Is it getting cooler where you are? We have hot days but cooler evenings. It’s amazing how the weather changes so much from one week to the next. Just last weekend we had a little picnic on the beach. Ah well, that’s the weather, unpredictable. One of our favorite treats in winter is this warm pumpkin spiced caramel apple dessert. You can have it cold of course but I prefer it warm with a dollop of ice cream. Absolute heaven. Just like eating a warm brownie with cold ice cream.
Caramel Apple Dessert
Peel, core, and chop the apple into small cubes in a large bowl. Add lemon juice to prevent discoloration.
Add the sugar, water, and corn syrup in a heavy-bottom deep saucepan. With the heat on medium-high, bring the sugar to a boil. Shake the pan slowly, guiding the distribution of heat. DO NOT STIR for the first 3 minutes, then use a wooden spoon.Pro tip – Corn syrup prevents crystallization; you can also use 1 tsp lemon juice. We avoid stirring to prevent the crystallization of sugar. Reduce to medium heat. The sugar should now be a deep amber color. Add the butter, followed by the cream.Pro tip – The caramel will rise at this point; that’s normal, hence the deep saucepan.
Add the apples and flour along with the spices and salt. Combine well. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the apples are tender. Add the vanilla extract and remove from heat. Remove from heat and set aside.Pro tip – You can serve warm apple filling with ice cream or cool it completely.
Storage – you can also use this filling in any apple dessert that calls for apple pie filling. It will stay at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Creative variations
One way to jazz up your caramel apple is by incorporating different types of apples. While granny smith apples are a classic choice due to their tartness and ability to hold their shape during baking, consider mixing in some sweeter varieties such as Honeycrisp or pink lady. This combination can create a dynamic flavor profile that will leave your taste buds begging for more. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not experiment with adding some unexpected ingredients to your caramel apple? For a touch of warmth and depth, try tossing in a handful of dried cranberries or raisins. The burst of tartness they provide will complement the sweetness of the apples beautifully. Alternatively, adding a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of nutmeg can add a subtle, yet delightful, twist to your filling. Another way to elevate your caramel apple is by playing with spices. While cinnamon is a classic choice, explore other options, such as cardamom, ginger, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat. These spices can add complexity and intrigue to your filling, making each bite a delightful surprise. Finally, consider adding a touch of citrus to your caramel apple. Fresh lemon juice or some orange zest can brighten up the flavors and add a refreshing twist to your dessert. The citrusy notes will help balance the sweetness of the apples and create a more vibrant overall taste.
Frequently asked questions
Creative ways to use apple pie filling
Apple Turnovers: Fill puff pastry squares with caramel apple, fold over to create triangles, and bake. Sprinkle with powdered sugar for extra flair. Caramel Apple-Stuffed Pancakes: Ever tried stuffed pancakes? Add a dollop of caramel apple to your buttermilk pancake as it cooks for a delightful surprise inside. Caramel Apple Milkshake: Blend vanilla ice cream with a spoonful of apple. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Apple Tacos: Fill crispy dessert taco shells with apples. Drizzle with caramel and a dollop of whipped cream. Oatmeal Topping: Add your caramel apple on top of your morning oatmeal for a hearty, flavorful breakfast. Grilled Cheese Dessert Sandwich: Spread apple pie filling between two slices of buttered brioche or challah, sprinkle with cheddar cheese, and grill until golden brown. Apple Stuffed French Toast: Make a slit in thick slices of bread, stuff with caramel apple, dip in your egg mixture, and cook for the perfect French toast. Top with maple syrup and powdered sugar. Apple Pie Parfait: Layer caramel apple with granola and vanilla yogurt for a delicious and quick dessert or breakfast. Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings: Wrap caramel apples inside crescent roll triangles, bake until golden, and pour over a buttery brown sugar sauce. Apple Cupcakes: Hollow out the center of vanilla cupcakes and spoon in some apples. Frost with cinnamon or caramel buttercream. Baked Brie with Apple Topping: Place a wheel of brie on a baking sheet, top with apple, and wrap the whole thing in puff pastry. Bake until golden and serve with crackers. Apple Nachos: Spread thinly sliced apple rounds or tortilla chips on a baking sheet, spoon over some apple, sprinkle with cheddar cheese, and bake. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Caramel Apple Ice Cream: Swirl apple into your favorite vanilla ice cream base before freezing.
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