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Dutch Caramel Apple Pie: A Cozy Fall Delight

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like the heavenly aroma of a warm Dutch Caramel Apple Pie filling your home. This recipe is an embrace of cinnamon-spiced apples, a rich buttery crust, and a sweet caramel infusion that evokes memories of family gatherings and festive days under golden autumn skies. Each bite is an invitation to slow down, savor the moment, and relish the enchanting flavors of fall.

Whether it’s for a cozy Sunday dinner or a special occasion, this pie elevates any gathering into a cherished memory. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Heavenly Caramel Flavor: The combination of sweet apples and salted caramel creates a decadent contrast that dances on your taste buds.
Rustic Charm: With its crumbly topping and caramel drizzle, this pie embodies the cozy spirit of a traditional fall dessert.
Family-Friendly: Everyone from the littlest taste testers to the seasoned pie lovers will adore this classic treat.
Perfect for Gatherings: Whether you’re hosting a friendsgiving or a family feast, this pie is bound to impress your guests.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the crust ahead of time, making it easy to whip up this delightful dessert just when you need it.

What You’ll Need

To make your delicious Dutch Caramel Apple Pie, gather these simple ingredients:

1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled or weighed out (195 grams)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
9 tbsp cold, salted butter, cubed (127 grams)
4-6 tbsp ice cold water
1 cup granulated sugar (210 grams)
6 tbsp salted butter, cubed (85 grams)
1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream (135 grams)
Pinch of flaky sea salt
8 cups apples, peeled and sliced 1/4" thick (about 5-6 large apples – 846 grams of slices; see note below for types)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/3 cup granulated sugar (70 grams)
1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed (73 grams)
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp allspice
1/3 cup all-purpose flour (43 grams)
1/3 cup salted caramel sauce (recipe linked below)
1 cup all-purpose flour (130 grams)
1 cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats (100 grams)
2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed (146 grams)
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup cold, salted butter (113 grams)
1 egg (for egg wash)
Coarse sugar (for topping)

How to Make Dutch Caramel Apple Pie

Let’s make it together! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your warm and inviting pie:

Make the Pie Dough: Follow the recipe and directions in my post on How to Make Perfect Pie Crust. Allow the pie dough to chill in the fridge, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, for at least two hours (or overnight) or in the freezer for 30 minutes.
Make the Caramel: Follow my Homemade Caramel Sauce recipe. You’ll use 1/3 cup of caramel in the apple filling—reserve the rest for topping pie slices when serving.
Roll Pie Dough Out + Transfer to Pan: Follow the steps in my “Perfect Pie Crust” post through Step 7. You’ll freeze the pie crust (without the filling or crumble topping or egg wash) for 15 minutes before filling and baking. (It’s okay if it’s in the freezer longer than 15 minutes—you can let it go up to 30 minutes, or transfer to the fridge after 15.)
Make the Filling: While the dough is in the freezer, make the filling and preheat the oven to 400°. Rinse your apples, peel, core, and slice them into 1/4" thick slices. In a large mixing bowl, stir together all filling ingredients as listed above except for the caramel. Let the filling sit for 10 minutes (make the topping during this time) to get the apple juices going, then stir in the caramel. Set aside.
Make the Dutch Crumble Topping: Whisk together all topping ingredients except for the butter. Then, cut the cold butter into cubes and cut it into the flour mixture with a pastry cutter until you have a crumbly mixture, and all the butter pieces are coated in flour.
Assemble Pie: Beat the egg in a small bowl. Remove the pie from the freezer and brush the egg wash over the edges of the crust, sprinkling raw sugar over the edges. Spoon the apple mixture into the crust, leaving the excess liquid behind (if some liquid makes it in, that’s okay). Sprinkle the crumb topping over the apple filling. Place a baking sheet on a lower rack of your oven to catch any drips from your pie.
Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes, checking the pie at 25-30 minutes to make sure the crust isn’t browning too quickly. If it is, use a pie shield or place a piece of foil over the top of the pie and continue baking. The pie is done when the filling is bubbly, the topping and crust are golden brown, and the apples are tender (poke through the crumb topping with a fork if you’re not sure if it’s done—if it slides through the apples smoothly and easily, it’s done! Add a few more minutes at a time if the apples don’t feel tender enough).
Serve + Store: Allow the pie to cool at room temperature for 2-3 hours before slicing and serving. Serve with more caramel sauce! Store leftovers, covered, in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Make-Ahead Tips: The pie crust can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 3 days or in the freezer for 2 months. If making the pie a day or two ahead, bake, let it cool completely, cover with foil, and keep in the fridge until ready to serve. You can re-warm it in the oven the day you plan to serve it, if desired, at 350°, covered loosely with foil, for 12-20 minutes, until warmed through (stick an instant-read thermometer into the center to check that it’s warm all the way through).

Delicious Variations to Try

Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for a delightful crunch.
Fruit Fusion: Incorporate other fruits like pears or cranberries for unexpected autumn flavors.
Cheesecake Surprise: Swirl some cream cheese into the apple filling for a rich, creamy layer.
Spiced Twist: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or ginger for a unique flavor profile.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

Prepping the Dough: If you’re short on time, make the pie dough a day in advance. It can chill overnight, enhancing the flavor and texture.
Choosing Apples: For a balanced sweetness, combine different apple varieties like Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness.
Caramel Storage: Store any leftover caramel sauce in the fridge in an airtight container. It’s perfect for drizzling over ice cream or coffee!
Slicing Technique: Use a sharp knife to slice the pie for the cleanest, most beautiful pieces.

Nutrition Information per Serving

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 350
Carbohydrates: 54g
Sugar: 28g
Fat: 14g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 180mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?
Yes! You can prepare the pie crust in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer, and it’s also a fantastic make-ahead dessert.

Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix different types of apples or experiment with spices and toppings.

How do I store leftovers?
Cover the pie with foil and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.

How long does it last?
Stored properly, this pie will stay delicious for about five days in the refrigerator.

A Cozy Closing Note

There’s something truly special about sharing a warm slice of Dutch Caramel Apple Pie with loved ones. It’s a celebration of simple pleasures and heartfelt flavors that encapsulate the essence of fall. Save this Dutch Caramel Apple Pie to your cozy dessert board so it’s ready when you need a comforting treat! Get ready to create delicious memories that will warm your heart and your home.