Okay, friend! Let’s chat like we’re at the kitchen table, coffee steaming, kids playing (or maybe arguing!) nearby. I’m Juliette, and if you’re anything like me, you’re juggling a million things while still trying to put nourishing food on the table. That’s why I’m SO excited to share this Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe with you.

I remember the first time I made this Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe. My youngest was going through a crazy picky phase, and I was desperate for something, anything, with fruit that he would actually eat! I stumbled upon a version of this Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe and thought, “Well, the streusel topping might just do the trick!” And you know what? It did! The combination of the sweet apples, the crunchy topping, and that rich caramel made it a winner.

The best part? This Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe felt like a nutrition win because, well, apples! Plus, I snuck in a few whole-wheat flour swaps (more on that later!) for extra fiber. Now, years later, it’s a family favorite, and I love that it’s a dessert I can feel good about serving. It’s become a cornerstone in our wellness journey.

If you’re a busy mom seeking simple nutrition solutions, you’re in the right place! This Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe is designed for real life – nourishing, delicious, and (relatively!) stress-free. Let’s get baking!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this sanity-saving Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe. Don’t worry, it’s all stuff you can find at your regular grocery store – no fancy health food store trips required!

6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced: Apples are packed with fiber and vitamins! My family gets extra nutrition when I add a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: For a touch of sweetness.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This helps thicken the apple filling.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and delicious flavor!
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Just a hint for depth.
1 box (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts: Sanity saver! But if you’re feeling ambitious, go ahead and make your own.
1 cup all-purpose flour: For the streusel topping. No worries if you don’t have all-purpose – I use whole wheat flour for extra nutrients in my Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe.
1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and caramel notes to the topping.
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes: The key to a crumbly streusel.
1/2 cup caramel sauce, store-bought or homemade: Because caramel makes everything better, right?
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): For added crunch and healthy fats. This Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive…

Trust me, this Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Ready to dive in? Don’t be intimidated! This Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe is easier than it looks. I promise!

Get started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, unroll one pie crust and gently press it into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges.
Prep the apples: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss to coat evenly. This Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe should smell nourishing by now!
Make the streusel: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cold butter cubes. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped nuts, if using. Here’s where I used to struggle with my Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe – learn from my experience! I always made sure the butter was chilled to avoid a lumpy streusel mix.
Assemble the pie: Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples.
Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the streusel is nicely browned. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the edges with foil. In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe usually takes about 50 minutes.
Caramel drizzle: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly. Drizzle generously with caramel sauce. The perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
Cool and serve: Let the pie cool completely before slicing and serving. This will allow the filling to set up properly.

While your Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family! Don’t worry if your Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe looks a bit rustic – that’s part of its charm! And honestly, a little imperfection makes it even more comforting, right?

How We Love to Eat This!

Okay, so now you’ve got this gorgeous, nourishing Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe sitting on your counter. How do we make it a dinnertime nutrition win?

We love serving this Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt. The cool creaminess is the perfect contrast to the warm, spiced apples and crunchy streusel. The kids devour this nutritious Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe when I serve it with a small handful of walnuts.

This Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast!

I’ve also found that a small green salad with a light vinaigrette is a surprisingly delicious side. It adds a touch of freshness and balances out the sweetness. Presentation matters, even when you’re exhausted! A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra caramel drizzles can make this Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe look extra special.

Leftovers (if there are any!) are fantastic for breakfast the next day. I know, pie for breakfast sounds indulgent, but hey, it’s got fruit! This Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe is also a hit at potlucks and holiday gatherings. It’s always one of the first desserts to disappear.

One fall, I added a sprinkle of cranberries to the apple filling for a tart twist – it was a huge hit! My friend Jamie couldn’t get enough of my apple pie with caramel sauce.

For more simple nutrition ideas for busy families, check out these caramel apple cupcakes.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Alright, let’s tackle some common questions I get about this Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe. Consider this our little kitchen chat!

