Delicious Candy Apple Pie Recipe for Dessert Lovers
Are you in the mood for something sweet and tangy? Do you love candy apples but also crave the comfort of a classic apple pie? Then you are in for a treat! This Candy Apple Pie recipe is the perfect mix of both worlds. Not only will it satisfy your sweet tooth, but it will also give you the classic flavors of an apple pie with a unique twist.
As someone who loves to experiment with flavors and textures, I can assure you that this recipe will not disappoint. It is easy to make and requires simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. But don’t let its simplicity fool you – this candy apple pie packs a punch when it comes to flavor.
We all know that traditional apple pies are a staple for dessert, but why not switch things up and try something new? Trust me; once you taste this delicious Candy Apple Pie, there will be no going back to just regular apple pie. So without further ado, let’s get started on this culinary adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Indulge in a slice of this sweet and delectable candy apple pie that will bring back memories of autumn harvest fairs and caramel-covered apples. This recipe is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth, who wants to experience the comforting and familiar taste of grandma’s homemade apple pie.
What sets this candy apple pie recipe apart is the added twist of cinnamon candy that gives it a spicy, warm flavor that perfectly complements the tartness of the apples. The warm cinnamon aroma that wafts from your oven while baking will be enough to make your family members gather around the kitchen as they eagerly wait for a bite.
Furthermore, this recipe’s crispy pecan and buttery crust perfectly balances the flavors and adds an extra crunch that will have you reaching for another slice with each passing minute. And don’t forget the addition of candied ginger and juicy golden raisins that lend subtle hints of tangy citrus notes, adding even more depth and character to this delightful dessert.
There is nothing quite like sharing a delicious homemade dessert made with love with those closest to you, and this candy apple pie is no exception. It’s perfect for special occasions, gatherings, or simply as an afternoon treat with a cup of tea or coffee.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an easy-to-make dish that delivers a perfect balance between tart, sweet and spicy flavors – this candy apple pie recipe is guaranteed to please both your taste buds and your soul.
Ingredient List
Before starting, make sure to have all the necessary ingredients to make your Candy Apple Pie a success! Below is a list of all the ingredients you will need:
Pie Crust
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup ice water
Pie Filling
- 6 cups sliced and peeled tart apples
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon mace (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup chopped candied ginger
- 1/2 cup golden raisin
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- Red hot cinnamon candies for decoration (optional)
Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
Optional Toppings
- Crushed cookies or nuts
- Whipped cream
Note that you can substitute many of these ingredients to customize the recipe according to your preferences.
The Recipe How-To
Here’s the step-by-step guide to create a delicious Candy Apple Pie that will win hearts with every bite!
Ingredients:
- 6 cups sliced, peeled tart apples (Granny Smith Apples)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon mace
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- juice of 2 small limes (or one large lime)
- 3/4 cup red hots candy
- Pastry for double crust pie
Steps:
-
Preheat oven to 375°F.
-
Peel and thinly slice six cups of tart apples and transfer the apple slices into a large mixing bowl.
-
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, mace and nutmeg. Once well combined, pour over the sliced apples and toss until coated evenly.
-
In a large saucepan, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, lime juice and red hots candy with half a cup of water. Cook over medium heat, while stirring constantly until red hots are melted and sugars are dissolved.
-
Add sliced apples to the saucepan and mix well to cover all apple slices with the sweet sauce.
-
Pour the mixture into pastry-lined pie pan.
-
Cover with top crust; seal by cutting several slits in top crust or by curving edges of top crust under bottom crust edge.
-
Bake pie for approximately 30 minutes or until evenly caramelized on top. Serve it warm or at room temperature.
You now have on your hands an exquisite Candy Apple Pie that will become one of your signature desserts!
Substitutions and Variations
As the saying goes, variety is the spice of life. Adding some twists to a classic recipe can also shake things up and create something new and exciting. Here are some substitutions and variations to consider for this candy apple pie recipe:
– Pecans: If you’re not fond of pecans, you could try using walnuts or almonds instead.
– Heavy Cream: You could use half-and-half or whole milk in place of heavy cream. However, the pie might not have the same richness as it would with heavy cream.
– Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar can be substituted for dark brown sugar if you prefer a milder sweetness.
– Butter: You could use vegan butter or margarine to make this recipe dairy-free.
– Spices: Mace and nutmeg add warmth to the filling, but if you don’t have them on hand, you could double down on cinnamon or try adding a pinch of ground ginger.
– Flour: King Arthur’s gluten-free flour blend can be used in place of all-purpose flour for those with gluten intolerance.
– Apples: Granny Smith apples are tart and sturdy, making them ideal for pies. However, you could experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Braeburn. Just be sure to choose firm apples that hold their shape when baked.
– Candied Ginger and Golden Raisins: Some possible substitutions include dried cranberries or apricots instead of golden raisins. For candied ginger, finely chopped crystallized ginger or ground ginger will suffice.
– Toppings: Instead of cinnamon candies (red hots), try using unwrapped caramel candies (like Kraft’s caramel bits) to create a caramel apple flavor profile in your pie.
Remember that these are just suggestions – feel free to experiment and tailor this recipe according to your taste preferences!
Serving and Pairing
Once you have successfully made the mouthwatering candy apple pie, it’s time to serve and enjoy it. The sweet and spicy aroma of this dessert will entice everyone around the table. For serving, let the pie cool for a few minutes before slicing.
