Caramel Apple Pie Dessert

A warm, comforting dessert featuring tender apples baked in a buttery crust, topped with rich caramel — a cozy classic perfect for fall, gatherings, or anytime you crave a sweet, homey treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic apple-pie flavors — sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples with buttery crust
• Warm and comforting — great after dinner or with a scoop of ice cream
• Rich caramel adds a decadent twist
• Feels “homemade bakery” quality but easy to make at home
• Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or cozy nights

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling

• 6–7 medium apples (e.g. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored and sliced
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch) — helps thicken the filling

For the Pie Crust / Base & Top

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ¼–⅓ cup cold water (ice water)

For the Caramel Sauce (or store-bought caramel)

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings

• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
• Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
• A drizzle of extra caramel

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pie Crust

• In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.
• Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don’t overwork.
• Divide dough into two — one portion slightly larger (for bottom crust), one smaller (for top crust). Wrap in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes.

2. Make the Apple Filling

• In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour (or cornstarch). Toss gently until apples are evenly coated. Set aside.

3. Make the Caramel Sauce

• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and salt. Stir until butter melts and mixture comes to a gentle simmer.
• Simmer 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool a bit — it will thicken more as it cools.

4. Assemble the Pie

• Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
• Roll out the larger dough portion on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Transfer dough to pan and press gently. Trim excess.
• Pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading evenly. Drizzle about half the caramel sauce over the apples.
• Roll out top crust; place over filling. Trim and crimp edges to seal. Cut a few small slits in top crust to allow steam to escape.

5. Bake

• Bake for 45–55 minutes, until crust is golden and filling bubbles through vents. If top crust browns too fast, cover edges with foil.
• About 10 minutes before end of baking, brush remaining warm caramel sauce over top crust for a glossy caramel finish (optional).

6. Cool & Serve

• Let pie cool at least 30 minutes — filling will thicken as it cools.
• Serve warm or at room temperature. Great with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or extra caramel drizzle.

You Must Know

• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor and texture.
• Cool caramel slightly before drizzling, or it may soak crust.
• Chill crust dough before rolling — helps crust stay flaky.
• Let pie rest before slicing so filling sets properly.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts in the filling for extra crunch and flavor.
• Stir a pinch of ground allspice or ginger into the apple filling for warm, deeper notes.
• Use a crumble topping instead of a top crust for a “rustic” texture.
• For quicker bake: use a store-bought pie crust.
• Make mini pies or hand pies using the same filling for easy serving or gifting.

Serving Ideas & Storage

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and extra caramel drizzle.
• Great for dessert platters, holiday meals, or cozy family dinners.
• Store leftovers (covered) at room temperature for a day or two, or refrigerate up to 3–4 days.
• Reheat gently in oven or microwave before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen apples if fresh aren’t available?
Yes — thaw and drain them well before mixing with sugar to avoid extra liquid.

→ My filling is too watery — how to fix it?
Add 1–2 extra tablespoons of flour or cornstarch, or cook the filling briefly before assembling pie.

→ Can I make this ahead?
Yes — you can prepare filling and crust, then refrigerate. Assemble and bake when ready.

→ Can I make a caramel-apple skillet version instead of pie?
Absolutely — skip the crust, pour filling and caramel in a greased skillet, and top with crumble for a quicker rustic dessert.

Enjoy your warm, cozy Caramel Apple Pie Dessert — sweet, comforting, and perfect for sharing! 🍏🥧

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