This Toffee Apple Pie is a warm hug in dessert form! Juicy apples meet sweet toffee sauce in a crispy pie crust. It’s perfect for cozy evenings.
Honestly, who can resist that buttery crust paired with gooey toffee? It’s my favorite way to impress friends at dinner. Sometimes, I serve it with a scoop of ice cream—heavenly!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: You can use both homemade or store-bought crusts. I often go for store-bought for convenience, but if you’re up for it, homemade pie crusts are flaky and delicious!
Apples: The best mix for flavor and texture is Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. If you can’t find these, use any tart and sweet apples, like Fuji or Braeburn.
Sugars: White granulated sugar helps sweeten the pie, while brown sugar adds richness. You can swap brown sugar for coconut sugar if you prefer a slightly different flavor.
Heavy Cream: This makes the filling creamy and rich. If you’re looking for a lighter version, half-and-half or whole milk can work, but the flavor won’t be as rich.
Toffee Candy: Soft toffee candies are what give this pie its signature flavor. If you’re in a pinch, caramel candies work just fine too—just chop them up similarly!
How Can I Ensure My Pie Crust is Perfectly Flaky?
Getting a flaky pie crust often comes down to how you handle the dough. Here are some tips to get it right:
- Keep everything cold: Use chilled butter and ice-cold water. This helps create those nice flaky layers.
- Avoid overworking: Mix the dough just until it comes together. Over-kneading makes for a tough crust.
- Chill the dough: After rolling it out, chill the crust again before baking to help it hold its shape and prevent shrinking.
These tips will help ensure your Toffee Apple Pie has a wonderfully flaky crust that everyone will enjoy!
Toffee Apple Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 double pie crust (homemade or store-bought), enough for the top and bottom crust
For the Filling:
- 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (preferably a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
- 6 oz (about 3/4 cup) soft toffee candy or caramel candies, chopped
For the Topping:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Toffee Apple Pie will take about 30 minutes to prep and 50 – 60 minutes to bake, plus an additional 2 hours to cool and set. So, set aside about 3 hours in total to create and enjoy this delicious dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one of the pie crusts and place it into a 9-inch pie dish. Make sure to fit it well against the edges. Pop it in the fridge while you prepare the yummy filling!
2. Making the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced apples along with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Gently toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated and the sugars have mixed well.
3. Preparing the Toffee Sauce:
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the heavy cream and the chopped toffee candies. Stir constantly until the toffee melts completely and forms a smooth sauce. Once melted, take it off the heat and pour it carefully over the apple mixture. Toss gently to combine.
4. Filling the Pie:
Pour the apple and toffee filling into the chilled pie crust. Dot the cubed butter evenly over the top to add extra richness!
5. Adding the Top Crust:
Roll out the second pie crust and either place it directly over the filling or cut it into strips to create a beautiful lattice top. If you have excess dough, simply trim it and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
6. Finishing Touches:
Brush the top crust with the beaten egg to give it a lovely golden color while baking. If you’d like a little extra crunch and sparkle, sprinkle some coarse sugar on top!
7. Baking the Pie:
Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake it in your preheated oven for about 50 to 60 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling inside!
8. Protecting the Edges:
If the edges of the crust are getting too dark too quickly, you can cover them with foil about halfway through baking to prevent burning.
9. Cooling Time:
Let your Toffee Apple Pie cool for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the delicious filling to set perfectly.
10. Serving Suggestions:
If you’d like, you can dust the cooled pie with powdered sugar before slicing it up. Serve those warm slices on their own or better yet, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence!
Enjoy your comforting Toffee Apple Pie!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are fantastic for their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can use any apples you prefer. Just aim for a mix of both tart and sweet varieties for the best flavor!
How Do I Prevent the Bottom Crust from Getting Soggy?
To help prevent a soggy bottom crust, you can pre-bake (blind bake) the bottom crust for about 10-15 minutes before adding the filling. Additionally, sprinkling a thin layer of flour or cornmeal on the crust before filling can create a barrier against moisture.
Can I Make This Pie in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the pie a day ahead and store it in the fridge unbaked. Just remember to cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be chilled.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze it, wrapped tightly, for up to 3 months. Just reheat slices in a warm oven for that fresh-baked taste!