Is this Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe really nutritious enough for growing kids?

Absolutely! While it’s still a dessert, it’s packed with apples, which are a great source of fiber and vitamins. Plus, you can easily sneak in some whole-wheat flour and reduce the sugar slightly without sacrificing flavor. My kids get a good dose of fruit and fiber when they eat this.

What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe?

Ah, the picky eater challenge! I feel you! Start by letting them help you make it. Kids are more likely to try something they’ve helped create. You can also try serving it with a small scoop of ice cream or yogurt – sometimes a little extra incentive helps!

Also, you may want to check this caramel apple cupcakes recipe!

Can I meal prep this Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe for busy weeks ahead?

You can definitely prep parts of it in advance. The apple filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. You can also make the streusel topping ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the freezer. Then, when you’re ready to bake, just assemble everything and pop it in the oven!

Can I freeze this Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe?

Yes, you can! Bake the pie completely, let it cool thoroughly, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in a low oven.

Can I use a different type of apple in this Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe?

Of course! I like using a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, but you can use whatever apples you have on hand. Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn apples would also work well. You’re welcome to check the amazing recipe, dutch caramel apple pie – Blue Bowl.

Can I make this Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the filling and streusel topping with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a gluten-free pie crust as well.

How do I keep the bottom crust from getting soggy?

Blind baking the crust for about 10-15 minutes before adding the filling can help prevent a soggy bottom. You can also brush the bottom crust with a beaten egg white before adding the filling. This Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe is easy to tweak to fit your family’s needs.

Final Thoughts:

So, there you have it – my sanity-saving, family-approved Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe! It’s not just about the delicious taste (though that’s a big part of it!), it’s about creating those sweet moments with your family and nourishing them with wholesome ingredients. It’s the perfect recipe to make homemade caramel apple pie. I encourage you to view Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe | Girl Versus Dough.

Here are My Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe Nutrition Hacks:

Whole-Wheat Swap: Use part whole-wheat flour in the streusel for added fiber.
Lower-Sugar Caramel: Use a caramel sauce with less added sugar, or make your own!
Nut Boost: Add a generous amount of chopped nuts to the streusel for healthy fats and protein.

Here are a few family-tested healthy variations of this streusel apple pie caramel:

Cranberry Apple Pie: Add a cup of fresh or frozen cranberries to the apple filling for a tart and festive twist.
Gingerbread Apple Pie: Add a teaspoon of ground ginger and a pinch of cloves to the apple filling and streusel topping for a warm and spicy flavor.
Maple Pecan Apple Pie: Substitute maple syrup for some of the sugar in the filling and add extra pecans to the streusel topping. It is amazing and you can find some ideas on Dutch Caramel Apple Pie – Sugar Apron.

My son loves the gingerbread version, while my daughter is a maple pecan fan!

Remember, this Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe is a starting point. Feel free to make it your own, tweak it to your family’s preferences, and most importantly, enjoy the process! I hope you try this easy dutch apple pie recipe.

I truly hope this Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe brings as much joy and nourishment to your family as it has to mine. You’ve got this, mama! Now go bake something amazing! 💕

Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

Delicious Dutch Caramel Apple Pie on Display

Print Recipe

Indulge in the comforting flavors of fall with this Dutch Caramel Apple Pie. A buttery streusel topping and rich caramel drizzle elevate this classic dessert to new heights.

Author: Juliette
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
1/4 cup ice water
For the Filling:
6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the Streusel Topping:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Caramel Drizzle:
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Form into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat evenly.
Make the Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts, if using.
Make the Caramel Drizzle: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, sugar, butter, and salt. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved. Continue to cook, without stirring, until the caramel turns a deep amber color (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Assemble the Pie: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a 9-inch pie plate. Crimp the edges.
Pour the apple filling into the pie crust. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Let cool completely before drizzling with caramel sauce and serving.

Notes

For an extra touch, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.