Southern Ambrosia Apple Pie
A delectable Southern-inspired apple pie featuring a crisp apple filling, toasted pecans, coconut topping, and a creamy pecan layer, perfect for special occasions or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- 9-inch pastry shell ⓘ
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup apple juice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 4 cups thinly sliced peeled baking apples ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 egg
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup flaked coconut ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped toasted pecans ⓘ
- 3/4 c. chopped pecans, toasted ⓘ
Instructions
- Line the pastry shell with foil and bake at 450°F for 5 minutes. Remove from oven, take out foil, and cool.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, bring brown sugar, apple juice, butter, cornstarch, and salt to a boil.
- Stir in sliced apples and lemon juice; cook and stir over low heat until apples are crisp tender, about 5-8 minutes.
- Pour the apple mixture into the cooled pastry shell.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg, evaporated milk, sugar, coconut, vanilla, and cinnamon until well mixed.
- Pour the custard mixture over the apple filling.
- Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is set.
- Cool the pie on a wire rack.
- For the topping, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Stir in chopped toasted pecans and vanilla extract.
- Fold in whipped topping until combined.
- Spread the cream cheese pecan mixture over the cooled pie.
- Garnish with additional pecans if desired and chill for 4-6 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider using a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples for a balance of tartness and sweetness. If you don't have evaporated milk, you can substitute it with a mixture of regular milk and a bit of cream. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pie crust. Keep an eye on the pie while baking to prevent over-browning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Southern Ambrosia Apple Pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a slice of Cinnamon-Apple Coffee Cake for a delightful dessert spread. A drizzle of caramel sauce can also elevate the dish, making it a perfect ending to any meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap or foil. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. For the best texture, let it come to room temperature before serving. If you prefer it warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Ambrosia Apple Pie contains roughly 1491 calories, with 11g protein, 245g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (30% of the Daily Value), protein (22% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1323mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of apples for this pie?
Yes, you can use various apple types! A mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Fuji, will provide great texture and flavor. Just ensure they are suitable for baking to maintain the pie's integrity.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
To prevent a soggy crust, consider pre-baking the pastry shell for a few minutes before adding the filling. You can also sprinkle a thin layer of cornstarch or breadcrumbs on the bottom of the crust to absorb moisture from the apples.
Is it possible to make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pie a day in advance. After assembling, cover it and refrigerate. Just remember to add the cream cheese topping just before serving to keep it fresh and creamy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).