Dutch Caramel Apple Pie: A Cozy Fall Delight
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked pie filling the air, especially as the leaves begin to turn golden and the crisp breeze announces the arrival of autumn. This Dutch Caramel Apple Pie brings back vivid memories of my grandmother’s kitchen—her worn apron dusted with flour, the warm glow of the oven, and that irresistible scent of sweet caramel wafting through the air. As we gathered around the table, every slice was a celebration of family, warmth, and love.
This pie is not just a dessert; it’s a comforting embrace on a chilly day. Picture this: a flaky, buttery crust cradling tender apples, all drizzled with a rich caramel sauce and topped with a golden, crumbly oat topping. It’s the kind of comfort food that makes you want to curl up with a warm blanket and a good book.
Whether you’re looking to impress friends at a gathering or simply want to treat your family to a cozy fall dessert, this easy Dutch Caramel Apple Pie is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavors: The combination of warm spices and sweet caramel creates a delightful balance that warms your soul.
- Homemade Goodness: Nothing beats the satisfaction of a pie made from scratch, with buttery crust and gooey filling.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This pie is a showstopper at any autumn gathering or family dinner, sure to please both kids and adults alike.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is friendly for novice bakers and experienced pros alike, making it an easy weeknight dinner dessert.
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative with different apple varieties or add nuts for an extra crunch.
What You’ll Need
- 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 inch thick (about 5-6 large apples)
- 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
1. Make the Pie Dough
Combine flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Cut in the cold, cubed butter with a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in ice cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to form. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
2. Make the Caramel
Prepare the caramel sauce according to your favorite recipe, then reserve 1/3 cup for the filling.
3. Roll and Transfer Dough
Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Carefully place it into a pie pan, trimming any excess. Freeze for 15 minutes while you prepare the filling.
4. Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, spices, and the reserved caramel. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes, allowing the apples to soften and soak up the flavors.
5. Make the Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture is crumbly.
6. Assemble Pie
Brush the edges of the chilled pie dough with the egg wash. Pour the apple mixture into the crust and top with the crumble mixture. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top for added sweetness and crunch.
7. Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown, checking halfway to ensure even baking.
8. Cool and Serve
Allow the pie to cool at room temperature for 2-3 hours before slicing. Serve warm, drizzled with additional caramel sauce for that extra indulgent touch.
Variations & Creative Twists
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for a delightful crunch and earthy flavor.
- Zesty Twist: Stir in some orange zest to the apple filling for a lively citrus note that pairs beautifully with the warm spices.
- Cinnamon Roll: Swirl in some cinnamon roll filling along with the apple mixture to create a gooey, indulgent hybrid pie.
- Spiced Pear Addition: Combine apples with pears for a juicy twist that brings a harmonic sweetness to the pie.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make Ahead: The pie dough can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it easy to whip up the pie when the craving hits.
- Apple Selection: Use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples for a balanced sweet and tart flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven for a few minutes to enjoy that freshly baked warmth again.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Carbs: 50g
- Sugar: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! The pie can be made ahead and stored in the fridge, or you can freeze it before baking for up to a month.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to swap in different apple varieties or use a store-bought caramel sauce for convenience.
How do I store leftovers?
Cover the pie with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
How long does it last?
When stored properly, this pie can last in the refrigerator for about 3 days.
A Cozy Closing Note
This Dutch Caramel Apple Pie is a reminder of all the beautiful moments we share around a table, savoring each bite and telling stories filled with laughter and love. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a way to create lasting memories with those we cherish.
So when the season turns crisp and the days grow shorter, save this Dutch Caramel Apple Pie to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
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Dutch Caramel Apple Pie
- Total Time: 175 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting Dutch Caramel Apple Pie with a flaky crust, tender apples, rich caramel sauce, and a crumbly oat topping—perfect for fall gatherings.
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 inch thick (about 5–6 large apples)
- 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)
Instructions
- Combine flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in ice cold water until the dough begins to form. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours.
- Prepare the caramel sauce according to your favorite recipe, then reserve 1/3 cup for the filling.
- Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Carefully place it into a pie pan, trimming any excess. Freeze for 15 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, spices, and reserved caramel. Let sit for about 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Brush the edges of the chilled pie dough with the egg wash. Pour the apple mixture into the crust and top with the crumble mixture. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 45-55 minutes, until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
- Allow the pie to cool at room temperature for 2-3 hours before slicing. Serve warm, drizzled with additional caramel sauce.
Notes
Use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples for the best flavor. The pie dough can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
