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### Instructions for Apple Caramel Pie with Walnuts
#### 1. **Make the Pie Crust**:
– In a large bowl, combine the **flour** and **salt**. Add the **cold butter** and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
– Gradually add **ice water**, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough begins to come together. Avoid overworking the dough.
– Once the dough forms, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least **30 minutes** to chill.
– After chilling, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Press the dough into the dish and trim the excess. If desired, crimp the edges for a decorative look.
– Preheat the oven to **375°F (190°C)** and bake the pie crust for **10-12 minutes** until golden and slightly crisp. Set aside to cool.
#### 2. **Prepare the Apple Filling**:
– Peel, core, and slice the **apples** into thin slices. Place them in a large bowl and toss with **lemon juice** to prevent browning.
– Add the **granulated sugar**, **brown sugar**, **cinnamon**, **nutmeg**, and **flour** to the apples. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.
#### 3. **Make the Caramel Sauce**:
– In a medium saucepan, melt the **butter** over medium heat. Add the **brown sugar**, **cream**, and **salt**, stirring constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture begins to bubble.
– Allow the caramel to simmer for **5-7 minutes** until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the **vanilla extract**. Let the caramel cool slightly before pouring it over the apple filling.
#### 4. **Assemble the Pie**:
– Pour the prepared apple filling into the baked pie crust, spreading the apples evenly.
– Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the apples, ensuring that the apples are well-coated in the sweet, rich sauce.
– Bake the pie at **375°F (190°C)** for about **40-45 minutes**, or until the apples are tender and the caramel is bubbling. If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
#### 5. **Prepare the Walnut Topping**:
– While the pie is baking, prepare the walnut topping by placing the **chopped walnuts** in a small skillet over medium heat. Add **granulated sugar** and toast the walnuts for about **5 minutes**, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
– Once toasted, remove the walnuts from the heat and set aside.
#### 6. **Finish and Serve**:
– Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for at least **30 minutes** before slicing.
– Sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the top of the pie for an added crunch and flavor.
– Serve the pie warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
### Tips for the Perfect Apple Caramel Pie with Walnuts
– **Choose the Right Apples**: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance the sweetness of the caramel. These apples hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the caramel.
– **Make Your Caramel Sauce Ahead**: If you’re short on time, make the caramel sauce a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it gently before pouring it over the apples.
– **Customize the Topping**: Feel free to experiment with different nuts. Pecans, for example, can be used in place of walnuts, giving the pie a slightly different flavor profile.
– **For Extra Flakiness**: If you want a super flaky pie crust, try using a mix of butter and shortening for the dough. This combination helps the crust stay tender and crisp.
### Why You’ll Love This Apple Caramel Pie with Walnuts
– **Perfect Harmony of Flavors**: The tartness of the apples, the sweetness of the caramel, and the crunch of the walnuts come together in every bite, creating a dessert that’s bursting with flavor.
– **A Showstopper Dessert**: This pie not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning. The golden-brown crust, glossy caramel drizzle, and toasted walnut topping make it a centerpiece dessert for any occasion.
– **Comforting and Cozy**: With the warmth of the caramel and the spiced apples, this pie is the epitome of comfort food. It’s perfect for cozying up during the colder months or adding a sweet touch to a festive occasion.
### Final Thoughts
**Apple Caramel Pie with Walnuts** is a delightful twist on the traditional apple pie, elevating it with a luscious caramel sauce and a satisfying walnut crunch. It’s a dessert that’s both indulgent and comforting, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a slice with a cup of coffee or serving it as the grand finale to a holiday meal, this pie will become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of this sweet, nutty, and utterly delicious pie—you won’t regret it!
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