Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious? Look no further! This Caramel Dutch Apple Pie recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and tart, with a gooey caramel center that will leave you wanting more. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals, perfect for a weeknight treat or a special occasion. Forget complicated baking – this recipe is surprisingly simple, making it ideal for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all levels. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
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For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup ice water
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For the Filling:
- 6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Make the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Assemble and Bake the Pie:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss gently to coat.
- Roll out the crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Transfer to baking dish: Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate or baking dish. Trim and crimp the edges.
- Add filling: Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the bottom of the crust. Arrange the apple slices over the caramel, slightly overlapping. Dot with the butter pieces.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges loosely with foil.
- Cool and serve: Let the pie cool completely before slicing and serving. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect accompaniment!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer crust, use half butter and half shortening.
- Feel free to experiment with different spices, such as cardamom or allspice.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- For a vegan version, use a vegan butter substitute and your favorite vegan caramel sauce. Ensure your flour is not cross-contaminated.
- This recipe makes a wonderful quick dinner dessert if served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Sugar: 30-40g
- Protein: 3-5g
This delicious Caramel Dutch Apple Pie is a delightful example of easy recipes for healthy meals. Its simple preparation and incredible taste make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Enjoy!