This recipe combines the classic comfort of apple pie with the rich, gooey sweetness of caramel. It’s a perfect dessert for fall gatherings or any time you crave a warm, delicious treat.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup cold vegetable shortening, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Caramel Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling:
- 6-8 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Make the Crust:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter and shortening using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
- Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Make the Caramel Filling:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and water. Swirl the pan gently but do not stir. Cook until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color.
- Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream (it may splatter). The caramel will bubble vigorously.
- Whisk in the butter and salt until smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract. Let the caramel cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss to coat.
4. Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the pie dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges.
- Pour the caramel filling over the apple mixture.
- Pour the apple mixture into the pie crust.
- Roll out the remaining pie dough and cut it into strips. Arrange the strips over the apple filling in a lattice pattern. Crimp the edges of the lattice strips to the bottom crust.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with strips of aluminum foil.
- Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the caramel to set.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer caramel flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the caramel filling.
- Add a splash of bourbon or apple cider vinegar to the caramel sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- You can use different types of apples for the filling. A mix of tart and sweet apples works well.
- Top the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special treat.
Enjoy your delicious Caramel Apple Pie!