When the holidays roll around, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a freshly baked pie filling your home with warmth and sweetness. One classic Christmas baking recipe that always delights both family and guests is the beloved Caramel Apple Pie. This delightful dessert combines the tartness of apples with the richness of caramel, creating a flavor combination that is simply irresistible. So, roll up your sleeves, dust off your rolling pin, and get ready to create a centerpiece dessert that will steal the show at your holiday gatherings!
**Caramel Apple Pie**
**Ingredients:**
– 6-8 medium-sized Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade if preferred)
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (for sprinkling)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place a baking sheet in the oven to preheat.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated with the sugar and spices.
3. Roll out one pie crust and line a 9-inch pie dish with it, leaving any excess hanging over the edges. Trim the excess dough, leaving about a 1-inch overhang.
4. Spoon the caramel sauce over the bottom of the pie crust, spreading it evenly.
5. Pour the apple mixture into the pie crust, mounding the apples slightly in the center.
6. Roll out the second pie crust and place it on top of the apples. Trim any overhang, then crimp the edges to seal the pie.
7. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. For a decorative touch, you can use any excess dough to create decorative shapes on top of your pie.
8. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg, then sprinkle with turbinado sugar for a golden finish.
9. Place the pie on the preheated baking sheet in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
10. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before serving.
11. Serve your delicious Caramel Apple Pie warm or at room temperature. For an extra decadent touch, top each slice with a drizzle of additional caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Indulge in each bite of this heavenly Caramel Apple Pie, and watch as your loved ones are transported to a winter wonderland of flavors and nostalgia. This recipe is sure to become a holiday favorite, creating lasting memories around the table as you share its irresistible sweetness. So, let the magic of Christmas unfold in your kitchen as you bake up this delightful dessert, filled with the essence of the holiday season. Enjoy every moment of creating and savoring this heartwarming treat with your nearest and dearest!
