There’s something truly special about the Little Pie Company Sour Cream Apple Pie Walnut recipe that makes it a standout dessert. Combining tart apples with the creamy tang of sour cream and the crunch of toasted walnuts creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This pie brings a fresh twist to a classic favorite that we can’t get enough of.
We love how the sour cream adds moisture and richness, keeping the filling luscious without being overly sweet. The walnuts lend a satisfying crunch that complements the tender apple slices beautifully. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or a cozy night in, this pie promises to impress with every bite. Let’s dive into making this delicious treat that’s sure to become a new favorite in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients
To make the Little Pie Company Sour Cream Apple Pie Walnut recipe perfectly, we need fresh and high-quality ingredients. Each component contributes to the pie’s unique flavor and texture—from the flaky crust to the creamy filling and the crunchy walnut topping.
For the Pie Crust
We start with a tender, flaky crust that holds all the delicious elements together.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the Sour Cream Apple Filling
This part combines the tartness of apples with the richness of sour cream, creating a moist and flavorful core.
- 6 medium tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced thin
- 1 cup sour cream, full-fat for creaminess
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the Walnut Topping
The walnut topping adds crunch and depth, balancing the smooth filling with a nutty crunch.
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped roughly
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
| Ingredient Group | Key Ingredients | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pie Crust | Flour, Butter, Sugar, Salt, Water | 2 ½ cups, 1 cup, 1 tsp, ½ tsp, 6-8 tbsp | Cold butter, ice water |
| Sour Cream Apple Filling | Tart Apples, Sour Cream, Sugar, Flour, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Lemon Juice | 6 apples, 1 cup, ¾ cup, 2 tbsp, 1 tsp, ½ tsp, 1 tbsp | Thinly sliced apples |
| Walnut Topping | Walnuts, Brown Sugar, Butter, Cinnamon | 1 cup, ¼ cup, 2 tbsp, 1 tsp | Chopped walnuts |
By carefully preparing each ingredient, our Sour Cream Apple Pie Walnut will bake into a perfectly balanced dessert showcasing a luscious creamy center and a satisfyingly crunchy topping.
Equipment Needed
To successfully create the Little Pie Company Sour Cream Apple Pie Walnut recipe, having the right equipment is essential. This ensures each step flows smoothly and achieves the perfect texture and flavor balance between the flaky crust, creamy sour cream filling, and crunchy walnut topping.
Essential Tools for Pie Crust Preparation
- Mixing Bowls: Use medium and large bowls for combining the pie dough ingredients.
- Pastry Cutter or Food Processor: For cutting the cold unsalted butter into the flour to achieve that tender, flaky crust.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurement tools for sugar, flour, salt, and ice water.
- Plastic Wrap: To tightly wrap the pie dough for chilling, which helps with dough elasticity and ease of rolling.
Equipment for Filling and Assembly
- Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Ideal for lightly cooking the apple slices with sugar and spices before mixing with sour cream.
- Sharp Knife: To peel, core, and slice the tart apples evenly for consistent baking.
- Cutting Board: A stable surface for prepping apples and chopping walnuts.
- Mixing Spoon or Silicone Spatula: To fold the sour cream into the apple mixture without breaking down the fruit.
Baking and Finishing Tools
- 9-inch Pie Dish: The recommended size ensures the pie bakes evenly with a balanced crust-to-filling ratio.
- Rolling Pin: For rolling out the chilled pie dough to the desired thickness and size.
- Pastry Brush: To apply egg wash or milk to the crust for a golden finish.
- Aluminum Foil or Pie Shield: To cover edges of the crust during baking and prevent over-browning.
- Cooling Rack: Essential for allowing the pie to cool evenly without condensation forming on the bottom.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls | Combine dry and wet ingredients |
| Pastry Cutter/Food Processor | Cut butter into flour for flaky crust |
| Measuring Cups and Spoons | Accurate ingredient measuring |
| Plastic Wrap | Chill dough wrapped tightly |
| Large Skillet | Lightly cook apple filling |
| Sharp Knife | Peel, core, and slice apples |
| Cutting Board | Safe surface for apple and walnut prep |
| Mixing Spoon/Spatula | Combine filling ingredients smoothly |
| 9-inch Pie Dish | Bake the pie evenly |
| Rolling Pin | Roll out dough evenly |
| Pastry Brush | Apply egg wash for crust glazing |
| Aluminum Foil/Pie Shield | Protect crust edges from burning |
| Cooling Rack | Cool pie evenly after baking |
Having these tools ready before starting will help us prepare the sour cream apple pie with walnut topping efficiently and with confidence. Each piece of equipment plays a specific role in highlighting the flavors and textures that make this recipe truly exceptional.
Prep Work
Before we begin assembling our Little Pie Company Sour Cream Apple Pie Walnut, it’s crucial to focus on the Prep Work. Proper preparation of our crust, apples, and walnuts sets the foundation for a perfectly textured and flavorful pie.
