Caramel Apple Pie with Nutty Crumble Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that brings classic comfort and a little twist, this Caramel Apple Pie with Nutty Crumble Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this pie layers tart Granny Smith apples with a crunchy, nut-packed crumble and finishes it off with a luscious caramel drizzle. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a holiday favorite in my family—and honestly, any time pie craving strikes. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every detail to make sure your pie turns out just as amazing.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe strikes the perfect harmony of fresh, tart apples with a sweet, buttery crumble and rich caramel topping. When shopping, grabbing firm Granny Smith apples is key because they hold their shape beautifully during baking.

• Granny Smith apples: Their tartness balances the sweetness perfectly; peel and slice evenly for consistent cooking.
• Lemon juice: Adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning before baking.
• Sugar: Sweetens the filling just right without overpowering the apples.
• Flour: Helps thicken the filling so it’s not runny; also used in the crumble topping for texture.
• Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it!
• Butter: Gives the crumb topping that irresistible richness and helps it crisp up nicely.
• Brown sugar: Adds depth and chewiness to the crumble’s sweetness.
• Quick oats: Provide lovely texture and a hint of nuttiness to the topping.
• Pie crust: I usually use a store-bought crust for convenience, but homemade works just as well.
• Pecans: Chopped for that satisfying crunch and to elevate the nutty flavor profile.
• Caramel topping: The star finishing touch—I like to go generous here, but adjust to your sweetness preference!

Variations

I love mixing things up depending on the season or who I’m serving. This Caramel Apple Pie with Nutty Crumble Recipe is great to personalize—whether you want to add spices or swap nuts, it’s all about what makes it your favorite.

• Spiced Up: Adding cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the filling gives it a warm, cozy vibe I adore especially in the fall.
• Nut Swap: I’ve swapped pecans for walnuts or almonds with great results—go with whatever your family loves or has on hand.
• Gluten-Free: You can use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute the oats with gluten-free oats to make a friendly version everyone can enjoy.
• Extra Fruity: Try mixing in a handful of diced pears or cranberries for a tart twist and more texture.

How to Make Caramel Apple Pie with Nutty Crumble Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples Like a Pro

Start by peeling and slicing about 6 cups of Granny Smith apples. Toss them in the juice of half a lemon right away to keep them from browning — this little trick keeps the filling looking fresh and vibrant. Then mix the apples with sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. The flour helps thicken the juices while baking, so your pie isn’t too runny.

Step 2: Whip Up That Nutty Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, cut cold butter into flour until crumbly, then stir in brown sugar, oats, and a pinch of salt. If you’re like me, you’ll love this step because the crumble smells amazing and you get to use your hands just a little. This topping is what sets this pie apart — it crisps up beautifully and adds that perfect nutty crunch.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake with Care

Pour your apple filling into the pie shell and spread the crumble evenly on top. Cover the edges of your crust with foil to avoid burning because those edges bake faster than the filling. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for another 30 to 45 minutes until the edges bubble and the topping is golden. When you have just 5 minutes left, sprinkle chopped pecans over the top for that extra nutty punch and finish baking. The aroma baking in the kitchen will have you eagerly watching the clock.

Step 4: The Grand Finale – Drizzle Caramel

Once your pie is out of the oven, drizzle half a jar (or more if you’re feeling decadent) of caramel topping all over. This step is what makes this recipe truly unforgettable! Let it cool just a bit — or if you can’t wait like me, dive right in with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and enjoy every gooey, crunchy bite.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Pie with Nutty Crumble Recipe

Garnishes

I like topping the slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to contrast the warm pie with cold creaminess. A sprinkle of extra chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon works beautifully too. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of whipped cream with a drizzle more of caramel never hurts!

Side Dishes

This pie plays well alongside a simple cup of hot coffee or spiced chai tea. For festive occasions, I like pairing it with roasted chestnuts or a sharp cheddar cheese board to balance all that sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I’ve served this pie in mini ramekins with individual crumble toppings and caramel drizzled on top—everyone loves their own personal pie! You could also make a lattice crust under the crumble for an eye-catching twist that’s still simple to do.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover pie covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap in the fridge. It stays good for about 3-4 days, and I love how the flavors deepen overnight. Just remember the crumble topping may soften a bit, but the pie is still delicious warm or cold.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before popping it into the freezer. From my experience, freezing works best before adding the caramel topping—just drizzle fresh caramel after thawing and reheating to keep that perfect gooey texture.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 15 minutes to revive the crumble crunch. I avoid microwaving because it can make the crust soggy, and trust me, you want that delightful crispness back!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Apple Pie with Nutty Crumble Recipe isn’t just any dessert; it’s a slice of happiness that I’m excited to share with you. From the first bite, you’ll notice how the tart apples, the crunchy, buttery topping, and that decadent caramel come together to create something truly comforting and unforgettable. I’m confident it will become a staple in your recipe box like it did in mine—perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or simply when you need a little homemade sweetness in your life. So go ahead, give it a try, and get ready for some serious pie love!

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