The Redwood Room Apple Pie: A Symphony of Comfort and Nostalgia

There are some recipes that simply transport you. For me, the scent of cinnamon and baked apples instantly conjures memories of crisp autumn evenings, the kind where the air is sharp and the leaves put on a final, dazzling show. This Redwood Room Apple Pie is one of those culinary anchors. I remember the first time I encountered it, a friend had brought it to a potluck, and it was gone in a flash. The simple elegance of its topping, a delightful surprise of cream cheese, coconut, and walnuts, set it apart from every other apple pie I’d ever tasted. It’s a recipe that has since become a treasured staple in my own kitchen, a reliable source of comfort and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (plus cooling time)
• Servings: 8
• Yield: 1 (9-inch) pie
• Dietary Type: Dessert

Ingredients

For the Pie:

• 1 (9-inch) pre-baked pie crust
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (or 1/4 cup undiluted evaporated milk)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 (20-ounce) can pie-sliced apples, well-drained in a colander

For the Topping:

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated coconut
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Equipment Needed

• 9-inch pie dish (for pre-baked crust)
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Electric mixer or sturdy whisk for topping
• Spatula
• Oven
• Cooling rack

Instructions

The beauty of this Redwood Room Apple Pie lies in its straightforward preparation, allowing the incredible flavors to shine. Let’s walk through the steps to create this delightful dessert.

1. Prepare the Apple Filling: In a medium saucepan, begin by combining the cornstarch and sugar. Whisk them together to ensure there are no clumps of cornstarch.
2. Add Liquid and Fat: Gradually stir in the heavy cream (or evaporated milk), mixing until everything is well combined. Add the butter and lemon juice to the saucepan.
3. Cook the Filling: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Continue to stir and cook the mixture until it comes to a boil. This process will thicken the sauce.
4. Simmer the Apples: Once the mixture has boiled, add the well-drained pie-sliced apples to the saucepan. Reduce the heat to low and simmer them for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This gentle simmering allows the apples to soften slightly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
5. Cool and Assemble the Base: After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the apple mixture to cool. Once cooled, carefully pour the apple filling into your pre-baked pie crust, filling the shell about three-fourths full.
6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping: In a separate bowl, begin preparing the luscious topping. Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. An electric mixer works wonderfully here, but a good whisk and some elbow grease will also do the trick.
7. Incorporate the Egg: Beat in the egg until it is fully incorporated into the cream cheese mixture, creating a smooth, cohesive base for the topping.
8. Apply the Topping: Gently spoon this creamy mixture over the apple filling in the pie crust. Spread it evenly, covering the apples.
9. Add the Finishing Touches: Generously sprinkle the grated coconut and chopped walnuts over the top of the cream cheese layer. These ingredients will toast beautifully in the oven, adding wonderful texture and flavor.
10. Bake the Pie: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.
11. Cool Before Serving: Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the pie from the oven. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This is a crucial step for the pie to set properly.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Drain Those Apples Well: The success of the filling’s consistency hinges on thoroughly draining the canned apples. Excess liquid can lead to a watery pie. Give them a good few minutes in the colander, perhaps even gently pressing them to remove more moisture.
• Achieving a Fluffy Topping: For the creamiest topping, ensure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature. This will make it much easier to beat smooth, preventing any lumps and ensuring a delightful texture.
• Toasting the Nuts: If you prefer a more pronounced nutty flavor and a crispier texture, you can lightly toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes until fragrant, before sprinkling them over the topping. Let them cool slightly before adding them.
• Pre-baked Crust Perfection: If you’re baking your own pie crust from scratch, ensure it’s fully baked and cooled before adding the apple filling. A soggy bottom is never a good look!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Redwood Room Apple Pie is a dessert that truly shines when served at room temperature, allowing all the flavors and textures to be appreciated. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream are classic accompaniments that complement its richness beautifully.

Leftovers can be stored, tightly covered, at room temperature for up to 2 days, provided your kitchen is not excessively warm. For longer storage, place the covered pie in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to enjoy chilled pie, you can gently reheat individual slices in a low oven or microwave for a few moments.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for a single serving of this delightful pie:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	490.6 kcal
Calories from Fat
Total Fat	33.4 g	51 %
Saturated Fat	16.2 g	81 %
Cholesterol	79.3 mg	26 %
Sodium	246 mg	10 %
Total Carbohydrate	45.3 g	15 %
Dietary Fiber	3.9 g	15 %
Sugars	29 g	116 %
Protein	6.2 g	12 %

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is a classic for a reason, there are always ways to put your own spin on it:

• For a Nut-Free Option: Simply omit the chopped walnuts. The pie will still be delicious, with the coconut providing a lovely texture.
• Spiced Up Filling: For a warmer spice profile, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg and a dash of ground cloves to the apple filling along with the cinnamon.
• Coconut-Free Topping: If coconut isn’t your preference, you can substitute it with an equal amount of finely chopped pecans or simply leave it out for a creamier, nut-focused topping.
• Crust Alternatives: While a pre-baked crust is convenient, feel free to use your favorite homemade pie crust recipe if you prefer. Just ensure it’s blind-baked according to your recipe’s instructions.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh apples instead of canned pie slices?
A: Yes, you can! You’ll need about 5-6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced. Toss them with a little extra lemon juice and sugar (about 1/4 cup total) to help them soften and sweeten properly.

Q: Why do I need to bake the crust first?
A: Baking the crust beforehand, known as blind baking, ensures it will be crisp and fully cooked when the pie is done, preventing a soggy bottom.

Q: My topping is browning too quickly. What should I do?
A: If the topping is browning faster than the pie is baking, you can loosely tent the pie with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.

Q: How can I tell if the topping is cooked through?
A: The topping is cooked when it’s set and the edges are lightly golden brown, with a slightly puffed appearance.

Q: Can this pie be made ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the apple filling and the cream cheese topping separately and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the pie closer to serving time for the best texture. The baked pie itself is also best enjoyed within a day or two.

A Slice of Pure Delight

This Redwood Room Apple Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. It’s the comforting embrace of familiar flavors, elevated by a uniquely delightful topping. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe offers a rewarding journey to a truly delicious destination. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to share a slice of pure comfort with those you cherish. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your own moments of culinary joy. Perhaps a warm slice with a cup of spiced apple cider or a robust black coffee? The possibilities are as delightful as the pie itself.