Dutch Caramel Apple Pie

My Dutch Caramel Apple Pie is easier than a traditional pie thanks to the crumb topping and is packed with tender, spiced caramel-coated apples nestled inside a flaky all-butter crust. This show-stopping pie absolutely deserves a place on your Thanksgiving table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: The crumb topping makes this pie simpler to assemble compared to traditional pies.
• Flavorful Filling: Tender apples are coated in warm caramel and spices, creating a comforting and delicious dessert.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for any occasion, from Thanksgiving feasts to cozy family dinners.
• Impressive Presentation: The golden crust and crumb topping make for a stunning centerpiece on any dessert table.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the crust or the entire pie in advance, saving time on busy days.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Dutch Caramel Apple Pie, you’ll need some essential tools that will help achieve the perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Pastry cutter or fork
• Rolling pin
• 9-inch pie pan
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients evenly without making a mess.
• Pastry cutter or fork: Helps create the perfect crumbly topping by cutting cold butter into the flour mixture.
• Rolling pin: Ensures an even thickness of the pie dough for a well-cooked crust.
• Baking sheet: Catches any drips from the pie while it bakes, keeping your oven clean.

Ingredients

My Dutch Caramel Apple Pie is easier than a traditional pie thanks to the crumb topping and is packed with tender, spiced caramel-coated apples nestled inside a flaky all-butter crust. This show-stopping pie absolutely deserves a place on your Thanksgiving table!

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled or weighed out (195 grams)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 9 tbsp cold, salted butter, cubed (127 grams)
• 4-6 tbsp ice cold water

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar (210 grams)
• 6 tbsp salted butter, cubed (85 grams)
• 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream (135 grams)
• pinch of flaky sea salt

For the Filling:

• 8 cups apples, peeled and sliced 1/4 thick (about 5-6 large apples – 846 grams of slices – see note below for types)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (70 grams)
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed (73 grams)
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp cloves
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp allspice
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (43 grams)
• 1/3 cup salted caramel sauce (recipe linked below)

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (130 grams)
• 1 cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats (100 grams)
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed (146 grams)
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup cold, salted butter (113 grams)

Other Ingredients:

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• coarse sugar (for topping)

How to Make Dutch Caramel Apple Pie

Step 1: Make the Pie Dough

Follow the recipe and directions in my post on How to Make Perfect Pie Crust. Allow pie dough to chill in fridge, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, for at least two hours (or overnight) or in the freezer for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Caramel

Follow my Homemade Caramel Sauce recipe. You’ll use 1/3 cup of caramel in the apple filling—reserve the rest for topping pie slices when serving.

Step 3: Roll Pie Dough Out + Transfer to Pan

Follow the steps in my Perfect Pie Crust post through Step 7. You’ll freeze the pie crust (without filling or crumble topping or egg wash) for 15 minutes before filling and baking. It’s ok if it’s in the freezer longer than 15—up to 30 minutes works too.

Step 4: Make the Filling

While the dough is in the freezer, preheat your oven to 400°. Rinse your apples, peel, core, and slice them into 1/4 thick slices. In a large mixing bowl, stir together all filling ingredients except for caramel. Let filling sit for 10 minutes to get apple juices going before stirring in caramel.

Step 5: Make the Dutch Crumble Topping

Whisk together all topping ingredients except for butter. Cut cold butter into cubes and mix it into flour mixture using a pastry cutter until you have a crumbly mixture with coated butter pieces.

Step 6: Assemble Pie

Beat an egg in a small bowl. Remove pie from freezer and brush egg wash over edges of crust; sprinkle raw sugar over edges. Spoon apple mixture into crust while leaving excess liquid behind. Sprinkle crumble topping over apple filling. Place a baking sheet on a lower rack of your oven to catch drips.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 45–55 minutes, checking at around 25–30 minutes to ensure crust isn’t browning too quickly. If it is, use a pie shield or cover with foil until done. The pie is ready when filling is bubbly and both topping and crust are golden brown.

Step 8: Serve + Store

Allow pie to cool at room temperature for about 2–3 hours before slicing and serving. Serve with more caramel sauce! Store leftovers covered in fridge for up to five days.

Step 9: Make Ahead Tips

Pie crust can be made ahead of time—stored in fridge for three days or freezer for two months. If making ahead, bake, let cool completely, cover with foil, and keep refrigerated until ready to serve. Re-warm it at 350°, covered loosely with foil, for about 12–20 minutes until warmed through.

