Caramel Pecan Apple Pie: A Fall Dessert You’ll Love

Introduction

When autumn arrives, nothing captures the essence of the season quite like a freshly baked Caramel Pecan Apple Pie. This delectable dessert combines three beloved flavors—tart apples, buttery caramel, and crunchy pecans—to create an irresistible treat that will certainly become your new favorite fall tradition. Moreover, this pie isn’t just delicious; it’s also a stunning centerpiece for any holiday table or weekend gathering.

In this post, I’ll guide you through creating the perfect Caramel Pecan Apple Pie that balances sweetness with warm spices and varied textures. Additionally, I’ll share tips and tricks to ensure your pie turns out beautifully every time, even if you’re a beginner baker.

What Makes This Caramel Pecan Apple Pie Special?

First of all, this isn’t your standard apple pie. The addition of homemade caramel sauce and toasted pecans transforms a classic dessert into something truly extraordinary. Furthermore, the contrast between the tender apple filling, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecan topping creates a delightful textural experience with every bite.

Unlike many complicated desserts, this Caramel Pecan Apple Pie uses straightforward techniques that anyone can master. Consequently, you’ll impress your family and friends without spending the entire day in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-7 medium apples (preferably a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

For the Caramel Pecan Topping:

• 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Perfect Pie Crust

1. First, combine flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
2. Next, add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter to work them into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Then, add ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough comes together.
4. After that, form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and chill for at least one hour.
5. Once chilled, roll the dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter and transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish.
6. Subsequently, trim the edges, leaving about a 1-inch overhang, then fold and crimp decoratively.
7. Finally, refrigerate the prepared crust while you make the filling.

Creating the Apple Filling

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Meanwhile, peel, core, and slice the apples into ¼-inch thick slices.
3. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice until evenly coated.
4. Afterward, arrange the apple mixture in your prepared pie crust, mounding slightly in the center.

Making the Caramel Pecan Topping

1. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Set aside.
2. Then, in a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the brown sugar and stir constantly until dissolved.
4. Next, add the honey and bring the mixture to a gentle boil for 2 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and carefully stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract.
6. Subsequently, fold in the toasted pecans until completely coated.
7. Allow the mixture to cool slightly for about 5 minutes.

Assembling and Baking Your Caramel Pecan Apple Pie

1. Pour the caramel pecan mixture evenly over the apple filling.
2. Consequently, place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any potential overflow.
3. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the crust is golden brown.
4. If the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
5. After baking, allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 3 hours before slicing.
6. Therefore, the filling will have time to set properly, making it easier to serve perfect slices.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Caramel Pecan Apple Pie

• Apple Selection: For the best flavor and texture, use a combination of tart and sweet apples. Granny Smith provides structure and tartness, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness and juiciness.
• Caramel Consistency: Don’t overcook your caramel sauce or it may become too hard once cooled. The goal is a thick but pourable consistency.
• Pecan Toasting: Although it adds an extra step, toasting the pecans significantly enhances their flavor. Nevertheless, watch them carefully as they can burn quickly.
• Crust Protection: To prevent a soggy bottom crust, you can blind bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling, or simply place the pie on the lowest rack of your oven.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Caramel Pecan Apple Pie can be prepared in advance in several ways:

1. The pie dough can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator, or frozen for up to 3 months.
2. Additionally, you can assemble the entire pie and freeze it unbaked for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, simply place it directly in the oven from frozen and add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
3. Leftover baked pie can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Serving Suggestions

Your Caramel Pecan Apple Pie is delicious on its own, but here are some serving ideas to take it to the next level:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the classic à la mode experience.
• Alternatively, try it with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce.
• For breakfast the next day (yes, we’re giving you permission), warm a slice in the microwave and enjoy with your morning coffee.

Why This Caramel Pecan Apple Pie Will Become Your Signature Dessert

Once you master this Caramel Pecan Apple Pie, you’ll find yourself making it for every autumn gathering. The combination of flavors and textures makes it stand out from traditional apple pies, and yet it’s still approachable enough for everyday baking.

Furthermore, the aroma that fills your home while this pie bakes is practically therapeutic—warm spices, sweet caramel, and toasted nuts create an atmosphere of comfort that defines the fall season.

In conclusion, whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, contributing to a potluck, or simply treating yourself to something special, this Caramel Pecan Apple Pie is guaranteed to impress. After all, who could resist the perfect harmony of tart apples, buttery caramel, and crunchy pecans wrapped in a flaky homemade crust?

Caramel Pecan Apple Pie: A Fall Dessert You’ll Love

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Author: thelunaskitchen Cuisine: American

Prep Time 45 mins Cook Time 55 mins Rest Time 3 hrs Total Time 4 hrs 40 mins Difficulty: Intermediate Servings: 8 Calories: 580 Kcal Best Season: Fall

Description

When autumn’s chill sets in, few desserts embody the cozy spirit of the season like a Caramel Pecan Apple Pie. This pie brings together tart apples, golden caramel, and crunchy pecans for a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Both comforting and elegant, it’s an irresistible dessert that shines as the centerpiece of any holiday gathering or weekend indulgence. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this guide will help you master a pie that’s as beautiful as it is delicious—your new must-bake fall tradition.

INGREDIENTS

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Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Crust:

• 
  2 ¹⁄₂ cups all-purpose flour
• 
  1 tsp salt
• 
  1 tbsp sugar
• 
  1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 
  6-8 tbsp ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 
  6-7 medium apples (mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
• 
  ³⁄₄ cup granulated sugar
• 
  2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 
  1 tsp cinnamon
• 
  ¹⁄₄ tsp nutmeg
• 
  ¹⁄₄ tsp salt
• 
  2 tbsp lemon juice

For the Caramel Pecan Topping:

• 
  1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
• 
  ¹⁄₂ cup unsalted butter
• 
  1 cup packed brown sugar
• 
  ¹⁄₄ cup honey
• 
  2 tbsp heavy cream
• 
  1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. For the Crust:

   • Mix flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl.
   • Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Add ice water gradually until dough forms.
   • Chill dough for 1 hour.
   • Roll dough and transfer to pie dish.
   • Trim, fold, and crimp edges.
   • Refrigerate while preparing filling.

1. For the Filling:

   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Peel, core, and slice apples.
   • Toss apples with sugar, flour, spices, salt, and lemon juice.
   • Arrange in prepared pie crust.

1. For the Caramel Pecan Topping:

   • Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 3-5 minutes.
   • Melt butter in a saucepan.
   • Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
   • Add honey and boil for 2 minutes.
   • Remove from heat; stir in cream and vanilla.
   • Fold in toasted pecans.
   • Pour topping over apple filling.

1. Baking:

   • Place pie on baking sheet.
   • Bake for 50-55 minutes until bubbly and golden.
   • Cool completely (3 hours) before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 580kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 30g47%

Total Carbohydrate 78g26%

Dietary Fiber 5g20%

Sugars 46g

Protein 5g10%

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Vitamin C 5 mg

Calcium 45 mg

Iron 1.5 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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