Delicious Caramel Apple Pie Recipe for Fall
Are you in the mood for something sweet, crunchy, and utterly divine? Well, look no further because I have the perfect recipe for you! Introducing my crunchy caramel apple pie that will satisfy all of your dessert cravings. As a culinary explorer, I have sampled countless varieties of apple pies, but this one is by far my favorite.
My recipe features a buttery and flaky pie crust that is filled with a warm, spiced apple filling and topped with a generous layer of homemade caramel crunch. Every bite is like a heavenly symphony of flavors and textures – the sweet, tart apples perfectly balanced by the rich, salty caramel crunch.
Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly autumn evening or serving it up for Thanksgiving dessert, this crunchy caramel apple pie is sure to impress. So let’s gather our ingredients and get started on this mouthwatering masterpiece!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Folks, let me tell you something. This crunchy caramel apple pie recipe is a slice of heaven in every bite. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of sinking your teeth into a caramel-coated, crunchy apple with every forkful. Trust me, this delicious dessert will have you swooning and begging for seconds.
Imagine biting into a warm, flaky crust filled with tender, sweet apples coated in just the right amount of caramel sauce to get that perfect burst of flavor. The sweetness from the brown sugar and cinnamon paired with crunchy texture of the crumb topping are simply irresistible. Not to mention, if you top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle it with some homemade salted caramel sauce, it’s game over.
I can guarantee that this dessert recipe is not your typical apple pie recipe. This pie has all the comfort associated with an apple pie but takes it to the next level with its added crunch and caramel flavor. It’s delicious enough that one slice won’t be enough, and you’ll want to grab another helping while it’s still warm from the oven!
This piece of culinary gold is sure to steal your heart and make you a hero in your household or at your next dinner party. So go ahead and give yourself a treat by whipping up this crunchy caramel apple pie!
Ingredient List
- For the pie crust:
- 1 pastry crust, either homemade or store-bought
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- 3 tbsp. butter, cut into small pieces and chilled
- 1 tsp. sugar
-
Ice water, as needed
-
For the apple filling:
- 6 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith is best)
- 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
-
Pinch of salt
-
For the crunchy caramel crumb topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 8 tbsp. butter, melted and cooled slightly
- For the salted caramel sauce (optional):
- I recommend using this recipe by Training for Kindness, but store-bought caramel sauce works too.
The Recipe How-To
Are you ready to create a delicious Crunchy Caramel Apple Pie? Follow these step-by-step instructions to impress your friends and family with an unforgettable dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 pastry crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 6 cups apples, sliced and peeled
- 3/4 cup sugar + 2 tbsp for topping
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp salt
- Salted caramel sauce
Apple Filling:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Mix sliced and peeled apples in a large mixing bowl with the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add a few tablespoons of salted caramel sauce to the mixture for an extra kick of flavor
Pie Crust:
- Prepare the pastry crust. Roll out a single crust into a 9 inch pie plate, fluting the edges as desired.
- Make the caramel crunch by combining 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup flour, and 1/2 cup butter in a bowl until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the caramel crunch over the apple filling.
- Drizzle salted caramel over caramel crunch and the apples.
Baking:
- Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven and cover edges of pie with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Bake for another 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
- Let cool completely before serving.
Optional:
Top your Crunchy Caramel Apple Pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or homemade whipped cream for an extra sweet treat.
Enjoy your masterpiece!
Substitutions and Variations
Ahem. Substitutions and variations, huh? Well, I’m no fan of substitutions when it comes to my recipes (I like my apples to be Granny Smith’s, thank you very much), but I understand that some folks have limitations. So, let me walk you through some of your options.
First of all, let’s talk flour. I know not everyone has all-purpose flour in the pantry. If you don’t, fear not! You can substitute with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour if you need to keep it wheat-free.
What about the sugar? You can use brown sugar or honey instead of white sugar if that suits your fancy. And speaking of honey, how about adding a drizzle on top of your pie for a sweet finishing touch?
If you want to make things really interesting, try adding some nuts to the crumb topping. Walnuts or pecans would be lovely additions to this crunchy caramel apple pie.
And if you want to turn up the dial on the caramel flavor, try using salted caramel instead of regular caramel. It’ll give your pie a little extra oomph (but watch out for over-sweetening).
For those looking for a gluten-free option, you can swap out the pastry crust for a gluten-free crust or even a nut-based crust made with almond flour or crushed pecans.
Or hey, why not ditch the traditional pie crust altogether and make this into an apple crisp instead? Just bake the apple filling in a baking dish and top it with a crumb topping made with brown sugar and oats. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream for an irresistible dessert.
So there you have it – some substitutions and variations to make this recipe your own. I’m not saying they’ll be as good as mine (after all, nobody can top my crunchy caramel apple pie), but they’ll do in a pinch.
