Name: Sour Cream Apple Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Package pie crust (store-bought is fine, you will only need 1 crust); 1 Cup sour cream; ⅔ Cup brown sugar (packed); 2 Tablespoons cornstarch; ½ Teaspoon salt; 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 2 ½ Cups apples (peeled, cored and sliced); ½ Cup brown sugar (packed); ¼ Cup all-purpose flour; ½ Teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 Tablespoons salted butter (at room temperature)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 46 reviews

If you are looking for a delightful twist on a classic dessert, this Sour Cream Apple Pie Recipe is an absolute gem that will win your heart (and your taste buds) in every bite. The beautiful marriage between tangy sour cream and sweet, tender apple slices wrapped in a buttery flaky crust results in a pie that is rich, moist, and full of comforting flavors. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just craving a slice of homemade goodness, this pie combines simple ingredients in a way that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly delicious.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows an overhead view of ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. There are three bright green apples grouped together on the right side. To their left, there is a gold-colored measuring cup filled with thick white cream and another measuring cup with white flour next to it. Above these, there is a small gold foil-wrapped stick of butter partially unwrapped. Near the center, there is a single white egg sitting in a small flower-shaped white bowl. Around these central items are various other small white bowls holding light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, granulated white sugar, and white powder that looks like baking powder. To the right side of the layout is a rolled piece of parchment paper standing vertically. Everything is clearly spaced and set against the smooth white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The charm of this Sour Cream Apple Pie Recipe lies in its straightforward list of ingredients that are easy to find but essential in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each component plays a role, from the smooth and tangy sour cream to the spiced apple filling and crumbly streusel topping that add layers of delight.

Pie crust: Using store-bought pie crust saves time and ensures a flaky base without fuss.
Sour cream (1 cup): Brings a creamy tartness that keeps the filling moist and flavorful.
Brown sugar (⅔ cup + ½ cup): Adds deep caramel notes and sweetness to both filling and topping.
Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the filling so every slice holds perfectly.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, aromatic depth to the pie.
Large egg (1): Binds the filling ingredients for a smooth texture.
Apples (2 ½ cups, peeled, cored and sliced): The star ingredient, crisp and sweet to create the perfect pie filling.
All-purpose flour (¼ cup): Combines with butter and sugar to form the buttery streusel topping.
Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Infuses the topping with inviting warmth and spice.
Salted butter (2 tablespoons, softened): Adds richness and helps create the crumbly topping texture.

How to Make Sour Cream Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Before diving into the delicious assembly, get your oven ready by preheating it to 375°F. This ensures the pie cooks evenly and the topping turns golden brown at just the right pace, giving you that perfectly baked crust and filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust

Fit your pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it into the corners and trimming any excess edges. This simple step creates a sturdy foundation that will hold all the luscious filling and streusel topping together without cracking or shrinking.

Step 3: Whisk the Sour Cream Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, ⅔ cup brown sugar, cornstarch, salt, vanilla extract, and the egg until everything is smooth and well combined. This creamy mixture is the magic behind your pie's unique texture and tangy flavor.

Step 4: Fold in the Apple Slices

Gently fold the peeled, cored, and sliced apples into the sour cream mixture until every piece is well coated. This step ensures the apples soak up that tangy sweetness and stay tender once baked, giving your pie a luscious bite.

Step 5: Spread the Filling in the Crust

Pour the apple-filled sour cream mixture into the prepared pie crust and spread it evenly. Taking your time here helps the pie bake uniformly, so each slice has just the right balance of crust and filling.

Step 6: Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, combine the ½ cup brown sugar, flour, softened butter, and cinnamon. Stir these together until the mixture becomes crumbly and streusel-like. This topping will bake into a golden, crunchy layer that beautifully contrasts the smooth filling.

Step 7: Sprinkle the Streusel Over Filling

Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the sour cream and apple filling. Don’t be shy with this — the crumbly layer adds a lovely texture and irresistible sweetness that elevates the entire pie experience.

Step 8: Bake the Pie

Bake your pie in the preheated oven for about 45 to 50 minutes. You'll know it's done when the streusel turns golden and the apples are tender. Keep an eye on your oven, especially towards the end, to avoid over-browning while ensuring a perfect bake.

Step 9: Cool Before Serving

Let the pie cool thoroughly before slicing. This resting time allows the filling to set beautifully, so your slices hold their shape and showcase those irresistible layers of filling and topping.

How to Serve Sour Cream Apple Pie Recipe

A single slice of pie with three visible layers sits on a white plate. The bottom layer is a firm, light golden crust with a slightly crumbly texture. Above it is a thick, pale yellow filling with small pieces of apple embedded inside, showing a soft and dense texture. The top layer is a crumbly, golden brown streusel topping that looks a bit rough and crunchy. A silver dessert fork rests on the plate near the pie slice, and the background has a white marbled surface with a blurry shape of another pie in the back. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This pie shines on its own but adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can take every bite to cloud nine. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce also pairs beautifully with this classic dessert.

Side Dishes

If you want to serve this pie as part of a meal, consider sides like warm spiced cider or a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. These beverages complement the sweet and tangy profile of the pie without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming touch, serve slices on rustic wooden boards or colorful plates that highlight the pie’s golden crust and speckled streusel. Adding fresh apple slices or a sprig of mint beside the slice can make your presentation pop, ideal for family gatherings or special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your pie loosely with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, remaining moist and flavorful so you can enjoy that sour cream apple pie goodness any time.

Freezing

You can freeze this pie either before or after baking. Wrap securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. Frozen pie can last up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a warm oven at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes to restore that freshly baked feel. Avoid microwaving if possible so the crust stays crisp and the filling warms evenly.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pie crust instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade pie crust will enhance the freshness and allow you to customize the thickness and texture as you like, making your Sour Cream Apple Pie Recipe even more special.

What type of apples work best for this pie?

Firm apples that hold their shape and have a balance of sweet and tart flavors, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, work wonderfully in this recipe.

Is the sour cream essential, or can I substitute it?

The sour cream is key to the pie’s unique flavor and creamy texture, but you can substitute Greek yogurt for a similar tang, keeping in mind the final taste will be slightly different.

How can I prevent the crust edges from burning?

To avoid over-baking the crust edges, cover them with foil or a pie crust shield halfway through baking. This shields the delicate crust from too much direct heat.

Can I make this pie gluten-free?

Yes, by using a gluten-free pie crust and substituting all-purpose flour in the streusel with a gluten-free alternative, you can enjoy a gluten-free version of this Sour Cream Apple Pie Recipe without losing any flavor or flair.

Final Thoughts

This Sour Cream Apple Pie Recipe truly offers a deliciously satisfying dessert experience with its perfect blend of creamy, tangy filling and crumbly, sweet topping all wrapped in a flaky crust. I encourage you to give this recipe a try — it’s a wonderful way to bring warmth and joy to your table, especially on cozy evenings or festive occasions. Once you taste it, this pie is sure to become one of your all-time favorites to share with loved ones.

Sour Cream Apple Pie Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need