Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe: A Sweet, Crunchy Delight
Indulge in the ultimate comfort dessert with this Dutch Caramel Apple Pie recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this pie combines the tangy sweetness of apples with a rich, gooey caramel sauce and a crunchy crumb topping. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this step-by-step guide will help you create a pie that’s sure to impress. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable treat!
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 9-inch pie crust (use Homemade All Butter Pie Crust or refrigerated pie crust)
Filling
- 6-7 cups tart apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/2-inch thick slices
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 3/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (from below)
Caramel Sauce
- 25-26 caramels
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 stick butter, softened
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water)
- Coarse sugar for crust topping
Preparation
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Follow the Homemade All Butter Pie Crust recipe up to the baking part, or use a premade pie crust. Ensure it’s ready in your pie plate.
- Make the Caramel Sauce: In a small skillet, melt caramels and heavy cream over very low heat. Stir until smooth. Set aside 1/2 cup for the filling and reserve the rest for serving.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, mix apples, lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and flour. Let sit for 10 minutes to release apple juices, then stir in 1/2 cup caramel sauce.
- Make the Topping: Combine brown sugar, flour, and salt. Cut in butter using a pastry cutter or forks until crumbly.
- Assemble the Pie: Spoon the filling into the pie crust. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples. Brush egg wash over the crust edges and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, checking at 20 minutes. If the crust browns too quickly, cover with foil. The pie is done when the filling is bubbly, the topping is golden brown, and the apples are tender.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool for 2-3 hours before slicing. Serve with vanilla ice cream and extra caramel sauce for a decadent finish!
Enjoy this Dutch Caramel Apple Pie with family and friends, and don’t forget to share your creations with us!