Heavenly Toffee Apple Pie with Homemade Dulce de Leche: A Caramel Apple Dream
Imagine a slice of pure bliss: a delightful toffee apple pie that you simply can’t get enough of. This isn’t just any apple pie; it’s an elevated experience, featuring a sweet, crumbly crust, a rich, creamy dulce de leche caramel layer, and tender, sweet-tart apple pieces, all harmoniously baked together. Each forkful melts on your tongue, offering an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. It’s truly a treat that will make any moment special, turning an ordinary day into an extraordinary celebration of taste.
The Allure of Dulce de Leche Apple Pie
My husband has always been an avid apple pie enthusiast. I’m convinced I could wake him from a deep sleep with the promise of a fresh slice (though I’m yet to put that theory to the test – don’t tempt me with ideas!). His unwavering love for this classic dessert means apple pie is a regular staple in our home, leading me to experiment with various recipes over the years.
From the comforting familiarity of a classic Dutch apple pie, reminiscent of my grandmother’s baking, to the bright and airy flavors of a custard apple pie, each variation brings its unique charm. However, this particular apple pie, infused with the rich, caramelized goodness of homemade dulce de leche, has quickly risen to the top of our family favorites. What makes it even better is how surprisingly simple it is to whip up your own dulce de leche from a can of condensed milk, adding an extra layer of homemade love to this already incredible dessert.
This isn’t just another apple pie; it’s a gourmet twist on a beloved classic. The dulce de leche provides a deeper, more complex sweetness and a wonderfully creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crisp-tender apples and flaky crust. It transforms the humble apple pie into a truly decadent experience, perfect for special occasions or simply elevating an everyday meal.
A Birthday Treat and a Crowd-Pleasing Sensation
I first created this spectacular toffee apple pie for my birthday celebration, and the reactions from my guests were priceless. Each person served a slice couldn’t help but smile, their eyes lighting up at the sight and scent of this caramel-infused delight. The harmonious blend of sweet, gooey caramel and the fresh, slightly tart apples proved to be an irresistible combination that left everyone craving more.
The empty plates returned to the kitchen spoke volumes, and I was delighted when my guests enthusiastically requested that this pie become a regular feature at future birthday gatherings. Of course, I was more than happy to oblige! Hearing such positive feedback is always incredibly rewarding, and it solidified my decision to share this incredible recipe with all of you, so you can experience the same joy and satisfaction in your own kitchens.
This recipe, which I’ve lovingly adapted from the renowned Jamie Oliver, brings a touch of his culinary magic to a classic dessert. His approach to enhancing natural flavors and creating comforting yet sophisticated dishes truly shines through in this creation, making it a reliable and impressive bake for any home cook.
Beyond its delicious taste, this toffee apple pie offers a comforting warmth that evokes feelings of nostalgia and joy. It’s the kind of dessert that gathers people around the table, sparking conversations and creating lasting memories. Whether it’s the centerpiece of a festive meal or a simple indulgence on a quiet afternoon, this pie is guaranteed to be a hit.
Have you tried baking this absolutely delicious Toffee Apple Pie? I would love to see your culinary masterpiece! Tag #byandreajanssen on Instagram to share your creation. I regularly feature your most beautiful photos and love to see how you bring my recipes to life. If you loved this recipe, please take a moment to leave a rating on the recipe card below! Your valuable feedback not only helps me improve but also guides other home cooks in discovering wonderful new dishes.
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📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
15 minutes
40 minutes
1 hour
1 hour 55 minutes
Dessert, Sweets and Sweet Baking
European Cuisine
8 slices
342 kcal
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Ingredients
Dough
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1 sticks butter , cold -
â…˜ cup confectioners sugar -
â…› teaspoon salt -
½ teaspoon lemon zest, biological -
2 cups all-purpose flour -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract -
2 egg yolks, size L -
2 tablespoons milk
Filling
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1 cup Dulce de leche -
4 apples, Granny smith -
2 tablespoons apricot jam, warm
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
US Customary
Instructions
Prepare the dough
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Using a food processor fitted with a knife blade, add the cold, diced butter.
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Pulse in short bursts until the butter forms small, pea-sized particles.
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Next, add the confectioner’s sugar, salt, lemon zest, and all-purpose flour. Pulse again until all ingredients are well blended and resemble coarse crumbs.
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Incorporate the vanilla extract and egg yolks, then pulse three times to combine.
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Finally, slowly pour in the milk while pulsing until the dough begins to come together and separates from the sides of the food processor bowl.
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Remove the dough from the bowl, gently form it into a flat disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This chilling process is crucial for a flaky crust.
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After chilling, roll out the dough and carefully press it into the bottom and up the sides of a 10-inch (26 cm) tart tin or springform pan. Return the prepared crust to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to ensure it holds its shape during baking.
Prepare the toffee apple pie
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Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 390 °F (200 °C) for a crispier crust or 350 °F (175 °C) for a softer, more traditional bake.
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Peel, core, and thinly slice the Granny Smith apples into ¼-inch (½ cm) pieces. Granny Smiths are ideal for their tartness, which perfectly balances the sweetness of the dulce de leche.
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Retrieve the chilled pastry-lined tin from the refrigerator. Evenly spread the luscious dulce de leche over the bottom of the crust.
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Arrange the sliced apples neatly over the dulce de leche layer. You can create a beautiful pattern or simply spread them evenly.
Bake
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Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
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Once baked, carefully remove the pie from the oven. While still warm, gently brush the top with warmed apricot jam for a beautiful, glossy shine and an extra touch of fruitiness. Let the pie cool in the pan for about 5 minutes.
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Carefully remove the sides of the springform pan and transfer the pie to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature. This cooling time is essential for the dulce de leche to set properly, ensuring perfect slices.
Notes
2. Cool: Chilling the dough thoroughly between steps prevents it from shrinking or becoming tough during baking, ensuring a perfectly tender and flaky crust. Don’t skip this crucial step!
3. Vanilla Extract: A good quality vanilla extract is key for a nuanced and delightful vanilla flavor. If possible, opt for natural vanilla extract. Even better, you can make it yourself with this homemade vanilla extract recipe, which is far more economical than store-bought small bottles and yields a superior, long-lasting product.
4. Storage & Serving Suggestions:
- This delicious apple pie can be prepared a day in advance. For best results, gently warm it up briefly in an oven preheated to 300 °F (150 °C) before serving to revive its warmth and soften the caramel.
- Refrigerator: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the entire apple pie (or individual slices) for up to a month. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up in the oven just before serving for that freshly baked taste.
- Serving: This pie is exquisite on its own, but it reaches new heights when served warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 53g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Cholesterol: 79mg
Sodium: 135mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 24g
Vitamin A: 484IU
Vitamin C: 5mg
Iron: 2mg
apple pie recipe, dulce de leche, caramel apple pie, homemade dessert
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More Irresistible Pie & Dessert Recipes to Try
If you’ve fallen in love with this Toffee Apple Pie, you’re in for a treat! Here are a few more delightful pie and dessert recipes from my collection that are sure to impress your family and friends. From elegant fruit-filled creations to rich, no-bake sensations, there’s a perfect pie for every palate and occasion.
- Charlotte Russe Cake
- No Bake Eggnog Cheesecake
- Greek Baklava with Walnuts and Honey