Caramel Apple Cranberry Pie is a delightful twist on the classic apple pie, combining the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of caramel and apples. This pie is perfect for any occasion, especially during the fall and winter months when apples and cranberries are in season. The rich caramel sauce adds depth and a luscious texture to the filling, making it an irresistible treat for dessert lovers. Follow this recipe to create a pie that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cranberry Pie
- For the Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
- For the Filling:
- 6 cups thinly sliced, peeled apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
How to Make Caramel Apple Cranberry Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add Butter: Add the chilled butter pieces to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough starts to come together. The dough should be moist but not sticky.
- Form Dough: Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap the disks in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Mix Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and lemon juice. Toss until the fruit is evenly coated.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Sauce
- Heat Sugar and Water: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Caramelize Sugar: Stop stirring and let the mixture boil until it turns a deep amber color. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Add Cream: Remove from heat and carefully add the heavy cream, stirring constantly. The mixture will bubble up vigorously.
- Add Butter and Vanilla: Stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Let the caramel sauce cool slightly.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the pie dish and trim any excess.
- Add Filling: Pour the apple-cranberry filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.
- Add Caramel Sauce: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the filling.
- Top Crust: Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush the top crust with the egg wash.
- Bake: Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool: Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This will help the filling set.
About the Main Ingredients
Apples
Apples are the star of this pie, providing a sweet and slightly tart flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are ideal for baking due to their firm texture and balanced taste. Granny Smith apples offer a tartness that complements the sweetness of the caramel, while Honeycrisp apples provide a crisp, juicy bite.
Cranberries
Cranberries add a burst of tartness and a pop of color to the pie. They balance the sweetness of the caramel and apples, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. Fresh cranberries are ideal, but frozen cranberries can be used if fresh ones are not available. Be sure to thaw and drain frozen cranberries before adding them to the filling.
Caramel Sauce
The caramel sauce is a rich and decadent addition to this pie. Made from granulated sugar, water, heavy cream, butter, and vanilla, it adds a deep, buttery sweetness that enhances the overall flavor of the dessert. Making the caramel sauce from scratch may seem daunting, but it’s relatively simple and well worth the effort.
Caramel Apple Cranberry Pie is a delicious and impressive dessert that combines classic flavors with a touch of elegance. The tartness of the cranberries, the sweetness of the caramel, and the rich, buttery crust come together to create a pie that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply treating yourself to a special dessert, this pie is sure to delight. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. Enjoy!
