French Apple Pie with Cream Cheese Topping

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 1/2 cups diced apple without peel
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons hot water
• 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9-inch pie pan.

Combine 1/4 cup butter, white sugar, egg, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, soda, flour, nuts, apples, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and hot water in the order given. (Batter will be thick). Pour into pie pan.

Bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Serve with cream cheese frosting. To make frosting: mix cream cheese, 3 tablespoons butter, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and sifted confectioners' sugar. Beat until smooth. Can serve hot or warm. Also, can refrigerate and let cream cheese topping set up for a cold dessert.