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Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

As the leaves begin to turn and the air turns crisp, I find myself longing for cozy evenings filled with the sweet aroma of baked apples and caramel wafting through my kitchen. There’s something incredibly comforting about a freshly baked pie, especially when it celebrates the bounty of fall. This Dutch Caramel Apple Pie transports me back to my childhood, evoking memories of family gatherings where laughter mingled with the delicious scents of cinnamon and sugar. Each bite feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, and trust me, this is a dessert you’ll want to treasure.

When it comes to easy fall desserts, this Dutch Caramel Apple Pie is the perfect blend of tender apples, rich caramel, and a crumbly topping that will have your loved ones coming back for seconds. It’s not just a pie; it’s an experience – one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Fall Flavor: Celebrate the cozy flavors of fall with tender apples and warm spices.
Decadent Caramel Addition: The swirl of caramel elevates this pie to new indulgent heights.
Perfect for Gatherings: A crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress friends and family during harvest celebrations.
Cozy Baking Project: A delightful way to spend an afternoon creating something wholesome and delicious.
Flexible Serving Options: Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or at room temperature for a snack!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Dutch Caramel Apple Pie

To get started on your delicious journey, gather these simple ingredients:

1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
9 tbsp cold, salted butter, cubed
4-6 tbsp ice cold water
1 cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp salted butter, cubed
1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream
Pinch of flaky sea salt
8 cups apples, peeled and sliced 1/4" thick
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp allspice
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup salted caramel sauce
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats
2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup cold, salted butter
1 egg (for egg wash)
Coarse sugar (for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s make it together! Here’s how to whip up this comforting Dutch Caramel Apple Pie:

Make the Pie Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 and 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice-cold water, mixing until the dough forms. Chill in the fridge or freezer for at least 30 minutes.
Make the Caramel: Follow your favorite recipe for homemade caramel sauce, reserving half for the apple filling and keeping the rest for drizzling on top before serving.
Roll Pie Dough Out: Once chilled, roll the pie dough out on a floured surface to fit your pie pan. Gently press it into the pan and freeze the crust for an additional 15 minutes.
Make the Filling: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp cloves, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp allspice, and 1/3 cup flour. Drizzle in the reserved caramel and mix until just combined.
Make the Crumble Topping: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup flour, oats, 2/3 cup brown sugar, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble Pie: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the edges of the pie crust with egg wash. Pour the apple mixture into the crust, then sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown. Be sure to check for doneness as baking times may vary.
Serve + Store: Allow the pie to cool for a few hours before serving. Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Variations & Creative Twists

Nutty Delight: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for an extra crunch.
Fruit Fusion: Mix in other fruits like berries or pears for a unique flavor combination.
Spiced Up: Experiment with different spices such as ginger or cardamom to give your pie a seasonal twist.
Sweet Glaze: Drizzle more salted caramel sauce on top just before serving for an indulgently rich touch.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the pie crust and filling the day before. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to replace some of the apples with fresh pears for a different flavor profile.
Slicing Apples: For even slices, use a mandoline slicer; it’s a game changer for uniform thickness.
Storage Tips: To keep the crust crisp, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 380
Carbs: 55g
Sugar: 28g
Fat: 18g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 200mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! The dough and filling can be prepared a day in advance.

Can I use different ingredients?
Yes, feel free to swap apples for pears or other fruits based on your preference!

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

How long does it last?
This pie is best enjoyed within 5 days but can be refrigerated for a week if kept well-sealed.

Final Thoughts

Creating this Dutch Caramel Apple Pie is more than just baking; it’s about sharing joy and warmth with those you love. The wonderful blend of sweet apples, buttery crust, and rich caramel will fill your home with delightful scents and your heart with fond memories. Save this Dutch Caramel Apple Pie to your comfort food board so it’s ready whenever you need a cozy treat! Enjoy every comforting bite!