Caramel Pecan Apple Pie

Have you ever wondered what would happen if your favorite apple pie and pecan pie joined forces? Imagine the tender sweetness of baked apples wrapped in flaky crust, topped with golden, buttery pecans, and drizzled with rich caramel sauce. Sounds dreamy, right? This Caramel Pecan Apple Pie is that perfect fusion—a dessert that feels both familiar and exciting, like your favorite holiday memories baked into one warm, gooey slice.

This recipe combines the best of both worlds: the cozy comfort of classic apple pie and the indulgent crunch of a pecan topping with a drizzle of caramel that ties it all together. Whether you’re hosting a dinner, baking for the holidays, or simply craving something sweet on a Sunday afternoon, this pie will be the star of your table.

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This Caramel Pecan Apple Pie stands out for its luscious caramel filling, layered textures, and warm, spiced aroma. Unlike your traditional apple pie, it has a rich caramel twist that makes it irresistibly decadent. The pecans add crunch and a nutty depth that balances the sweetness beautifully.

• Prep time: 25 minutes
• Cook time: 50–60 minutes
• Total time: Around 1 hour 25 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Servings: 8 slices

If you can peel apples and stir a pot of caramel, you can absolutely master this recipe.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this masterpiece:

For the Pie Crust

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 2–4 tablespoons ice water

Substitution: You can use a store-bought refrigerated pie crust if you’re short on time.

For the Apple Filling

• 5–6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and thinly sliced
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Tip: Mixing apple varieties creates a more balanced flavor—combine tart and sweet ones for best results.

For the Caramel Layer

• ½ cup butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Substitution: Salted butter can be used, just omit the extra salt.

For the Pecan Topping

• 1 cup pecan halves
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Variation: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
2. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
3. Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together.
4. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
5. Roll out on a floured surface and fit into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges.

Tip: Don’t overwork the dough; cold butter chunks are what make your crust flaky.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together.
2. Stir constantly until it starts to bubble.
3. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and salt, letting it cook for another 1–2 minutes until smooth.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Pro Tip: Homemade caramel thickens as it cools, so don’t overcook it—otherwise, it’ll become too stiff.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with both sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla.
2. Stir until all slices are evenly coated.
3. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Optional: Add a tablespoon of caramel sauce to the apple mixture for an extra gooey interior.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pour half of the caramel sauce onto the bottom of the prepared crust.
3. Add the apple mixture, arranging it evenly.
4. Drizzle remaining caramel sauce over the top.
5. Combine pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter, then sprinkle over the apples.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
2. If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
3. Let the pie cool for at least 1 hour before slicing to allow the filling to set.

Serving Tip: Warm slices taste divine with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel.

Assembly and Presentation Tips

• For a perfect slice: Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
• For a glossy finish: Brush the pecans with a bit of warm caramel right before serving.
• For presentation: Serve on white plates to let the rich caramel color stand out.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Room temperature: Keeps fresh for up to 2 days, covered loosely with foil.
• Refrigerator: Store for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Freeze baked pie for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven before serving.

Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the crust and filling separately a day in advance. Store the crust in the fridge and the filling in an airtight container until ready to assemble.

Recipe Variations

1. Salted Caramel Twist: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-salty contrast.
2. Maple Pecan Apple Pie: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
3. Mini Pies: Use muffin tins for individual-sized pies—perfect for parties or gifting.
4. No-Nut Version: Skip the pecans and top with a crumbly brown sugar streusel.
5. Vegan Option: Use coconut oil in the crust and coconut cream in the caramel for a dairy-free version.

Conclusion

Caramel Pecan Apple Pie is the ultimate comfort dessert. It’s warm, buttery, and full of texture—crunchy on top, tender in the middle, and sweet all around. This pie brings a cozy touch to any occasion, from Thanksgiving feasts to simple family dinners.

Don’t be afraid to make it your own—try different nuts, adjust the caramel sweetness, or even turn it into bite-sized tarts. Once you take that first bite, you’ll see why this pie is an instant favorite. So go ahead, preheat your oven, and bake up something everyone will talk about long after the last crumb is gone.

FAQs

1. What kind of apples work best for this recipe?
Granny Smiths are ideal because their tart flavor balances the sweet caramel. Honeycrisp and Braeburn also hold their shape well.

2. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes! If you’re short on time, use a good-quality caramel sauce. Warm it slightly before drizzling.

3. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake it a day in advance, then warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10–15 minutes before serving.

4. How can I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Brush the crust with a thin layer of beaten egg before adding the filling—this creates a barrier that prevents moisture from seeping in.

5. Is this pie very sweet?
It’s perfectly balanced! The tart apples and buttery pecans cut through the sweetness of the caramel beautifully.

6. Can I reheat individual slices?
Yes. Microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm in the oven at low heat until slightly gooey again.

There’s something magical about combining simple, classic ingredients to create something extraordinary. This Caramel Pecan Apple Pie does just that—it turns apples, sugar, and butter into a dessert worth savoring. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or treating yourself, remember: great desserts don’t have to be complicated—they just need a little love.