Easy Caramel Apple Crisp Pie Recipe

Easy Caramel Apple Crisp Pie Recipe

Cook Time: 35 minutes

This delicious Caramel Apple Crumble Pie is the perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. With a buttery, golden crust, gooey caramel, and a crispy crumble topping, it's sure to impress. Follow these simple steps for a delightful treat.

Ingredients

  • 1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust
  • 2 (20 ounce) cans apple pie filling
  • 1/3 cup thick caramel dip (such as Marzetti caramel dip), plus extra for topping
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup light brown sugar
  • 2/3 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup butter, cut into cubes
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Place the unbaked pie crust onto a baking sheet.

Step 2: Pour the apple pie filling into the crust, spreading it out evenly.

Step 3: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the caramel dip on High for about 20 seconds until it becomes runny. Drizzle the warm caramel evenly over the pie filling.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, butter cubes, cinnamon, and salt. Use a fork to mix until the mixture becomes crumbly and well-combined.

Step 5: Scatter the crumble mixture evenly over the top of the pie.

Step 6: Place the pie on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips while baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.

Step 7: Allow the pie to cool for 20 minutes before slicing and serving. Drizzle with extra caramel before serving for an extra indulgent touch.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories 627
Total Fat 27g
Saturated Fat 13g
Cholesterol 35mg
Sodium 498mg
Total Carbohydrate 95g
Dietary Fiber 3g
Total Sugars 50g
Protein 5g
Vitamin C 3mg
Calcium 54mg
Iron 2mg
Potassium 159mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Caramel Apple Crisp Pie

The caramel apple crisp pie is a modern twist on classic American desserts, combining the iconic flavors of apple pie and apple crisp into a single indulgent treat. Apple pie itself has roots tracing back to medieval Europe, where baked fruit pies were common, but it became a symbol of American culture in the 19th century. The caramel topping adds a rich, buttery sweetness that complements the tartness of the apples, reflecting the evolution of desserts as cooks began layering textures and flavors for more complex experiences.

Regional Variations and Characteristics

This dessert is most popular in the United States, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest, where apple orchards flourish. In New England, you might find versions with a thicker, buttery crumble topping, while the Midwest often favors a slightly sweeter pie filling with a drizzle of caramel throughout. Southern versions may incorporate nuts such as pecans for added texture. The dish is highly versatile, allowing each region to highlight its local apple varieties and culinary preferences.

How It Differs from Similar Desserts

While apple pie, apple crisp, and caramel apple desserts share similar ingredients, the caramel apple crisp pie is unique for its layered approach. Traditional apple pie focuses on a smooth filling enclosed in a pastry crust, while apple crisp features a streusel-like topping over baked fruit. The caramel apple crisp pie bridges these two, offering both a flaky crust and a crumbly topping, accented by luscious caramel, which elevates it beyond the standard versions of either dessert.

Where Its Typically Served

This dessert is a staple at fall and holiday gatherings, including Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. Its often served warm, sometimes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Cafs and bakeries also feature it during autumn, capitalizing on the seasonal appeal of apples and caramel. Its versatility makes it suitable for both casual family meals and more formal festive occasions.

Interesting Facts

  • Caramel apple crisp pie has gained popularity in recent decades as a hybrid dessert, inspired by the desire to combine the best of two classics.
  • The pie showcases how American baking often merges texture and flavor, creating layered desserts that appeal to both taste and visual senses.
  • Caramel itself was originally a luxury item, but modern recipes, like this one using caramel dip, make it accessible and easy to use for home cooks.
  • The dessert encourages creativity: bakers can experiment with different apple types, spices, and even add nuts or chocolate to customize flavors.
  • Its sweet and tart combination mirrors the balance sought in many traditional autumn treats, symbolizing harvest season abundance.

In essence, the easy caramel apple crisp pie is more than a dessertits a celebration of seasonal ingredients, culinary innovation, and regional traditions that have been adapted and enjoyed across generations.

FAQ about Easy Caramel Apple Crisp Pie Recipe

Yes. You can prepare the pie up to one day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. If you prefer a crisp topping, reheat individual portions in the oven instead of the microwave.

Yes. Bake the pie completely, let it cool, and then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Yes. If using fresh apples, peel and slice about 6–7 medium apples, toss with sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of cornstarch, and then use in place of the canned filling.

Old-fashioned rolled oats are best for texture. Quick oats can also be used, but the topping may be softer. Steel-cut oats are not recommended.

The pie is best enjoyed warm with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream. However, it can also be served at room temperature or chilled, depending on preference.

Yes. Use a gluten-free pie crust, substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.

Let the pie cool for at least 20 minutes after baking. This allows the filling to set and makes slicing easier.

Yes. You can reduce the amount of caramel drizzle or cut back on the brown sugar in the topping to make the dessert less sweet.

Comments

Christopher Garcia

10/02/2024 05:36:21 PM

Can’t believe I made something this good.