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Dutch Caramel Apple Pie

As the leaves start to turn and the air becomes crisp, there’s nothing quite like a warm slice of Dutch Caramel Apple Pie cooling on the kitchen counter. The sweet aroma of spiced apples mingling with buttery caramel fills the home, wrapping you in a comforting embrace that makes everything feel right. This pie is not just a dessert; it’s a cozy experience, a celebration of autumn delights, perfect for family gatherings or a quiet evening in.

Imagine a flaky, golden crust, tender apple slices laced with cinnamon, and generous dollops of creamy caramel—each bite is a comforting reminder of the warmth of home. This is a recipe you’ll want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting Flavors: The combination of spiced apples and rich caramel creates a deliciously warm dessert, perfect for those chilly nights.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a classic apple pie, and this version takes it up a notch with decadent caramel—sure to impress family and friends!
Easy to Make: Using simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this pie is approachable for kitchen novices and pros alike.
Make Ahead-Friendly: You can prepare the crust and filling ahead of time, making it easy to enjoy homemade comfort without the last-minute stress.
Beautiful Presentation: The crumb topping with coarse sugar gives this pie a rustic, charming look that will have everyone running to grab a slice!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need for Dutch Caramel Apple Pie

1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled or weighed out (195 grams)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
9 tbsp cold, salted butter, cubed (127 grams)
4-6 tbsp ice cold water
1 cup granulated sugar (210 grams)
6 tbsp salted butter, cubed (85 grams)
1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream (135 grams)
Pinch of flaky sea salt
8 cups apples, peeled and sliced 1/4" thick (about 5-6 large apples – 846 grams of slices)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/3 cup granulated sugar (70 grams)
1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed (73 grams)
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp allspice
1/3 cup all-purpose flour (43 grams)
1/3 cup salted caramel sauce (recipe linked below)
1 cup all-purpose flour (130 grams)
1 cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats (100 grams)
2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed (146 grams)
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup cold, salted butter (113 grams)
1 egg (for egg wash)
Coarse sugar (for topping)

How to Make Dutch Caramel Apple Pie

Make the Pie Dough: Follow the recipe in my post on How to Make Perfect Pie Crust. Allow the pie dough to chill in the fridge, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, for at least two hours (or overnight) or in the freezer for 30 minutes.
Make the Caramel: Follow my Homemade Caramel Sauce recipe. You’ll use 1/3 cup of caramel in the apple filling—reserve the rest for topping pie slices when serving.
Roll Pie Dough Out + Transfer to Pan: Follow the steps in my "Perfect Pie Crust" post through Step 7. You’ll freeze the pie crust (without the filling or crumble topping or egg wash) for 15 minutes before filling and baking. It’s okay if it’s in the freezer longer than 15 minutes—up to 30 minutes is fine, or transfer to the fridge after 15.
Make the Filling: While the dough is in the freezer, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse your apples, peel, core, and slice them into 1/4" thick slices. In a large mixing bowl, stir together all filling ingredients except for the caramel. Let the filling sit for 10 minutes to allow the apple juices to release, then stir in the caramel and set aside.
Make the Dutch Crumble Topping: In a mixing bowl, whisk together all topping ingredients except the butter. Cut the cold butter into cubes and mix it into the flour mixture with a pastry cutter until you have a crumbly texture, and all butter pieces are coated in flour.
Assemble Pie: Beat the egg in a small bowl. Remove the pie from the freezer and brush the egg wash over the edges of the crust, then sprinkle raw sugar over the edges. Spoon the apple mixture into the crust, leaving any excess liquid behind, and sprinkle the crumb topping over the apple filling. Place a baking sheet on a lower rack of your oven to catch any drips from your pie.
Bake: Bake the pie for 45-55 minutes, checking it at 25-30 minutes to make sure the crust isn’t browning too quickly. If needed, cover the top with a pie shield or a piece of foil. The pie is done when the filling is bubbly, the topping and crust are golden brown, and the apples are tender. (Poke through the crumb topping with a fork; if it slides through the apple smoothly, it’s done. Add a few more minutes at a time if needed.)
Serve + Store: Allow the pie to cool at room temperature for 2-3 hours before slicing and serving. Serve with more caramel sauce! Store leftovers, covered, in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Make Ahead Tips: The pie crust can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 3 days or in the freezer for 2 months. If making the pie a day or two ahead, bake it, let it cool completely, cover with foil, and keep it in the fridge until ready to serve. You can re-warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covered loosely with foil, for 12-20 minutes, until warmed through.

Variations & Creative Twists

Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for an extra crunchy texture.
Berry Fusion: Mix in a cup of fresh berries—like blueberries or raspberries—with the apple filling for a colorful twist.
Maple Syrup: Replace some of the sugar with pure maple syrup for a unique, earthy sweetness.
Spiced Up: Experiment with adding cardamom or ginger to the filling for a warm, zesty kick.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

Perfect Slicing: To slice your apples quickly, use an apple corer and a knife for uniform slices, ensuring even baking.
Crust Perfection: Avoid overworking the dough to keep your crust flaky; just mix until it comes together.
Flavor Boost: Let your apple filling rest to enhance flavors; the longer it sits, the better the taste!
Storage Solution: If you want to prevent the slice from getting soggy, store pie slices on a wire rack instead of in an airtight container.

Nutrition Information per Serving

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 420
Carbohydrates: 60g
Sugar: 30g
Fat: 20g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 250mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crust and filling ahead of time, or even bake the whole pie a day or two in advance.

Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different spices or types of apples—just choose those that hold up well during baking.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. For best results, reheat individual slices in the oven.

How long does it last?
This pie is best enjoyed fresh, but it can last in the fridge for up to 5 days.

A Cozy Closing Note

There’s something magical about sharing slices of pie with loved ones, creating memories that linger long after the last crumb is gone. This Dutch Caramel Apple Pie captures the essence of comfort and warmth, making it a must-have in your fall baking repertoire. Save this Dutch Caramel Apple Pie to your cozy recipes board so it’s ready when you need a sweet escape!