Preparing the Pie Crust
To achieve a tender, flaky crust, follow these steps precisely:
- Measure 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt into a large mixing bowl.
- Cut 1 cup of cold unsalted butter into small cubes. Use a pastry cutter or food processor to combine the butter with the dry ingredients. Work quickly until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining.
- Add ½ cup of ice water gradually, mixing gently with a fork until the dough begins to come together. Avoid overworking the dough to maintain flakiness.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts, flatten each into a disc, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill.
This chilling step is essential to firm up the butter, which creates the crust’s flaky layers during baking.
Preparing the Apples
The apple preparation defines the pie’s vibrant flavor and texture:
- Choose Tart apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. You will need 6 cups sliced thinly (about 6 medium apples).
- Peel, core, and slice the apples evenly, ensuring uniform thickness for consistent cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Prepare the sour cream mixture by combining 1 cup sour cream with the tossed apples to add richness and moisture to the filling.
Toasting the Walnuts
To elevate the crunch and flavor of our walnut topping, proper toasting is key:
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Heat | Preheat skillet over medium heat |
| Add Walnuts | Place 1 cup chopped walnuts in pan |
| Toast Duration | Stir frequently for 4-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned |
| Cool Down | Transfer to a plate to cool completely before mixing with topping ingredients |
“Toasted walnuts release their natural oils enhancing aroma and crunch — a must for our walnut topping.”
By carefully prepping the crust, apples, and walnuts, we ensure each component of the Little Pie Company Sour Cream Apple Pie Walnut shines through with optimal texture and flavor. Our pie’s creamy, tart, and crunchy balance starts here.
Directions
Follow these precise steps to create the Little Pie Company Sour Cream Apple Pie Walnut recipe that delivers a perfect harmony of creamy, tart, and crunchy flavors.
Making the Pie Crust
- Combine 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl.
- Cut in 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water, mixing gently with a fork until the dough begins to come together.
- Form the dough into two equal disks, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Roll out one disk on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
- Transfer the dough to the pie dish, trim excess edges, and refrigerate while preparing the filling.
Preparing the Sour Cream Apple Filling
- Slice 6 cups of tart apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) into ¼-inch thick pieces.
- In a large bowl, mix the apple slices with the following:
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup |
| All-purpose flour | 3 tablespoons |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground nutmeg | ½ teaspoon |
| Sour cream | 1 cup |
- Toss gently to coat the apples evenly, ensuring the sour cream integrates fully for moisture and richness.
Assembling the Pie
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Pour the sour cream apple filling into the chilled crust, spreading evenly.
- Roll out the second piece of dough to create a lattice or full top crust depending on your preference.
- Seal the edges by pinching together the bottom and top crust.
- Brush the crust lightly with an egg wash (1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water) for a golden finish.
Adding the Walnut Topping
- Combine 1 cup chopped walnuts with ⅓ cup packed brown sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle the walnut mixture evenly over the apple filling or lattice crust.
- Cover the crust edges with aluminum foil or a pie shield to prevent over-browning.
- Bake the pie on the middle rack at 400°F (204°C) for 15 minutes.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) and bake for an additional 40 to 45 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles.
- Cool the pie on a wire rack for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set before serving.
Baking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the crust to bake evenly while the filling sets perfectly.
- Prepare the pie for baking:
- Place the assembled pie on the middle rack of the oven to ensure balanced heat distribution.
- Cover the pie edges with aluminum foil or a pie shield to prevent over-browning of the crust during the first 30 minutes.
- Bake the pie for 50 minutes total:
- Bake covered for the first 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil or pie shield and continue baking for the remaining 20 minutes to develop a golden brown crust and a bubbly filling.
| Baking Step | Temperature | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Baking | 375°F | 30 minutes | Cover edges with foil/pie shield |
| Final Baking | 375°F | 20 minutes | Remove cover for browning |
- Check the filling:
- Look for a bubbling, creamy texture around the pie edges.
- The crust should be golden and flaky.
- If the crust browns too quickly, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue baking until filling sets.
- Cool the pie:
- Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack.
- Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours to let the sour cream apple filling thicken beautifully.
- Cooling enhances the flavor fusion of tart apples, creamy sour cream, and crunchy walnuts.
- Serving tip:
- Slice with a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean slices.
- Serve at room temperature or slightly warm.
- Optionally garnish with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to complement the rich sour cream apple walnut filling.
Cooling and Serving Tips
After baking our Little Pie Company Sour Cream Apple Pie Walnut recipe to golden perfection, proper cooling and serving are essential to maximize its flavor and texture.
Cooling Process
- Cool on a wire rack immediately after removing the pie from the oven. This air circulation prevents sogginess on the bottom.
- Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours at room temperature. During this time the rich filling thickens and sets, balancing the creamy sour cream and tart apple flavors.
- Avoid refrigerating the pie immediately as this can stiffen the flaky crust and mute the spiced walnut topping’s aroma.
