Introduction

Caramel Apple Crumble Pie is a delightful fusion of two classic fall desserts: apple pie and apple crisp. With spiced apples, a flaky crust, and a crunchy oatmeal crumble, this pie captures the cozy flavors of autumn. Served warm with caramel drizzle and vanilla ice cream, it’s perfect for sharing with loved ones.

A single slice of pie on a white plate with a light crust that is thick and ridged on the edge, filled with soft, caramel-colored fruit pieces visible under a crunchy, crumbly, oat topping with a golden-brown color, all covered in a glossy caramel sauce that drips slightly onto the plate; the plate sits on a white marbled surface next to a light green cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Single pie crust recipe, chilled

3 lbs (1.4 kg) apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar, packed

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon boiled cider (optional)

1/4 cup (57 grams) butter, room temperature

1/3 cup (66 grams) brown sugar

2/3 cup (60 grams) old fashioned oats

1/3 cup (40 grams) all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

Milk, for brushing

1/2 cup (280 grams) caramel sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a medium bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice to keep them from browning.

Step 2: Add brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and boiled cider (if using) to the apples. Mix until the apples are evenly coated, then set aside.

Step 3: For the crumble topping, beat together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in oats, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until combined, then set aside.

Step 4: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crust into a 12-inch circle. Place it in a 9-inch pie plate, folding and pressing the edges to create a decorative border.

Step 5: Spoon the prepared apple filling into the crust, mounding slightly in the center. Crumble the topping evenly over the apples.

Step 6: Brush the exposed dough edges with milk to encourage browning. Bake for 55-60 minutes until the crust and crumble are golden brown. Cover the edges with foil if they brown too quickly.

Step 7: Let the pie cool for at least 3 hours to allow the filling to set. Before serving, drizzle each slice with 1-2 tablespoons of warm caramel sauce.

Tips & Variations

Use a variety of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor and texture.

To make a vegan pie, substitute dairy butter with a plant-based alternative, use almond or soy milk for brushing, and prepare a vegan caramel sauce.

Cover the pie edges with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgence.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made pie crust for this recipe?

Yes, pre-made pie crust works well and saves time. Just ensure it’s fully thawed before rolling out and assembling the pie.

How do I prevent the apples from releasing too much juice?

Coating the apples with flour and sugar helps absorb excess moisture. Also, letting the pie cool completely before slicing allows the juices to thicken and set properly.