Caramel Dutch Apple Pie

Short Description

Caramel Dutch Apple Pie is a delightful twist on the traditional apple pie, featuring a rich caramel filling and a buttery, crumbly streusel topping. This decadent dessert combines the tartness of apples with the warmth of cinnamon and the sweetness of caramel, creating a perfectly balanced flavor. Whether for the holidays or an everyday indulgence, this pie is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Caramel Flavor: The addition of caramel elevates the classic apple pie, giving it a luxurious taste and texture.
• Crispy Streusel Topping: Instead of a traditional pie crust, this recipe features a buttery crumble that adds a delightful crunch.
• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart: The tartness of fresh apples is complemented by the sweetness of caramel and brown sugar.
• Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether served warm with ice cream or enjoyed as a holiday dessert, this pie is always a hit.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The pie can be made in advance and stored for later, making it perfect for gatherings and meal prep.

Ingredients

• Pie crust
• Apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
• Caramel sauce
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Lemon juice
• Unsalted butter
• Rolled oats
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready when the pie is assembled.
2. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin pieces. Toss them in a bowl with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to release their juices.
3. Make the Caramel Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in brown sugar and vanilla extract. Let the mixture thicken slightly before pouring it over the apple mixture.
4. Prepare the Pie Crust: Roll out the pie dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim the edges and flute as desired.
5. Fill the Pie: Pour the caramel-coated apple mixture into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
6. Make the Streusel Topping: In a separate bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, cinnamon, and melted butter until a crumbly texture forms.
7. Top the Pie: Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the apples, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
8. Bake: Place the pie on the center rack and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
9. Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with additional caramel drizzle or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Variations

• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for extra texture.
• Salted Caramel: Use a salted caramel sauce for a more complex flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
• Extra Spices: Add a pinch of allspice or cloves for a spicier, more aromatic filling.
• Cheddar Crust: Incorporate shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the pie dough for a subtle savory contrast.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 8 slices

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the fully cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

What are the best apples for this pie?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples work best because they hold their shape and offer a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works well, but homemade caramel will add a richer, fresher taste.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Pre-bake the crust for 5-7 minutes before adding the filling or sprinkle a little flour and sugar mixture at the bottom to absorb excess moisture.

Can I make this pie in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the pie a day ahead and store it covered at room temperature or in the fridge.

Should I peel the apples?

Yes, peeling the apples helps create a smoother filling texture without chewy skins.

Can I make this pie without a crust?

Yes! For a crustless version, bake the apple mixture with the streusel topping in a buttered baking dish.

What’s the difference between Dutch apple pie and regular apple pie?

Dutch apple pie has a crumbly streusel topping instead of a traditional double crust.

Can I add raisins or cranberries?

Yes, adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries can enhance the flavor and texture.

How do I thicken the filling?

Let the apples sit with sugar before baking to release excess liquid, and use a little flour or cornstarch to thicken the mixture.

Is this pie good with ice cream?

Definitely! Vanilla or caramel ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm, spiced filling and crunchy topping.

Conclusion

Caramel Dutch Apple Pie is a must-try dessert that blends rich caramel, tart apples, and a crispy streusel topping into a comforting, flavorful treat. Whether enjoyed on a cozy fall evening or served at a festive gathering, this pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it today and delight in the perfect balance of sweet and spiced flavors!

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