Classic Apple Pie with Lemon Cream Filling

### How to Make Classic Apple Pie with Lemon Cream Filling

#### Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Start by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples into thin, even slices. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning. Add the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and stir to coat the apples evenly. The flour will help thicken the filling as it bakes, while the sugar and spices will infuse the apples with flavor.

#### Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your pie dough on a lightly floured surface. Line a 9-inch pie dish with the dough, pressing it into the corners and trimming any excess. If using refrigerated pie dough, simply fit it into the pie dish and press down gently.

#### Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Spoon the prepared apple mixture into the pie crust, making sure to distribute the apples evenly. Dot the top of the filling with small pieces of butter to add richness and help the filling become tender during baking. Place the second pie crust over the apples, sealing the edges by crimping with your fingers or a fork. If you like, you can create a decorative lattice top with the second crust.

Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. You can also brush the top with a bit of milk or an egg wash (a beaten egg with a splash of water) for a golden, shiny finish.

#### Step 4: Bake the Pie
Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for about **45-50 minutes**, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. You may want to cover the edges of the crust with foil halfway through to prevent them from browning too much. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely.

#### Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Cream Filling
While the pie is cooling, prepare the lemon cream filling. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, powdered sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as you want the filling to stay light and creamy rather than stiff.

#### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the pie has cooled, slice it and serve each piece with a generous dollop of the lemon cream filling. The cool, creamy filling pairs beautifully with the warm, spiced apple pie, making every bite irresistible. Garnish with additional lemon zest or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

### Tips for Perfect Apple Pie with Lemon Cream Filling

1. **Choose the Right Apples**: A mix of tart and sweet apples works best for this pie. Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well, while sweeter apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji provide natural sweetness. A combination gives the pie the perfect balance of flavors.

2. **Make the Pie Ahead of Time**: If you’re preparing this pie for a special occasion, you can make the apple pie ahead of time and refrigerate it. The lemon cream filling can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.

3. **Don’t Skip the Lemon Zest**: The lemon zest in the cream filling is crucial for adding depth to the citrus flavor. It provides a bright, aromatic touch that complements the apples beautifully.

4. **Serve Warm or Cold**: This pie is delicious served either warm or chilled, so feel free to serve it according to your preference. If you choose to serve it warm, let it cool slightly before adding the lemon cream filling to prevent it from melting.

5. **Top with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream**: For an extra indulgent treat, serve the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream in addition to the lemon cream filling. This adds even more richness to the dessert.

### Why This Apple Pie is a Must-Try

This **Classic Apple Pie with Lemon Cream Filling** is a refreshing twist on the traditional apple pie that will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. The creamy lemon filling enhances the natural sweetness of the apples and brings a unique layer of flavor to the dish, making it more than just an ordinary pie. Whether it’s for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or simply as a treat for yourself, this pie is a showstopper.

With its flaky crust, tender apple filling, and refreshing lemon cream topping, this dessert is a beautiful balance of textures and flavors. It’s a dish that looks impressive, tastes divine, and offers something a little different from your average apple pie.

### Conclusion: A Fresh Take on a Classic Dessert

If you love apple pie but are looking for something a bit more exciting, **Classic Apple Pie with Lemon Cream Filling** is the perfect solution. This pie brings together the comforting flavors of a traditional apple pie with the zesty, creamy goodness of lemon, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. Easy to make and utterly delicious, this pie is sure to become a favorite for years to come.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for a classic dessert with a twist, give this lemon cream-filled apple pie a try—it’s a dessert experience that everyone will remember!