Are you craving the warm, comforting flavors of fall? Then look no further! This easy caramel apple pie filling recipe is perfect for pies, crisps, cobblers, or even just spooned over vanilla ice cream. It’s a delicious and surprisingly simple dessert that will impress your family and friends, whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice. This homemade recipe skips the overly sweet, processed versions and delivers a delightful balance of sweet caramel and tart apples. It's a quick dinner idea addition or a perfect standalone dessert!
Ingredients:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix are ideal), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie plate or baking dish, or use a disposable aluminum pie pan for easy cleanup.
Prepare the apple filling: In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Make sure the apples are evenly coated. Adding lemon juice helps prevent browning and enhances the apple's flavor.
Create the caramel apple magic: Pour the caramel sauce over the seasoned apples and gently mix until combined. The caramel will coat the apple slices beautifully, creating a delicious depth of flavor.
Bake to perfection: Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie plate. Dot the top evenly with the small pieces of butter.
Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the filling is bubbly. The top should be lightly golden brown. If the topping begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
Cool and serve: Let the filling cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or cold!
Tips for the Best Caramel Apple Pie Filling:
- Apple variety matters: Granny Smith apples offer a fantastic tartness that balances the sweetness of the caramel, but Honeycrisp or a blend of apple types also work beautifully.
- Don't overmix: Gently toss the apples to coat them evenly; overmixing can cause them to become mushy.
- Homemade caramel is best: If you have the time, making your own caramel sauce adds another layer of deliciousness. However, a good quality store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly well.
- Thickening the filling: If you prefer a thicker filling, increase the flour to ¾ cup.
- Spice it up: Feel free to experiment with different spices. A pinch of ginger or cardamom would complement the caramel and apple flavors wonderfully.
Variations:
- Apple Crumble Topping: Instead of baking the filling in a pie crust, top it with a buttery crumble made from oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter.
- Caramel Apple Crisp: Use the filling as the base for a crisp, topping it with a buttery oat mixture.
- Ice Cream Topping: Serve the warm filling over vanilla ice cream or your favorite frozen yogurt for a quick and easy dessert.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. However, a general estimate for one serving of this caramel apple pie filling is approximately:
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Sugar: 25-35g
- Protein: 2-3g
This information is an estimate and should be considered a guideline.
This caramel apple pie filling is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade cooking and the delicious results! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Try it and let us know how much you love it!