Serving and Pairing
It’s time to serve up this sweet and decadent pie! The crunchy caramel apple pie is best served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the warm, gooey filling and the cool, creamy topping creates an explosion of flavor in your mouth.
Pairing options for this dessert include a hot cup of coffee or tea. The bitterness of these drinks complements the sweetness of the pie, creating a well-balanced flavor profile. You can also try pairing this pie with a glass of apple cider, which enhances the natural apple flavors in the dish.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even pair this dish with a sweet dessert wine like Riesling or Moscato. The acidity and sweetness in these wines help balance out the heaviness of this dessert.
No matter which pairing you choose, the crunchy caramel apple pie promises to be an indulgent treat that will satisfy all your sweet tooth cravings.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As much as I love biting into a fresh slice of crunchy caramel apple pie, there are some instances where I can’t consume a whole pie by myself. Fear not, for this recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals and storage to maintain its divine texture and flavor.
To prepare ahead of time, I suggest making the pie filling and crust separately, then store them in air-tight containers in the refrigerator. Putting them together too early will cause sogginess to occur, which will ruin the delightful crunch aspect you’re aiming for. Another tip for make-ahead is to freeze the unbaked pie – up to weeks in advance!
Storing your Crunchy Caramel Apple Pie is simple. Store it with a cover loosely over the pie in the refrigerator for up to two days. If you need to store it for longer periods, opt for freezer bags or containers that are freezer-friendly. However, note that storing the baked apple pie will cause it to lose some of its crunchiness once thawed since moisture accumulates while freezing. This method is still suitable if you deeply wrapped your pie or crumb topping.
When heating leftovers or stored pies, simply put it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about ten minutes. Microwaving works too, but don’t expect similar outcomes – microwaved pies will become soggy inside due to uneven heating.
For added indulgence, serve your reheated crunchy caramel apple pie with vanilla ice-cream or salted caramel sauce on top – an excellent way to revive the crunchy aspect!
Tips for Perfect Results
There are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind while making this crunchy caramel apple pie recipe to ensure perfect results every time. As a culinary explorer, I’ve tested this recipe multiple times and have gathered some valuable insights that I want to share with you.
Firstly, it’s essential to choose the right type of apples. For the best results, use Granny Smith apples. Their tartness balances out the sweetness of the caramel sauce and brown sugar in this recipe. Plus, they hold up well during baking and won’t become mushy.
Secondly, for the pastry crust, make sure that it is rolled out evenly and is at least 1/8 inch thick. A thin crust may not hold up well when sliced, whereas a thick one might not bake all the way through.
Thirdly, remember to blind-bake the crust before adding the apple filling. This process ensures that the crust remains crispy and flaky even after baking with the apple filling.
Fourthly, don’t overfill the pie with too many apples. Six cups of sliced apples are perfect for a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Overloading with apples will prevent the pie from baking evenly.
Fifthly, keep an eye on the pie while it’s in the oven. If you notice that the edges of your crust are browning too quickly or burning, cover them with foil to prevent further browning.
Lastly, give your pie enough time to cool completely before slicing it. This allows for easier slicing and helps retain its texture and shape.
Remember these tips while making this crunchy caramel apple pie recipe, and I’m sure you’ll achieve perfect results every time!
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a dessert recipe that combines the classic taste of apple pie with the mouthwatering flavors of caramel and crunchy goodness, look no further than this Crunchy Caramel Apple Pie. Its delectable mixture of tart Granny Smith apples, sweet brown sugar, salty buttery crust, and savory cinnamon will have your taste buds singing with joy.
This recipe offers a perfect balance between sweet and salty, soft and crunchy. And with just the right amount of caramel sweetness, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. From family gatherings to potlucks, dinner parties to special events, this pie is sure to be a hit.
So whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a delicious homemade dessert. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to impress your loved ones with this unforgettable Crunchy Caramel Apple Pie.
Crunchy Caramel Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch deep dish pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 6 cups thinly sliced peeled apples (You may need more if your family sits by the bowl and sneaks the)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
- 1/2 cup butter
Instructions
- Directions for Crumb Topping: Stir together brown sugar,flour, rolled oats.
- Cut in 1/2 cup butter until topping is like course crumbs.
- Set aside.
- Directions: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt.
- Add apple slices and gently toss until coated.
- Transfer apple mixture to the pie shell Sprinkle crumb topping over apple mixture.
- Place pie on a cookie sheet so the drippings don't drop into your oven.
- Cover edges of pie with aluminum foil.
- Bake in a preheated 375F oven for 25 minutes.
- Then remove foil and put back in for another 25 to 30 minutes without foil.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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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.