- Once fully cooled you may cover the pie loosely with foil or plastic wrap if not serving right away. This protects freshness without trapping steam.
Serving Recommendations
- Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to slice clean pieces without disturbing the creamy filling.
- For added contrast, serve slices warm or at room temperature paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess complements the pie’s tangy richness and crunchy walnuts.
- Garnish with a light sprinkle of cinnamon or finely chopped toasted walnuts to enhance aroma and texture.
- This pie pairs beautifully with a cup of fresh brewed black coffee or a lightly spiced chai tea for a cozy dessert experience.
| Cooling Step | Purpose | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Remove pie to wire rack | Prevent soggy crust by air circulation | Immediate |
| Rest at room temp | Allow filling to set and flavors to meld | At least 2 hours |
| Cover loosely if needed | Preserve freshness without trapping moisture | After cooling |
By following these steps we ensure every bite of our Sour Cream Apple Pie Walnut dazzles with a balance of moist creamy filling crisp flaky crust and crunchy walnut topping.
Storage Recommendations
To maintain the delightful flavors and textures of our Little Pie Company Sour Cream Apple Pie Walnut, proper storage is essential. Follow these guidelines to keep the pie fresh and enjoyable for days to come.
Room Temperature Storage
- After baking and cooling for at least 2 hours on a wire rack, store the pie uncovered or loosely covered at room temperature.
- Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Room temperature storage is best for up to 2 days, preserving the flaky crust and crunchy walnut topping without moisture buildup.
Refrigeration
- If you need to store the pie longer, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors and drying out.
- Place the wrapped pie in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Refrigeration will firm the filling and crust slightly. To restore some softness, allow the pie to come to room temperature before serving or warm individual slices briefly in the microwave (about 15-20 seconds).
Freezing
- To freeze the pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil or place it in an airtight freezer bag.
- The pie freezes well for up to 2 months without significant loss of quality.
- Thaw frozen pie in the refrigerator overnight for the best results.
- Reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes to refresh the crust and warm the filling.
| Storage Method | Ideal Wrapping | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Uncovered/loose cover | Up to 2 days | Keeps crust crisp |
| Refrigeration | Plastic wrap/foil | Up to 4 days | May firm crust; warm before serving |
| Freezing | Plastic + foil or bag | Up to 2 months | Thaw overnight; reheat thoroughly |
Important Tips
“Avoid refrigerating immediately after baking” to prevent soggy crust and topping. Proper cooling first is crucial.
Use sharp knives dipped in hot water for clean slices whether serving fresh or stored pie.
Before serving refrigerated or frozen pie, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the rich, creamy filling and walnut crunch.
By applying these Storage Recommendations, we ensure our Sour Cream Apple Pie Walnut stays moist, flavorful, and crisp—ready to satisfy our pie cravings at any time.
Conclusion
This Sour Cream Apple Pie Walnut recipe truly stands out with its perfect blend of creamy, tart, and crunchy elements. It’s a dessert that not only satisfies classic pie lovers but also offers a fresh twist that’s sure to impress.
By following the steps carefully and using quality ingredients, we can create a pie that’s moist, flavorful, and beautifully textured. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy treat, this pie delivers a memorable experience every time.
We encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy the wonderful balance of flavors and textures that make it so unique and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Little Pie Company Sour Cream Apple Pie Walnut unique?
This pie combines tart apples, creamy sour cream, and crunchy walnuts, offering a moist, rich filling with a satisfying texture twist on a classic dessert.
What ingredients are needed for the pie crust?
The crust requires all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, sugar, salt, and ice water for a tender, flaky base.
Which apples are best for this sour cream apple pie?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are recommended for the ideal balance of flavor and texture.
How do walnuts enhance this apple pie?
Toasted walnuts add a crunchy texture and a rich, nutty aroma that complements the creamy filling.
What equipment is essential for making this pie?
Key tools include mixing bowls, a pastry cutter or food processor, measuring cups, a large skillet, a 9-inch pie dish, rolling pin, pastry brush, and a cooling rack.
How should I prepare the pie crust?
Measure ingredients, cut cold butter into flour, mix gently, and chill the dough wrapped in plastic wrap before rolling out.
What is the baking temperature and time for this pie?
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 50 minutes, covering edges with foil for the first 30 minutes, then uncovered for the last 20 minutes.
How long should the pie cool before serving?
Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack at room temperature for at least 2 hours to let the filling set and flavors meld.
Can I refrigerate the pie immediately after baking?
Avoid immediate refrigeration to prevent a soggy crust; cool it completely first, then refrigerate if storing longer than 2 days.
How should I store leftover pie?
Keep leftovers at room temperature up to 2 days or refrigerate tightly wrapped for up to 4 days; freeze for up to 2 months if needed.
What is the best way to serve the pie?
Slice with a sharp knife dipped in hot water and optionally serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra richness.
Does this pie pair well with beverages?
Yes, it pairs wonderfully with coffee or chai tea, enhancing the cozy dessert experience.