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There are so many things to love about the Thanksgiving feast. And this pie is one certainly worthy of so much adoration.

After a feast of Thanksgiving turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and homemade dinner rolls, you'll need a dessert that really entices guests to go back for more. You can rest assured that this classic pie will do just that. And it can be made in advance and served at room temperature or even chilled!

How To Make Caramel Apple Pie

We love this pie for so many reasons. It captures all the autumnal flavors that we enjoy so much.

And, it's perfect for the holidays because it can be made in advance. It's wonderful served slightly warmed, but also is incredible when served chilled.

 

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The Ingredients You Will Need

There are really three main components to this pie: The crust, the filling, and the crumble topping.

Of course, you can purchase pie dough from your local market, but homemade is so good and is snap when you utilize your food processor.

For the pie crust, here's what you'll need:

Flour - All-purpose
Salt - Kosher is good
Butter - Cold and cubed
Shortening (or lard) - Cold and cubed
Water - Ice cold

For the apple and caramel filling, here's what you'll need:

Apples - Granny Smith and Gala are excellent choices
Sugar - Granulated
Flour - All-purpose
Warming spices - Ground cinnamon and nutmeg
Water - For making the caramel
Butter - Unsalted
Cream - Heavy (or whipping) is best
Salt - Kosher

For the crumble topping, here's what you'll need:

Oats - Old-fashioned
Flour - All-purpose
Brown sugar - Light or dark, either works perfectly
Cinnamon - Ground
Salt - Kosher, just a pinch
Butter - Unsalted and cubed

EXPERT TIP: The caramel makes enough to add a healthy layer on top of the apples in the pie, but also allows you to leave some for heating and drizzling over a slice of pie (with ice cream, of course).

Tips For Making Perfect Caramel Apple Pie

Pile the Apples High - When you transfer the prepared sliced apples into the dish lined with the pie dough, it may feel like they are piled too high. As they cook and then cool off, the apples will reduce in size and you'll have a nicely shaped pie.

Don't Over-Stir the Caramel - Once the water and sugar come to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-high and stop stirring the mixture. Every now and then, carefully pick the pan up and swirl the mixture. After about 15 minutes, the mixture will turn amber. Turn off the heat and carefully stir in the butter and cream. It will foam almost violently. It's good to stir at this point. It will cool down and become perfect caramel.

Allow the Pie to Cool Completely - You will be tempted to cut into the pie soon after it comes out of the oven (as we did in the video). You can do this, but be warned that the pie filling will not hold its shape and will spread all over the plate. We recommend letting the pie cool and then rest in the fridge for several hours. The pie is actually delicious and completely holds its shape when sliced and served chilled.

EXPERT TIP: Use a pair of forks to cut the butter into the topping ingredients. Or, you can use your fingers. This will help the butter to melt evenly and create a crunchy, strudel-like topping.

How To Serve

As mentioned, for the best presentation, it's best to let the pie completely cool and then chill in the fridge. You will get slices that are firm and perfectly cut. And the taste is great when chilled or at room temperature.

Of course, we all love warm pie, too. If desired, microwave individual slices on HIGH for about 30 seconds. This will warm the slice and it will stay intact.

EXPERT TIP: To really put it over the top, re-heat the cooled caramel in the microwave until just smooth enough to pour. And, a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a must.

Other Amazing Autumn Dessert Recipes to Try

There is just something special about fall baking, and these recipes are some of our all-time favorites:

Sweet Potato Pie
Classic Pumpkin Pie
Classic Pecan Pie
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Sweet Potato Bundt Cake
Cream Cheese Apple Bars with Pecan Streusel
Homemade Apple Pie
Cherry Pie
Southern Chess Pie

In the meantime, doesn't this pie look absolutely wonderful? It is!

Folks, if you're looking for a classic pie with a slight twist, you can't go wrong with this one.

It's perfect for the holidays or just a sweet treat on a chilly day.

Serve it warm, at room temperature, or chilled. This pie is one that always gets rave reviews and your loved ones will thank you for it!

Ready to make the best holiday pie in town? Go for it!

And when you do, be sure to take a photo of it, post it on Instagram, and tag @HowToFeedaLoon and hashtag #HowToFedaLoon!