Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

• Level: Intermediate
• Yield: 8 servings
• Nutritional Information Per Serving (1 of 8): Calories 1015, Total Fat 60 g, Saturated Fat 27 g, Carbohydrates 114 g, Dietary Fiber 6 g, Sugar 60 g, Protein 9 g, Cholesterol 112 mg, Sodium 667 mg
• Total Time: 2 hr 25 min
• Active Time: 1 hr

Perfectly Spiced Pie Crust:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) salted butter, cut into cubes
• 3/4 cup vegetable shortening or lard
• 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
• 1 egg, lightly beaten

Pie Filling:

• 6 to 7 cups peeled and sliced Granny Smith apples
• Juice of 1/2 a lemon
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Crumb Topping:

• 1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup quick oats
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 jar (or more) caramel topping

Special Equipment:

• A pastry cutter

1. Ready to craft the ultimate spiced pie crust? In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Toss in the cubed butter and shortening, then use your pastry cutter to work them in until the mix looks like coarse pebblesirresistibly buttery!
2. Stir in the vinegar, beaten egg, and 5 tablespoons ice-cold water until the dough just comes together. Divide into two equal parts, slip each into a plastic bag (don't seal yet), and gently flatten with a rolling pin for easy rolling later. Seal and freeze for 15-20 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375F (190C).
3. Grab one chilled dough disk, unwrap, and roll it out on a floured surface from center to edges into a gorgeous 9-inch circle. Loosen with a spatula if needed, then drape into your pie pan, press into the edges, trim excess, fold under, and crimp for that pro baker flair.
4. Make the filling: Toss sliced Granny Smith apples with lemon juice, sugar, flour, and salt in a bowlwatch them glisten, ready for magic!
5. Whip up the crumb topping: Cut butter into flour with the pastry cutter, then mix in brown sugar, oats, and salt for a crumbly, nutty dream.
6. Fill the crust with apples, pile on the crumbs, and bake for 1 hour. Tent edges with foil if browning too fast. Sprinkle pecans on top and bake 5 more minutes for golden perfection.
7. Pull from the oven, drizzle generously with caramel topping, and let cool slightlyor dive in warm for pure bliss!

This recipe makes two crusts; freeze the extra (thaw 20 minutes before use) for your next pie adventure. Get baking and fill your home with irresistible aromas!