Caramel Crunch Apple Pie

Kittencalskitchen's Note:

This is the most wonderful apple pie, and one of my family's favorites!... of coarse, if you prefer, this pie may be made with your favorite homemade pie crust, or use my Kittencal's No-Fail Buttery Flaky Pie Pastry/Crust for this. (note: this pie is best prepared with Granny Smith apples, as these apples seem to hold up better, and not become soft and soggy when baked). Hint: my advise to you is...better prepare two of these, as they will go fast, this pie is so delicious!

• Total Time: 1 hrs
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 1 pie

• 4 apples, peeled cored and cut into wedges (Granny Smith apples are best)
• 2/3 cup flour, plus
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 (9 inch) frozen ready to bake deep dish pie shells, thawed or 1 (9 inch) use my no-fail butter pie crusts, Kittencal's No-Fail Buttery Flaky Pie Pastry/Crust
• 25 vanilla caramels (about half of a 14 oz pkg)
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup butter (no substitutions)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:

1. Set oven to 375 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, combine the apples, and 2 Tbsp flour, tossing to coat the apples; spoon into the thawed (unbaked) pie shell.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the caramels and water over medium heat, stirring until the caramels melt, and the mixture is smooth.
4. Spoon the caramel mixture evenly over the apples in the pie crust.
5. In a medium bowl, combine the remaining 2/3 cup flour, the sugar, cinnamon and butter, stirring until crumbly.
6. Add in the walnuts; mix well.
7. Sprinkle over the pie and place the pie plate on a baking sheet.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the apples are tender.
9. Serve warm, or allow to cool completely before serving.

Reviews

[Trixie735]

I can always count on a Kittencal recipe! Thanks so much for posting. I made as directed except subbed pecans for walnutgs - personal preference - and made 2 as I had extra apples. Eating one myself as DH doesn't like "cooked apples" and gave one to our neighbors - who I understand really enjoyed it. Thanks for a definite "keeper" recipe!

[crowland]

Wow! I made this for Christmas Eve and was very glad I took your advice and made two of them! We only needed one last night but are enjoying the 2nd one tonight. It somehow seems even better the second day though that may just be because when I had it last night it was right after a big dinner and I wasn't as hungry. This is probably the best pie I have ever eaten, let alone made. What surprised me is how good the topping is. It's basically like pecan shortbread with apples and caramel thrown into the bargain - can't go wrong there! My pie is a little bit liquidy. I'm not sure if it needed a touch more flour or if it was because I baked it longer than suggested as I was waiting for the topping to brown a bit. Either way, it's delicious and the bit of liquid didn't really concern me, I just kind of noticed it.

[saskie189]

This was simple to put together and my family loved it, I will definately make this again.