Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 store-bought soft pie crust (from the refrigerated section)
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- Pinch of fine salt
- 1 egg white, beaten
For the Filling:
- 2 packages cream cheese, softened
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1½ cups flour
Instructions
For the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- On a lightly floured surface, unroll the pie crust and using a rolling pin, gently roll it out to a ¼-inch thickness.
- Brush the melted butter over the surface of the dough. Combine the sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the dough in an even layer.
- Carefully and gently roll the pie crust up into a tight spiral. To ensure that this really worked for me, I chilled the rolled up dough for about 20 minutes in the fridge before slicing.
- Cut the spiral into ½-inch thick slices and then very gently slightly flatten each slice into a round with the rolling pin.
- Place the pie crust rounds into a pie plate, overlapping them slightly and pressing to seal.
- Trim any excess dough from the pie plate and then prick the bottom of the pie crust with fork. If desired, create a decorative edge with your fork or fingers.
- Brush the egg white over the entire crust, including the edges, and place in the oven for 8-11 minutes, or until cooked through and golden.
For the Filling:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat together the cream cheese and sugar until very smooth. Add in the vanilla extract and zest and beat to combine.
- Whip the cream until soft peaks form and then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture until it is light and fluffy and evenly combined.
- Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. Smooth out the top and place in the fridge to set for at least 3 hours.
For the Streusel Topping:
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan and then add in the other ingredients.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring almost constantly, for about 5 minutes. You want to cook it long enough to cook out the raw flour flavor. It is ready when it is very crumbly and the butter has been completely absorbed. I even do a taste test to make sure I can’t taste the flour.
- Allow the streusel to cool completely and then top the chilled pie with it. Return the pie to the fridge for another 30 minutes before slicing and serving the pie.