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Christmas Caramel Apple Pie

Christmas Caramel Apple Pie

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Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 sheets of pre-made or homemade pie crust dough
  • 6–7 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup high-quality caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 egg (beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon coarse turbinado sugar (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheating and Prep
    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare your pie dish by lightly greasing it or simply ensuring it is clean. Roll out one of the pie crust sheets and press it into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Trim any excess dough, leaving about a half-inch overhang.
  2. Step 2: Preparing the Apple Filling
    In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning. Add the granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss thoroughly until every apple slice is evenly coated with the spice mixture. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the juices to begin releasing.
  3. Step 3: Filling the Crust
    Transfer the apple mixture into the prepared bottom crust, heaping them slightly in the center. Evenly pour the caramel sauce over the top of the apples, allowing it to drizzle down into the gaps. Dot the top of the filling with the small cubes of unsalted butter.
  4. Step 4: Creating the Top Crust
    Roll out the second pie crust sheet. You can place it whole over the top (cutting slits for steam) or cut it into strips to create a decorative lattice pattern. Fold the edges of the top crust under the bottom crust edge and crimp them together with your fingers or a fork to seal the pie.
  5. Step 5: Finishing Touches
    Brush the entire top crust lightly with the egg wash. This will give the pie a beautiful golden-brown sheen. Sprinkle the coarse turbinado sugar over the crust for an extra crunch and a festive, sparkly look.
  6. Step 6: Baking the Pie
    Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 20 minutes at 400°F, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Continue baking for another 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the vents. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.
  7. Step 7: Cooling
    Remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack. It is crucial to let the pie cool for at least 2 to 3 hours before slicing. This allows the caramel and apple juices to thicken, ensuring clean slices.