Dutch Apple Cream Pie

Ingredients

• 8 cups sliced apples (5-6 small/medium apples)
• 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar (gently packed )
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 3 Tbsp cornstarch
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 2 1/2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/8 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup butter ((room temperature))
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (gently packed )
• 1/2 cup quick oats
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ((stir, spoon & level) )
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. 1

   In a large bowl combine apples, lemon juice, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg & salt, & toss to mix. Allow apples to macerate at room temperature for 30 minutes.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, prepare cream cheese layer by whipping the cream cheese with sugar & vanilla until smooth (1 min.) Refrigerate until ready to use.

3. 3

   Prepare cinnamon streusel topping by placing all ingredients in a bowl & cutting the butter in with a pastry blender (or a fork will work just fine) until crumbly & incorporated. Set aside until ready to use.

4. 4

   Pour apples into strainer & capture the liquid, about ½ cup. In a saucepan, combine the liquid & add the butter. Over medium heat, boil down the liquid to about ⅓ cup, or until syrupy & lightly caramelized, swirling the liquid, NOT stirring.

5. 5

   Meanwhile, transfer apples to bowl & toss with cornstarch until it disappears. Add liquid after it has reduced & toss with the apples.

6. 6

   In a prepared pie shell, spread the layer of cream cheese & pour apple mixture on top. Top pie with prepared streusel & bake 1 hour 15 minutes at 350˚F or until apples are tender & the filling is bubbling. *Make sure to place a baking sheet on the rack below your pie to catch any syrup that may bubble over if your pie shell is particularly full.