Caramel Apple Crumble Pie

This Caramel Apple Crumble Pie combines the classic flavors of a traditional apple pie with a rich caramel twist and a buttery crumble topping. The sweet, tender apples are perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a warm and comforting filling. Drizzled with homemade caramel sauce and topped with a crisp, golden-brown oat crumble, this pie is an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for fall or any time you crave a comforting treat. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish.

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great choices)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pie Crust:
   • In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
   • In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and flour until evenly coated. Set aside.
3. Make the Caramel Sauce:
   • In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color.
   • Remove from heat and carefully whisk in butter, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Set aside to cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Crumble Topping:
   • In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in melted butter until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
5. Assemble the Pie:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Roll out the chilled pie dough on a lightly floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges as desired.
   • Pour the apple filling into the pie crust and drizzle with the prepared caramel sauce.
   • Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
6. Bake the Pie:
   • Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
   • Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving.
7. Serve:
   • Serve the Caramel Apple Crumble Pie warm, with an additional drizzle of caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired. Enjoy!