Caramel Walnut Apple Pie is a delicious dessert that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh apples with the rich and buttery taste of caramel, all nestled in a flaky pie crust. Topped with crunchy walnuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon, this pie is the perfect treat for any occasion, especially during the fall and winter months.
I wasn’t going to post this because there’s a million and one apple pie recipes out there but it was so very delicious I had to. And because I don’t want to wimp out on pie season. And because this is kind of the pie of my apple pie dreams.
This apple pie is made special by the simple act of topping it with buttery brown sugar and walnuts. It forms a lovely caramel as it bakes, melting over the top to sink down into all the nooks and crannies between the cinnamon-spiked apples. It’s kind of like a caramel apple only better because there’s also buttery crust involved.
The crust is made flaky and tender by incorporating both shortening and butter. They’re worked into the dough one at a time instead of both at once making for a fail-proof crust. I struggled to make good crusts until I started using this method – both the flavor and texture improved immensely. Like 100% better.
Who likes Granny Smith apples in their pie? Raise your hand.
Boo on Granny Smith whoever she is, the old pucker mouth. I like sweeter apples like Gala or Fuji, thinly sliced and cooked until soft but not mushy.
Making this the most perfect pie.
The apple pie of my dreams.
Why Caramel Walnut Apple Pie is a great choice for fall and winter baking?
Caramel Walnut Apple Pie is the perfect dessert for the fall and winter months because it has warm and comforting flavors that are ideal for cooler weather. The combination of sweet and tangy apples with rich and buttery caramel creates a taste that is both familiar and exciting. Additionally, the aroma of the pie baking in the oven fills the house with a comforting and inviting scent that makes everyone feel at home.
As the weather gets cooler, people naturally gravitate towards warm and hearty dishes, and Caramel Walnut Apple Pie is no exception. It is a dessert that can be enjoyed on its own, but it is also a perfect complement to a hot cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa. With its rich and indulgent flavors, this pie is the perfect treat to share with family and friends during the holiday season.
Overall, Caramel Walnut Apple Pie is a great choice for fall and winter baking because it is a delicious and comforting dessert that captures the essence of the season. It is easy to make and perfect for sharing, making it a great addition to any holiday gathering or cozy night in.
Caramel Walnut Apple Pie is a versatile dessert that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream: The combination of warm pie and cold ice cream is a classic pairing that is sure to please. The creamy vanilla flavor of the ice cream complements the rich and buttery flavors of the pie.
- Top with whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy texture to the pie, and can be a nice contrast to the crunchy walnuts and gooey caramel.
- Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a little extra caramel sauce on top of the pie. This will enhance the caramel flavor and add an extra layer of decadence.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea: Caramel Walnut Apple Pie is the perfect dessert to enjoy with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The flavors of the pie will complement the rich and bold flavors of coffee, while a cup of tea can help balance out the sweetness.
No matter how you choose to serve it, Caramel Walnut Apple Pie is a delicious and comforting dessert that is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
- Crust:
- 1 + 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspon salt
- 4 tablespoons cold shortening
- 5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
- 3 to 5 tablespoons ice water
- Filling:
- 7 cups baking apples, thinly sliced about 1/8-inch thick (7 - 8 apples - I used Gala)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 7 tablespoons butter, melted, divided
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- pinch of salt
- Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
Make the crust:
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Use a pastry blender or fork to cut in the shortening until crumbly. Repeat with the butter. Add the ice water gradually, tossing with a fork until it comes together to form a soft dough. Pat it into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate 20 minutes.
Make the filling:
In a large bowl toss the apples with the lemon and 2 tablespoons of the butter. Add the sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Toss to combine.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and place a baking sheet on the bottom rack to catch any drips.
On a lightly floured surface roll the dough out to an 11-inch circle. Roll it up onto the rolling pin and place it into a 9-inch pie dish. Press it down into the pan and flute the edges.
Fill with the apple mixture by hand - lay the apples as evenly as you can over the crust.
In a small bowl mix together the remaining 5 tablespoons melted butter with the brown sugar and nuts. Spoon it over the apples and spread it out over the top with the back of the spoon.
Bake about 50 minutes until bubbly and golden (place a piece of tinfoil over the entire pie if it starts to brown too much near the end).
Cool on a wire rack. Serve as is or with whipped cream and/or vanilla ice cream. Refrigerate leftovers.
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