Rustic Sourdough Apple Pie with Brown Sugar Crust
A flaky sourdough pie crust envelops tender cinnamon-spiced apples with brown sugar caramel notes in this homemade classic. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 105 minutes layers sourdough starter (100% hydration), all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, cold and cubed into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sourdough starter (100% hydration)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 12 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6 tbsp ice water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 6 cups tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced thin
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, mix 1/2 cup sourdough starter with 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 tsp salt. Cut in 12 tbsp cold cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 6 tbsp ice water, stirring with a fork until the dough just comes together. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Step 2: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 6 cups thinly sliced tart apples with 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar, 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Step 3: On a floured surface, roll out one dough disk to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer it into the dish, pressing gently to fit the shape. Fill with the apple mixture. Roll out the second dough disk and place over the filling. Trim excess dough and crimp edges to seal. Cut several slits on top to vent steam.
- Step 4: Brush the pie top with 1 beaten egg. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F and bake for an additional 40-45 minutes until the crust is golden and juices bubble through slits. Cool at least 2 hours before slicing.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rustic Sourdough Apple Pie with Brown Sugar Crust take to make?
Total time is about 105 minutes (40 min prep + 65 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Rustic Sourdough Apple Pie with Brown Sugar Crust?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Rustic Sourdough Apple Pie with Brown Sugar Crust?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Rustic Sourdough Apple Pie with Brown Sugar Crust for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Rustic Sourdough Apple Pie with Brown Sugar Crust?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
