Apple Caramel Pie with Walnuts

Instructions for Apple Caramel Pie with Walnuts

1. Make the Pie Crust:

• In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
• Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough begins to come together. Avoid overworking the dough.
• Once the dough forms, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.
• After chilling, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Press the dough into the dish and trim the excess. If desired, crimp the edges for a decorative look.
• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the pie crust for 10-12 minutes until golden and slightly crisp. Set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Apple Filling:

• Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin slices. Place them in a large bowl and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
• Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour to the apples. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.

3. Make the Caramel Sauce:

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, cream, and salt, stirring constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture begins to bubble.
• Allow the caramel to simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the caramel cool slightly before pouring it over the apple filling.

4. Assemble the Pie:

• Pour the prepared apple filling into the baked pie crust, spreading the apples evenly.
• Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the apples, ensuring that the apples are well-coated in the sweet, rich sauce.
• Bake the pie at 375°F (190°C) for about 40-45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the caramel is bubbling. If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, cover them with foil.

5. Prepare the Walnut Topping:

• While the pie is baking, prepare the walnut topping by placing the chopped walnuts in a small skillet over medium heat. Add granulated sugar and toast the walnuts for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
• Once toasted, remove the walnuts from the heat and set aside.

6. Finish and Serve:

• Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
• Sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the top of the pie for an added crunch and flavor.
• Serve the pie warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Apple Caramel Pie with Walnuts

• Choose the Right Apples: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance the sweetness of the caramel. These apples hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the caramel.
• Make Your Caramel Sauce Ahead: If you’re short on time, make the caramel sauce a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it gently before pouring it over the apples.
• Customize the Topping: Feel free to experiment with different nuts. Pecans, for example, can be used in place of walnuts, giving the pie a slightly different flavor profile.
• For Extra Flakiness: If you want a super flaky pie crust, try using a mix of butter and shortening for the dough. This combination helps the crust stay tender and crisp.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Caramel Pie with Walnuts

• Perfect Harmony of Flavors: The tartness of the apples, the sweetness of the caramel, and the crunch of the walnuts come together in every bite, creating a dessert that’s bursting with flavor.
• A Showstopper Dessert: This pie not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning. The golden-brown crust, glossy caramel drizzle, and toasted walnut topping make it a centerpiece dessert for any occasion.
• Comforting and Cozy: With the warmth of the caramel and the spiced apples, this pie is the epitome of comfort food. It’s perfect for cozying up during the colder months or adding a sweet touch to a festive occasion.

Final Thoughts

Apple Caramel Pie with Walnuts is a delightful twist on the traditional apple pie, elevating it with a luscious caramel sauce and a satisfying walnut crunch. It’s a dessert that’s both indulgent and comforting, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a slice with a cup of coffee or serving it as the grand finale to a holiday meal, this pie will become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of this sweet, nutty, and utterly delicious pie—you won’t regret it!