Caramel Apple Crumble Pie

Introduction

Nothing says fall quite like the delicious combination of caramel, apples, and a buttery crumble topping. This Caramel Apple Crumble Pie recipe is the perfect dessert to enjoy on a crisp autumn day. The tender apple filling, sweet caramel sauce, and crunchy crumble topping create a mouthwatering combination that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting treat, this pie is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 4-6 tablespoons of ice water

For the apple filling:

• 5-6 medium-sized Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• ⅓ cup of granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

For the crumble topping:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• ½ cup of packed brown sugar
• ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon of salt

For the caramel sauce:

• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• ¼ cup of water
• ¾ cup of heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Steps

Step 1: Prepare the crust

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the apple filling

In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the crumble topping

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Set aside.

Step 4: Preheat the oven and assemble the pie

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pie crust into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish. Transfer the rolled-out crust to the dish and press it gently into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess crust hanging over the edges. Pour the apple filling into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples, covering them completely.

Step 5: Bake the pie

Place the assembled pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Step 6: Make the caramel sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Increase the heat to high and let the mixture come to a boil. Cook, without stirring, until the mixture turns a deep amber color, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Let the caramel sauce cool slightly before drizzling it over the pie.

Variations

While this Caramel Apple Crumble Pie recipe is already incredibly delicious, you can always add your own twist to make it even more unique. Here are a few variations you can try:

1. Add a hint of spice:

Sprinkle some ground cloves or ginger into the apple filling for a warm, spiced flavor.

2. Incorporate nuts:

Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for an extra crunch.

3. Make it a double-crust pie:

If you prefer a traditional apple pie, simply double the crust recipe and use it for both the bottom and top layers of the pie. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking.

Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Caramel Apple Crumble Pie turns out perfectly:

1. Choose the right apples:

Granny Smith apples are an excellent choice for this pie because they have a tart flavor that complements the sweetness of the caramel. However, you can also use a mix of different apple varieties for a more complex flavor.

2. Keep the butter cold:

When making the crust and crumble topping, it’s important to use cold butter. This will help create a flaky texture.

3. Use a pie shield:

If you find that the edges of your crust are browning too quickly, you can use a pie shield or aluminum foil to cover them while the pie bakes.

4. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream:

This pie is even more delicious when served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy topping adds a nice contrast to the warm pie.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Crumble Pie is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall. With its tender apple filling, buttery crust, crunchy crumble topping, and luscious caramel sauce, this pie is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re enjoying it at a holiday gathering or simply treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth and warm your heart. So grab your apron and get ready to savor the flavors of autumn with this irresistible pie.

FAQs

1. Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the pie up to a day in advance. Simply follow all the steps, including baking the pie, but hold off on making the caramel sauce. Store the pie in the refrigerator and make the caramel sauce right before serving. Warm the caramel sauce slightly before drizzling it over the pie.

2. Can I freeze this pie?

Yes, you can freeze this pie before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the pie as directed but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let the pie thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then proceed with baking according to the recipe. If freezing after baking, let the pie cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven before serving.

3. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

While store-bought caramel sauce can be used, making your own caramel sauce from scratch is highly recommended. The homemade sauce adds a richness and depth of flavor that cannot be replicated with store-bought versions. However, if you’re short on time or prefer the convenience, store-bought caramel sauce can be a decent substitute.

4. Can I use a different type of fruit?

While this recipe specifically calls for apples, you can experiment with other fruits if desired. Pears, peaches, or a combination of different fruits can work well in this pie. Just make sure to adjust the sugar and spices accordingly to complement the chosen fruit.

5. Can I reheat the pie?

Yes! This pie can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Cover the edges with foil to prevent over-browning if necessary.

Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and make this delectable Caramel Apple Crumble Pie. Enjoy the sweet and comforting flavors of fall with every bite, and savor the joy of sharing this incredible dessert with loved ones.