Name: Caramel Apple Pie with Nutty Crumble Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: PT-490139H17M18S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups peeled and sliced Granny Smith apples; Juice of 1/2 lemon; 1/2 cup sugar; 6 tablespoons flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup butter; 1/2 cup flour; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup quick oats; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 pie crust; 1/2 cup pecans, chopped; 1/2 jar (or more) caramel topping

If you’re craving a dessert that’s cozy, indulgent, and absolutely unforgettable, you’ve just hit the jackpot with this Caramel Apple Pie with Nutty Crumble Recipe. I love this pie because it takes the classic apple pie up a notch with a buttery, crunchy nutty crumble on top and a luscious drizzle of caramel that’s just irresistible. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your new go-to for every holiday or weekend treat!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of flavors: Tart Granny Smith apples meet sweet caramel for that classic combo everyone adores.
Nutty crumble topping: Adds a deliciously crunchy texture that makes each bite extra special.
Simple to whip up: Uses common ingredients but feels like a bakery-worthy masterpiece.
Family favorite: I’ve made this for years, and my crew always asks for seconds (and thirds!).

A close-up photo of a pie on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The pie has a golden, flaky crust with a fluted edge that surrounds a filling layer covered with chopped pecans and a thick, glossy caramel sauce dripping over the top. The texture of the filling looks soft and slightly crumbly beneath the nuts and sauce. The rich colors of caramel brown and dark brown nuts contrast with the light crust and white plate, creating a warm and inviting look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a role in building that comforting pie you’ll want to bake again and again. From the tart apples to the crunchy pecans in the crumble, every element brings its own magic. When shopping, look for firm Granny Smith apples and a good quality caramel sauce to elevate your pie.

Granny Smith apples: Their tartness keeps the pie bright and balances the sugary toppings.
Lemon juice: Keeps the apple slices from browning and adds a subtle zing.
Sugar: Sweetens the filling just enough without overpowering.
Flour (for filling and topping): Helps thicken the filling and binds the crumble.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors—it’s a small but mighty player.
Butter: Key for that rich, flaky crumble topping that melts in your mouth.
Brown sugar: Adds deep, molasses notes to the crumble’s sweetness.
Quick oats: Gives the crumble texture and heartiness.
Pie crust: Either homemade or store-bought works great for the base.
Pecans: Chop them up to add a nutty crunch that complements the oats beautifully.
Caramel topping: The pièce de résistance—go for quality caramel to drizzle generously over the finished pie.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to mix things up sometimes, and you totally can, too! Whether you want to play with the type of nuts or make it gluten-free, this Caramel Apple Pie with Nutty Crumble Recipe is flexible enough to handle your culinary creativity.

Nut swap: I’ve swapped pecans for walnuts or even chopped hazelnuts—each adds its own lovely crunch and flavor twist.
Gluten-free option: Using gluten-free oats and a gluten-free pie crust doesn’t compromise the texture or taste in my experience.
Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for an extra layer of autumnal warmth.
Caramel flair: Use homemade salted caramel if you want to impress guests with your sauce-making skills.

How to Make Caramel Apple Pie with Nutty Crumble Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Apples and Filling

First things first: peel and slice those Granny Smith apples. I like to keep the slices about 1/4-inch thick so they cook evenly but still hold a nice bite. Toss the slices with lemon juice to prevent browning—that trick has saved me from dull-looking pie too many times! Then mix in sugar, flour, and salt to build a filling that’s thick and flavorful. Set this aside while you work on the topping.

Step 2: Make That Nutty Crumble

In a separate bowl, cut cold butter into flour using a pastry cutter or two knives. This little technique helps create the perfect crumbly texture that isn’t too sandy or greasy. Stir in brown sugar, oats, and a pinch of salt—these ingredients team up to deliver that nutty, sweet crunch I adore. It’s okay if the mixture looks a bit clumpy; that’s exactly what you want!

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Transfer your apple filling into the pie crust—be generous but keep it even. Sprinkle the crumble topping all over, covering the apples nicely. To keep your pie crust edges from burning, wrap them with foil. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake another 30-45 minutes until the edges bubble and the crumble is golden. When there are about 5 minutes left, sprinkle chopped pecans on top for that last nutty crunch before finishing the bake.

Step 4: Drizzle with Caramel and Serve

Once your pie is out of the oven, it’s time for the best part—pouring over half a jar (or more, if you dare!) of luscious caramel topping. It melts into the crumble and pools on the apples, creating richness that makes you want to dig in immediately. I usually let it cool a bit to avoid molten lava fingers, but let’s be real—sometimes patience isn’t my strong suit.

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Pro Tips for Making Caramel Apple Pie with Nutty Crumble Recipe

Keep your butter cold: For the crumble, cold butter ensures the topping turns out light and flaky rather than greasy.
Don’t skip the lemon juice: I learned the hard way when my apples browned and made the filling look dull.
Cover pie edges early: Wrapping your crust edges with foil prevents burning while letting the middle bake fully and bubble just right.
Wait to add pecans: Adding nuts too early caused soggy bits; sprinkling them near the end keeps them crunchy.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Pie with Nutty Crumble Recipe

A deep pie with a thick, light golden crust edge holds a filling made of small chunked nuts and sugar bits, topped with a glossy layer of brown caramel sauce being poured over it by a woman's hand from above, the pie sits on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface, the caramel slowly spreads over the nutty filling with a shiny texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream because the cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm pie. A drizzle of extra caramel or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar adds a little flair when serving guests—trust me, it impresses every time!

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with a strong cup of coffee or a mellow chai latte on cozy afternoons. For holiday meals, I enjoy serving it alongside whipped cream and roasted nuts to echo the pie’s textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes individualize portions by baking the pie in mini tart pans and drizzling caramel in pretty lattice patterns. Wrapping each slice in parchment paper tied with twine makes a lovely gift that looks just as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover pie covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 4 days without losing its moist, crunchy goodness—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

Freezing the pie works fine too. I usually freeze before adding the caramel drizzle—wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When thawed, I add the caramel fresh to retain that silky texture.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your slice in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warm. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the nutty topping crisp. You’ll find reheated pie tastes just as fabulous as day one!

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this Caramel Apple Pie with Nutty Crumble Recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples give the best tartness and hold their shape well, you can blend in varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter and more complex flavor. Just keep in mind that softer apples may break down more during baking.
How do I prevent the pie crust edges from burning?

Cover the outer edges of your pie crust with foil halfway through baking. This simple trick shields them from intense heat and ensures the crust bakes evenly without turning dark or bitter.
Can I make the crumble topping ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the crumble topping a day ahead and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. Just give it a quick stir before sprinkling over the pie to break up any clumps.
What can I substitute for the caramel topping?

If you prefer, homemade caramel sauce or even dulce de leche make fantastic alternatives. You can also skip it entirely for a more traditional apple pie taste, but the caramel definitely takes this recipe to a whole new level!

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Apple Pie with Nutty Crumble Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen and heart. It feels like a hug in dessert form — soothing, rich, and packed with texture and flavor that always brings smiles. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just want to wow your friends and family, give this recipe a whirl. I promise it’s worth the effort, and you’ll love hearing all the “Mmm”s and “Wow”s around your table!