Caramel Crunch Apple Pie
Total Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 1 pie
Category: Pie
Cuisine: American
Keywords: Dessert, Apple, Fruit, Low Protein, Under 60 Minutes, Oven
This Caramel Crunch Apple Pie is a beloved family favorite that combines the irresistible flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples, a rich caramel sauce, and a crunchy, buttery topping. Perfect for any occasion, especially fall, this pie is sure to become a staple in your home. The Granny Smith apples are highly recommended for this recipe because they hold their shape and texture during baking, ensuring that the pie doesn’t become soggy. As a friendly suggestion, you may want to prepare two pies, as this delectable dessert tends to disappear quickly!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Granny Smith apples | 4 (peeled, cored, sliced) |
| All-purpose flour | 2/3 cup |
| Additional all-purpose flour | 2 Tbsp |
| Kittencal’s No-Fail Buttery Flaky Pie Pastry (or your favorite homemade crust) | 1 pie shell (thawed and unbaked) |
| Water | 25 ml (about 1 tbsp) |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/2 tsp |
| Butter | 1/2 cup (cold, cubed) |
| Walnuts (chopped) | 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3845.9 kcal |
| Total Fat | 193.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 81.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 261.7 mg |
| Sodium | 2096.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 517.7 g |
| Fiber | 21.7 g |
| Sugar | 329.9 g |
| Protein | 38.7 g |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the ingredients. This ensures your pie bakes evenly. -
Prepare the Apples:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced Granny Smith apples with 2 tablespoons of flour. Toss them gently to coat all the apple pieces. The flour will help thicken the filling during baking, ensuring the pie doesn’t become too runny. -
Assemble the Pie:
Transfer the coated apples into the unbaked pie shell, spreading them evenly. Make sure the apples are packed tightly to prevent any gaps in the filling. -
Make the Caramel Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, combine the caramels and water. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the caramels melt completely and the mixture becomes smooth. Once melted, pour the caramel sauce evenly over the apples in the pie crust, ensuring all the apples are coated. -
Prepare the Crumble Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix together the remaining 2/3 cup of flour, sugar, cinnamon, and cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the mixture forms crumbly pieces. The butter should remain in small chunks, which will create the crunchy topping after baking. -
Add Walnuts:
Stir in the chopped walnuts into the crumble mixture. The walnuts add a delightful crunch and flavor to the topping. -
Top the Pie:
Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the caramel-coated apples. Make sure to cover the entire surface, allowing some of the apple filling to peek through. -
Bake the Pie:
Place the prepared pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, as caramel can bubble over during baking. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork and the topping is golden brown. The caramel will bubble up, creating a deliciously sticky, crunchy crust. -
Cool and Serve:
Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before serving, or let it cool completely for a firmer texture. This pie is best served warm, but it’s just as delicious at room temperature. For an extra indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips & Variations
- Pie Crust: If you prefer to use a homemade crust, I recommend Kittencal’s No-Fail Buttery Flaky Pie Pastry, but you can substitute any crust you enjoy, whether it’s store-bought or made from scratch.
- Apple Varieties: While Granny Smith apples are the best choice for their firmness and tartness, you can experiment with other apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn if you prefer a sweeter filling.
- Crumble Topping: For a more decadent topping, try adding a pinch of salt to the crumble mixture to balance the sweetness of the caramel.
- Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream pairs wonderfully with this warm, caramel-filled pie.
This Caramel Crunch Apple Pie is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, with the tartness of the apples, the sweetness of the caramel, and the crunch of the topping. It’s the ultimate dessert to make for family gatherings, holidays, or any occasion when you want to impress your guests with something truly special. Whether served warm from the oven or at room temperature, this pie will quickly become a new favorite in your recipe collection!
