Pi Day is the perfect excuse to whip up some delicious caramel apple pies! Imagine biting into a slice of warm pie, the gooey caramel mixing with sweet apples and spices. Whether you prefer a classic version or something with a twist, there's a recipe for everyone. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your baking skills. But which recipe will you choose first? Let's investigate these five tempting options!
Classic Caramel Apple Pie
Classic Caramel Apple Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the comforting flavors of sweet, spiced apples with a rich caramel sauce, all encased in a flaky pie crust. This recipe is perfect for fall gatherings or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a homemade treat. The blend of warm spices and gooey caramel enhances the traditional apple pie, making it a must-try for anyone who loves dessert.
Ingredients:
- 2 pre-made pie crusts (or homemade if preferred)
- 6 cups of tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice, tossing until the apples are evenly coated.
Roll out one pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan, then fill it with the apple mixture, drizzling half of the caramel sauce over the top. Cover with the second pie crust, crimping the edges to seal and cutting slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
Brush the top with an egg wash made from beating the egg with milk, then bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
Allow the pie to cool slightly before drizzling with the remaining caramel sauce before serving.
Extra Tips:
For an added flavor twist, consider mixing in a handful of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the apple filling for some crunch.
Make sure to let the pie cool before serving to allow the filling to set, which will make for cleaner slices. If you want a more polished look, sprinkle some coarse sugar on top of the crust before baking for a sweet, sparkly finish.
Finally, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence!
Caramel Apple Crumble Pie
Caramel Apple Crumble Pie is a delightful twist on the classic apple pie, combining the warm flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples with the rich sweetness of caramel. This dessert features a buttery, flaky crust topped with a crumbly streusel that adds texture and a hint of crunch, making it perfect for any occasion.
Whether you're serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it on a cozy evening at home, this pie is sure to impress and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch)
- 4 cups peeled and sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for crumble)
To make the Caramel Apple Crumble Pie, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1/4 cup of flour until well coated.
Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust, then drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the apples. In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, 1/2 cup of flour, and cold butter. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until crumbly.
Spread the crumble mixture over the apple filling, then bake for 40-45 minutes or until the apples are tender and the crumble is golden brown. Let the pie cool slightly before drizzling it with the remaining caramel sauce.
For the best results, choose a mix of sweet and tart apples to create a balanced flavor in your pie. If you prefer a thicker filling, you can increase the amount of flour mixed with the apples.
Additionally, to prevent the crust from becoming soggy, you can pre-bake the pie crust for 10 minutes before adding the apple filling. Serve the pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat!
Salted Caramel Apple Pie
Salted Caramel Apple Pie is a delightful twist on the classic dessert that combines the rich flavors of caramel with the tartness of fresh apples. This pie offers a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
With a flaky crust and a gooey filling, it's sure to impress your family and friends. Follow this recipe to create a stunning dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 6 cups of peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (for sprinkling)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for dotting)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
To prepare the Salted Caramel Apple Pie, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Toss until the apples are well coated.
Roll out your pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Pour the apple mixture into the crust, then drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the apples. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter. Cover with a top crust, sealing and crimping the edges. Cut slits in the top crust for ventilation.
In a small bowl, beat the egg with milk and brush the mixture over the crust. Sprinkle sea salt on top, then bake for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Allow to cool before serving.
For the best results, use a mix of sweet and tart apples to create depth of flavor. If you're short on time, store-bought caramel sauce works great, but consider making your own for a fresher taste.
Always allow the pie to cool before slicing, as this helps the filling set and makes for cleaner slices. Serve your Salted Caramel Apple Pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!
Caramel Apple Galette
A Caramel Apple Galette is a delightful twist on traditional apple pie, featuring a rustic, free-form crust and luscious caramel sauce that boosts the flavors of the sweet, tender apples. Perfect for a cozy gathering or a comforting dessert at home, this galette isn't only easy to make but also visually stunning.
With a flaky pastry that encases spiced apples and the rich sweetness of caramel, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade if preferred)
- 3-4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice, tossing to coat the apples evenly.
Roll out the pie crust on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Arrange the apple mixture in the center of the crust, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples, then fold the edge of the crust over the apples, pleating it as you go to create a rustic look.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk, then brush the mixture over the crust and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, choose a mix of sweet and tart apples to create a balanced taste in your galette.
If you have time, let the apple filling sit for about 10-15 minutes before assembling the galette; this allows the juices to meld and improves the flavor.
Additionally, consider adding chopped nuts or raisins to the apple filling for added texture.
Serve your Caramel Apple Galette warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat!
Mini Caramel Apple Pies
Mini caramel apple pies are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, perfect for individual servings and great for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet treat at home.
These bite-sized pies are filled with tender, spiced apples and topped with rich caramel sauce, all encased in a flaky crust. They aren't only easy to prepare but also visually appealing, making them a fantastic addition to any dessert table.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 3 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg (beaten for egg wash)
- Optional: Whipped cream or ice cream for serving
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Roll out the pie crusts and use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles that will fit into a muffin tin.
In a bowl, combine the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice, mixing until the apples are well-coated.
Place a circle of pie crust into each muffin tin cup, filling them with the apple mixture. Drizzle a small amount of caramel sauce over the apples, then cover with another circle of pie crust, crimping the edges to seal.
Brush the tops with the beaten egg, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before removing from the tin.
Extra Tips:
For an added crunch, consider mixing in some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the apple filling.
If you prefer a richer flavor, you can also use a combination of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
Be sure to let the mini pies cool before drizzling with extra caramel sauce to prevent it from melting away.
These pies can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven for a few minutes, making them a convenient dessert option for busy days!