There’s something about the sweet aroma of caramel and apples that makes any kitchen feel warmer and more inviting. If you’re searching for a delightful dessert that perfectly captures the autumn essence, look no further. Our exquisite apple crumble pie will become your go-to treat, tantalizing taste buds with a rich, buttery crust, spiced apples, and a heavenly caramel drizzle. This caramel apple crumble pie is a culinary masterpiece that pays homage to traditional flavors while adding its own special twist.
This recipe holds a special place in my heart as it reminds me of the Sundays I spent with my grandmother baking in her cozy kitchen. She always believed that a touch of caramel could transform any dessert from ordinary to extraordinary. With her guiding wisdom, I crafted this delightful pie that combines her cherished apple pie recipe with a buttery crumble topping and generous drizzles of golden caramel. It’s a comforting tradition that I now share with my family and friends during every special gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This caramel apple crumble pie isn’t just another dessert; it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it instantly:
- The Perfect Balance: The marriage of tart apples, sweet caramel, and a buttery, crunchy topping creates an unmatched flavor alliance that’s both comforting and indulgent.
- Simple Yet Impressive: This pie is straightforward to make, yet its intricate layers and elegant flavors never fail to impress guests.
- Aromatic Spices: Infused with a blend of spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg, each bite delivers a warm hug of seasonal flavors, making it a perfect dessert for fall.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or spice level according to your taste preferences, making it uniquely yours.
Ingredients Notes
Choosing the right ingredients is crucial for making the Perfect Caramel Apple crumble pie. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and how you can make the best choices:
- Apples: Opt for a mix of tart and sweet apples such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
- Caramel Sauce: Using homemade caramel sauce elevates the dessert, but a high-quality store-bought version works well too for convenience.
- Spices: Freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg amplify the cozy flavors—do not substitute these for pre-ground ones.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for the crumble topping to control the salt content, ensuring the perfect balance of sweetness and savoriness.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is ideal for the crust and crumble, providing a solid yet tender structure.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Prepare the Crust: Begin by making the crust from scratch to achieve a flaky texture. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, a pinch of salt, and cold unsalted butter cubed into small pieces. Use a pastry cutter or fork to blend until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Gradually add cold water and mix until it forms a dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2
Make the Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, old-fashioned oats, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until the mixture is crumbly and set aside. This oat-infused topping is what gives our pie its irresistible texture.
Step 3
Prepare the Apples: While the dough is chilling, peel, core, and slice the apples to even thickness to ensure they cook evenly. Combine the apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning.
Step 4
Assemble the Pie: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface into a circle and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim any excess dough, then layer the spiced apple slices into the crust. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples, ensuring an even covering.
Step 5
Bake and Serve: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling. Once baked, drizzle with caramel sauce either right away or just before serving. Allow to cool slightly before serving to help set the filling.
Storage Options
If you find yourself with leftovers, this pie stores wonderfully. To preserve its freshness, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices wrapped well in plastic and foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for a warm slice of pie.
Variations & Substitutions
This caramel apple crumble pie is versatile and can cater to various dietary preferences and flavor profiles:
- Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities without sacrificing taste.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter alternatives for both the crust and crumble to create a dairy-free dessert.
- Nutty Twist: Add crushed pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for added crunch and nutty goodness.
- Spice it Up: Enhance the spiciness by introducing ginger or five spice for a more exotic flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This pie shines in a variety of settings and occasions. Serve it as a star dessert at holiday gatherings, or enjoy a slice with afternoon tea for a comforting treat. To elevate the dessert further, top with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or freshly whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence. Its versatile flavor profile makes it a great companion to warm beverages like cider or chai, enhancing the cozy vibes it naturally brings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pie in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare the pie a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. On the day of serving, gently reheat it in the oven to refresh the crust and topping, making it taste freshly baked.
What type of caramel should I use? You can choose between homemade and store-bought caramel. If opting for store-bought, ensure it’s a high-quality sauce to complement the pie’s rich flavors. Homemade caramel not only brings a personal touch but also allows you to control the sweetness and consistency to suit your preference.
Can I use frozen apples? Using fresh apples is recommended for the best texture and flavor. However, if fresh apples are unavailable, you can use frozen ones. Thaw them completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture before using them in the pie to prevent a soggy crust.
Is it necessary to pre-cook the apples? Pre-cooking the apples isn’t necessary for this recipe. The heat from baking is sufficient to cook the apples to a tender yet slightly firm texture. This method preserves the freshness and flavor profile of the fruit.
Caramel Apple Crumble Pie
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups apples, peeled and sliced preferably Granny Smith
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup light brown sugar packed
- 0.75 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter cold and diced
- 1 9-inch pie crust homemade or store-bought
- 0.5 cup caramel sauce for topping
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, toss apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Pour into pie crust.
- In another bowl, blend flour, brown sugar, and butter using a pastry blender or forks until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over apples.
- Bake in preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the top is golden brown.
- Let cool slightly, then drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
