Grandma Esslinger's Rich German Apple Pie
Experience the nostalgic flavor of my great-grandmother Esslinger's authentic German Apple Pie, a delightful departure from the typical 'Dutch' version. This pie features a velvety, rich filling made from sour cream and tart apples, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Each bite offers a warm embrace of flavor, making it the ideal dessert for family gatherings or special occasions. While the baking time may vary based on your choice of apples and their size, this pie should be watched closely to ensure a golden top without burning. Let the pie cool overnight to achieve the best texture and prevent a soggy crust.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pie Shell
1 (9-inch, prepared)
Tart Apples
3 medium (peeled, cored, and cut into 8 pieces)
Sugar
1 cup (granulated)
Sour Cream
1 cup (full-fat)
Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (scant)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2
Prepare your 9-inch pie shell by fitting it into a pie plate and trimming any excess crust around the edges.
3
Peel, core, and slice the apples into eighths, ensuring they are evenly spaced in the pie shell with the cores facing upwards.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar, sour cream, and a scant 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
5
Gently pour the creamy mixture over the arranged apple slices, ensuring they are well covered.
6
Place the pie pan on a cookie sheet, then position it on the oven rack about 4 inches above the bottom to promote even baking.
7
Bake slowly in the preheated oven until the filling has set and is beginning to brown lightly, about 45-60 minutes. Check the pie periodically to prevent over-baking.
8
Insert a toothpick into the center of the pie; it should come out clean when the pie is ready. The apples should also feel tender.
9
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack overnight. This helps maintain a crisp crust and enhances the flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grandma Esslinger's Rich German Apple Pie?
It is an authentic German dessert featuring a velvety filling of sour cream and tart apples, distinct from the typical Dutch version.
How does this recipe differ from a Dutch apple pie?
Unlike Dutch apple pie which often uses a crumble topping, this German version uses a rich sour cream-based filling that creates a creamy, tangy texture.
What type of apples are best for this pie?
The recipe calls for tart apples to create a perfect balance with the sweet and creamy filling.
How many apples do I need?
You will need 3 medium tart apples for a standard 9-inch pie.
How should the apples be sliced?
The apples should be peeled, cored, and sliced into eighths before being placed in the pie shell.
What size pie shell is required?
A 9-inch prepared pie shell is used for this recipe.
What are the main ingredients for the filling?
The filling is a mixture of 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of full-fat sour cream, and a scant 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius).
How long does the pie need to bake?
The pie typically bakes for 45 to 60 minutes, though you should watch it closely to ensure it doesn't burn.
How can I tell when the pie is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean and the apples should feel tender.
Why should I cool the pie overnight?
Cooling the pie overnight helps achieve the best texture, enhances the flavors, and prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
How should the apples be arranged in the crust?
The apple eighths should be evenly spaced in the pie shell with the core side facing upwards.
Where in the oven should the pie be placed?
Position the oven rack about 4 inches above the bottom of the oven to promote even baking.
Should I use a cookie sheet during baking?
Yes, place the pie pan on a cookie sheet to help with stability and catch any potential drips.
What kind of sour cream is recommended?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of full-fat sour cream for the richest flavor and best consistency.
How much cinnamon is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses a scant 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon mixed into the sour cream and sugar.
Is the pie shell homemade or store-bought?
You can use a prepared 9-inch pie shell, making sure to trim any excess crust around the edges.
What is the flavor profile of this pie?
It offers a nostalgic, warm embrace of flavor with a balance of sweet sugar and tangy sour cream.
Should the filling be smooth before pouring?
Yes, stir the sugar, sour cream, and cinnamon thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
How do I ensure the apples are well covered?
Gently pour the creamy mixture over the arranged apple slices, making sure each piece is coated.
What should the top of the pie look like when finished?
The filling should be set and the top should be beginning to brown lightly.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Letting the pie cool overnight is the primary method recommended to maintain a crisp crust.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: a pie shell, tart apples, sugar, sour cream, and cinnamon.
What type of sugar should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of granulated sugar.
Is this a good dessert for gatherings?
Yes, its unique creamy texture and nostalgic flavor make it ideal for family gatherings or special occasions.
Do I need to check the pie during baking?
Yes, you should check the pie periodically to prevent over-baking and to ensure a golden top without burning.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include apple pie, german dessert, sour cream pie, family recipe, traditional dessert, fall dessert, and tart apples.
How should I prepare the pie shell?
Fit the shell into a pie plate and trim any excess crust around the edges before adding the apples.
Can the baking time vary?
Yes, baking time may vary based on your choice of apples and their size, ranging from 45 to 60 minutes.
What cooling method is recommended?
Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack overnight.