Enjoy your delicious Dutch Caramel Apple Pie!

How to Serve Dutch Caramel Apple Pie

Dutch Caramel Apple Pie is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your pie experience.

Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the warm pie perfectly, creating a delicious contrast in temperature and flavor.

Drizzle Extra Caramel Sauce

• Serving your pie with additional caramel sauce enhances its sweetness and adds a rich, velvety texture that will delight your taste buds.

Serve with Whipped Cream

• Light and airy whipped cream provides a soft topping that balances the richness of the pie, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Sprinkle with Nuts

• Chopped pecans or walnuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet apples.

Add Fresh Berries

• Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries offer a tartness that cuts through the sweetness of the pie, creating a refreshing contrast.

Garnish with Mint Leaves

• A sprig of fresh mint not only looks appealing but also adds a burst of freshness to each slice, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

How to Perfect Dutch Caramel Apple Pie

To make sure your Dutch Caramel Apple Pie turns out perfect every time, consider these handy tips for success.

• Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially butter and water, are cold. This helps create a flaky crust that’s tender and delicious.

• Choose the Right Apples: Select a mix of tart and sweet apples for depth of flavor. Varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work well together.

• Don’t Overfill: When adding the apple filling to the crust, leave behind excess liquid. Too much liquid can make the pie soggy.

• Cover Edges: If the crust edges brown too quickly while baking, cover them with foil or use a pie shield to prevent burning.

• Cool Before Slicing: Let your pie cool for at least 2-3 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set properly for cleaner slices.

• Make Ahead: Prepare your crust ahead of time and keep it in the fridge or freezer. This saves time on baking day while ensuring freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Dutch Caramel Apple Pie

Pairing side dishes with your Dutch Caramel Apple Pie can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like Brie or sharp cheddar provides savory notes that contrast beautifully with sweet flavors.

2. Roasted Nuts: Warm roasted nuts such as almonds or cashews add crunchiness and earthy flavors that complement the sweetness of the pie.

3. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made from seasonal fruits offers brightness and freshness, balancing the richness of the pie.

4. Hot Chocolate: Enjoying warm hot chocolate alongside your pie creates a cozy combination that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

5. Chai Tea: The spiced flavors of chai tea create an aromatic pairing that enhances the cinnamon and nutmeg notes in the pie.

6. Vanilla Yogurt: A dollop of creamy vanilla yogurt serves as a tangy counterpart to your dessert, making each bite refreshing.

7. Caramelized Bananas: Sweet caramelized bananas add an extra layer of indulgence when served alongside slices of pie.

8. Poached Pears: Lightly poached pears in syrup provide an elegant touch and integrate seamlessly with apple flavors in dessert settings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can help you achieve the perfect Dutch Caramel Apple Pie. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using Warm Butter: Always use cold butter for your pie crust. Warm butter can lead to a greasy texture instead of a flaky crust.
• Not Chilling the Dough: Failing to chill your pie dough can result in shrinkage during baking. Make sure to refrigerate it for at least two hours.
• Skipping the Egg Wash: Omitting the egg wash means missing out on that beautiful golden crust. Brush it on before baking for a lovely finish.
• Overfilling the Pie: Adding too much apple filling can cause overflow during baking. Leave some space at the top to prevent messes.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature can lead to uneven cooking. Preheat your oven properly and keep an eye on your pie as it bakes.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap.
• It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing Dutch Caramel Apple Pie

• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap, then foil to avoid freezer burn.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Dutch Caramel Apple Pie

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 12-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for 30-60 seconds; check frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid to heat evenly without burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Dutch Caramel Apple Pie different from regular apple pie?

Dutch Caramel Apple Pie features a crumb topping instead of a traditional top crust, adding texture and sweetness.

Can I use different types of apples for my Dutch Caramel Apple Pie?

Yes! Mixing tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Fuji enhances flavor complexity.

How do I ensure my caramel sauce is perfect?

Make sure not to rush the caramel process; cook it slowly over medium heat and stir consistently until it reaches a deep amber color.

Is there a vegan option for this Dutch Caramel Apple Pie?

You can substitute plant-based butter and cream alternatives while keeping all other ingredients vegan-friendly.

How long will my Dutch Caramel Apple Pie last?

When stored properly, it will remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts

This Dutch Caramel Apple Pie is not only delicious but also simple enough for any home baker. Its delightful combination of flavors and textures makes it a perfect addition to any gathering. Feel free to customize the spices or toppings based on your preferences!