because their tartness and firm texture balance the sweet filling and hold up well during baking.
How many apples do I need to prepare?
You will need approximately 2 1/4 pounds of apples, which is roughly 6 medium-sized Granny Smith apples.
What are the ingredients for the spiced streusel topping?
The topping consists of walnuts, light brown sugar, yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and chilled unsalted butter.
Can I make the streusel topping in advance?
Yes, the spiced streusel can be prepared one day ahead of time. Just cover it and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to bake.
How do I prepare the streusel?
Pulse walnuts, brown sugar, cornmeal, flour, and spices in a food processor until nuts are finely chopped, then pulse in chilled butter until moist clumps form.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for baking this pie.
How long does the pie need to bake?
The pie should bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the apples are tender and the streusel topping has turned golden brown.
Where should the oven rack be positioned?
The rack should be positioned in the center of the oven for even heat distribution.
What is the purpose of sour cream in this recipe?
Sour cream acts as the base for the filling, creating a rich and creamy texture that complements the tartness of the apples.
What spices are used in the apple filling?
The filling is seasoned with a blend of ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves.
How should the apples be sliced?
The apples should be peeled, quartered, cored, and then cut into wedges that are approximately 1/2-inch thick.
Do I need to pre-bake the pie crust?
No, the instructions indicate that the apple filling is transferred directly into a prepared (unbaked) pie crust before baking.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of this pie contains approximately 350 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
One serving of the Autumn Delight Sour Cream Apple Pie contains 20g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 38g of carbohydrates in each serving of this dessert.
How much protein does this pie provide?
This pie provides 5g of protein per serving.
What should I do if the streusel is browning too quickly?
If the topping browns too fast before the apples are done, you can loosely tent the pie with aluminum foil during the remainder of the baking time.
How should the pie be cooled?
Once removed from the oven, transfer the pie to a wire rack and let it cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
The pie is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature, ideally served with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Does this recipe use white or brown sugar for the filling?
The filling uses 1/4 cup of granulated white sugar, while the streusel topping uses 1/2 cup of light brown sugar.
What role does cornmeal play in the streusel?
Yellow cornmeal is added to the streusel to provide a unique crunch and texture that differentiates it from standard flour-only toppings.
Is the butter used in the streusel salted or unsalted?
The recipe calls for 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter, which should be chilled and cut into small pieces.
Can I use a food processor for the entire recipe?
The food processor is specifically used for the streusel topping; the apple filling should be tossed by hand in a large bowl.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 15 ingredients, including the prepared pie crust and various spices.
Is this pie suitable for holiday gatherings?
Yes, its combination of warm spices and fall flavors makes it a sophisticated and impressive choice for holiday meals or cozy family dinners.
What nuts are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes 2/3 cup of chopped walnuts specifically for the spiced streusel topping.
How do I ensure the apples are evenly coated?
Toss the apple wedges with the sour cream first, then sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over them and toss gently again.
Does the recipe include any flour in the filling?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour are mixed into the apple filling to help thicken the juices as they bake.
Can I serve this pie cold?
While it can be served at room temperature, it is most flavorful when served slightly warm.