Caramel Apple Pie Filling

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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Caramel Apple Pie Filling is the heart of a truly unforgettable pie. This recipe combines the tartness of fresh apples with the rich, buttery caramel sauce, making it a perfect filling for your autumn baking adventures. It's like capturing the essence of a crisp fall day in each bite.

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Pie Filling

Apples are the star of the show, providing that classic tartness. I recommend Granny Smith for their firmness or Honeycrisp for a touch of sweetness. Butter serves as the foundation for our caramel sauce, lending richness and depth. Brown sugar and granulated sugar work together to create a complex sweetness that caramelizes beautifully. Water helps dissolve the sugars, ensuring a smooth sauce. Flour thickens the filling, making it substantial without being heavy. A touch of cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth and spice, while salt balances the sweetness. Finally, vanilla extract and lemon juice round out the flavors, adding complexity and brightness.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples for the best flavor and texture.
  • Don’t rush the caramelization process; allow sugars to meld into a smooth sauce before adding apples.
  • Cool the filling completely before assembling your pie to prevent a soggy crust.

Serving Suggestions

This caramel apple pie filling is perfect for traditional apple pies, but it also shines in hand pies or turnovers. For a decadent treat, serve it warm over vanilla ice cream or a slice of pound cake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary. Tart varieties like Granny Smith are preferred for their firmness and flavor.
How long does the filling last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, it should keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze the filling?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Caramel Apple Pie Filling Recipe Walkthrough

Start by melting the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. This is where the magic begins. Once the butter is melted and starts to bubble, stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and water. Bring this mixture to a boil, watching as it transforms into a golden caramel sauce.

Reduce the heat and add the apple slices. Let them cook until they start to soften, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. While the apples are cooking, mix the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture over the softened apples and stir well to combine. This will thicken the filling as it cooks for another 10 minutes.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice. These last-minute additions will elevate the flavor, making your filling truly irresistible. Let the filling cool completely before using it in your pie crust.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
  • Smooth, luscious caramel sauce that elevates any pie.
  • Simple ingredients that come together for a gourmet taste.
  • Versatile enough for pies, tarts, or even as a topping for ice cream.

Ingredients

4 lbs apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir in brown sugar, granulated sugar, and water, bringing the mixture to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and add sliced apples, cooking until they start to soften, about 10 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, mix flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Sprinkle the flour mixture over the apples and stir to combine.
6. Continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
7. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract and lemon juice, stirring well.
8. Allow the filling to cool before using it in your favorite pie crust.

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