One delicious pairing option is to serve the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The creamy texture of these toppings complements the sweetness of the candy apple pie perfectly. You can also sprinkle some chopped pecans on top to add a nice crunch.
If you prefer something less sweet, try serving this pie with a cup of spiced tea or coffee. The warmth of both beverages pairs well with the spices and caramel flavors present in this dessert.
This pie can be served as a lovely ending to any meal, but it works particularly well for fall dinners, holiday gatherings, or potluck desserts. Its color and flavor will make it stand out on any dessert table, and it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Overall, this candy apple pie is an excellent option for those who love sweet and decadent treats. Whether you’re serving it to your family, guests, or taking it to a party, they’re sure to be impressed by its appearance, taste, and wonderful aroma.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Making a candy apple pie from scratch is not only satisfying, but it’s also quite an accomplishment in the world of baking. If you want to spread out the workload or have a pie ready for later, this recipe is exceptionally easy to make-ahead of time.
To make sure that the pie retains its texture and flavor, let it cool after baking and storing it overnight in the refrigerator. Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container, your candy apple pie will remain fresh for up to three days.
To reheat it, take it out of the refrigerator and preheat your oven to 350F. Allow the pie to sit at room temperature for at least ten minutes while the oven heats up. The caramel on top of the pie may have hardened during refrigeration, if so, you can loosen it by placing the pie on your stovetop or another warm spot for a few minutes.
Placing the reheated pie in aluminum foil or oven-safe dish while heating prevents any drying out of your crust. You’ll know the pie is ready when it’s heated evenly through, and bubbles are rising through any cracks in its surface. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or drizzle with more caramel sauce if desired.
Alternatively, if you want to prepare this recipe weeks ahead of time, you can also freeze unbaked pies! Once done preparing the ingredients, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to seal any air inside before placing them into another container then put them into the freezer. Keep in mind that it would take longer time before baking once placed in freezer. Just make sure to thaw them completely before baking according to your regular baking instructions.
Either way, whether freshly-baked, refrigerated or frozen, this Candy Apple Pie recipe ensures that every bite remains as crisp and delightful as day one.
Tips for Perfect Results
Culinary exploration is all about experimentation and exploring new flavors. Candy Apple Pie is a perfect recipe to experiment with, and with these tips, you can make sure it turns out perfectly every time.
Firstly, make sure to use crisp and tart apples. Granny Smith apples are the gold standard for this recipe. They hold up well when cooked and give a nice tart flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the candy coating.
When making the pie filling, ensure that it has enough cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and mace. These ingredients help balance out the sweet candy flavor and add depth to the filling. Adding candied ginger or golden raisins to the apple mixture gives you an even more complex flavor profile.
The caramel apple mixture not only gives the pie its iconic look but also its unique candy flavor. When making the caramel mixture, be sure to watch it carefully as it boils. Too much heat can result in a burnt flavor or overly thick texture. Use a candy thermometer if possible to get an accurate reading of when the mixture is done.
When it comes to baking pies, temperature and timing are essential; Candy Apple Pie is no exception. Do not overbake the pie as it can cause the apples to turn into mushy consistency or become too dry. Keep your patience during baking; this pie needs at least an hour in the oven under a carefully monitored temperature.
Reheating this pie is straightforward: microwave for a minute or two until warm again. Serve with a generous amount of lightly whipped cream.
By following these tips and tricks, you can create an unforgettable candy apple pie experience that will leave everyone smiling long after they finish eating.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Candy Apple Pie recipe is an excellent addition to any dessert menu. The recipe is easy to prepare, and the ingredients are readily available at any grocery store. This pie has a unique flavor that combines the sweetness of caramelized apples and the nuttiness of pecans with a hint of cinnamon candy. It’s perfect for those who love traditional apple pies but want something more exciting.
Furthermore, this recipe allows for variations to suit different tastes. With the right substitutions, this pie can become a caramel apple pie or even a walnut and mace apple pie depending on your mood. Additionally, it’s great for serving at holiday parties or family gatherings and pairs well with ice cream or whipped cream.
Lastly, the recipe incorporates the use of fresh fruits such as golden raisins and red hots making it a healthy dessert option for those watching their sugar intake without compromising on flavor. Moreover, it’s versatile for any occasion as you can choose to make mini pies or deep dish versions.
Overall, the Candy Apple Pie Recipe is an irresistible option for dessert lovers looking for a new twist on traditional apple pie. Give yourself or your loved ones something new and delicious to sink their teeth into with this impressive dish.
Candy Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients
Apple filling
- 3 cups apples, peeled,thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup golden raisin, large (optional)
- 2 tablespoons candied ginger, shredded (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon mace
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small cubes
- 2 pie crusts, not cooked (your favourite)
Topping
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Prepare crust for a double crust pie.
- Set aside.
- In a large bowl combine all ingredients for filling.
- Blend well and pour into pie shell.
- Dot with butter cubes and top with remaining pie crust.
- Cut three of four steam vents on top of pie.
- Bake in a 400 degree oven for 45 minutes.
- Pie Topping Put butter, brown sugar and cream in small pot and bring to a boil, remove and add pecans.
- Then pour over pie crust and return pie to oven for 5 minutes, until bubbly.
- This pie is wonderful served with sharp cheddar cheese or French vanilla bean ice cream.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.