Caramel Apple Pie

I have made a caramel apple pie. During the past few years, I started learning how to bake on my own and it became a hobby that has brought me so much comfort and joy. So, I wanted to make something that can also bring comfort and joy (a classic apple pie) but with something more added to it. Not only that but the pie reminds me of my favorite season, autumn.

Ingredients

Pie Crust:

• 3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter (cold)
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 7 tablespoons of cold water

Apple Filling:

• 7 gala apples
• 1/4 cup of light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup of caramel sauce

Crumb Filling:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup of light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 (1 stick) of butter (cold)

Egg Wash:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon of water

Equipment

• Two Large Bowls
• One Small Bowl
• Pastry Cutter (recommended by not needed)
• Rolling Pin
• Plastic Wrap
• Peeler
• A Cutting Board
• Sharp Knife
• Large Pan
• Spoon
• 9-inch Pie Pan
• Pizza Cutter (or a knife will work)

Start by combining all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Use a knife to cut the butter into small cubes (about half an inch in length, width, and height) and add the butter cubes into the flour mixture. Next, using a pastry cutter (you could also use your hand) cut the butter into the flour mixture until all the butter has been cut into pea-sized crumbs. Add in the cold water 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough becomes moist and isn't sticky (if the dough is sticky add in a little more flour).

Find a flat surface (make sure it's clean) and place a small coat of all-purpose flour on it. Place the dough onto the surface. Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough into a 1/4-inch heigh smooth circle. Gently cover the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least two hours.

While the dough is in the refrigerator start preparing the apple filling by first washing all of the apples with water. Then use a peeler to shave off the skin on the apples (you can throw the skin into the trash) and wash the apples again. Next, place the apple on a cutting board. Use a knife to cut one side of the apple close to the core (do this for the next three sides and the rest of the apples). Place the side of the apples that you cut onto the cutting board and use a knife to slice the apples into 1/4-inch-thick vertical slices.

Transfer the apple slices to a large pan and add the light brown sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt. Next, place the pan on the stove over medium heat and cook the apples for 12 minutes or until they are tender (make sure you stir them occasionally to stop them from burning). Let the apples cool for a while, then add the caramel sauce to them.

In a large bowl combined all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Use a knife to cut the butter into small cubes (about half an inch in length, width, and height) and add the butter cubes into the mixture. Then use a pastry cutter (you could also use your hand) to cut the butter into the flour mixture until all the butter has been cut into pea-sized crumbs.

Retrieve the dough from the refrigerator and place it in the pie pan pressing the dough into the pan. Trim the sides of side of the pan until there is no dough hanging off and set the excess dough aside for later.

Pour the apple filling and then the crumb filling into the dough.

Use the excess dough and place it onto a clean flat surface covered with all-purpose flour and roll it into a 1/8-inch heigh smooth circle. Grab a pizza cutter (or knife) and cut the dough into 8 strips. Take the first 4 strips and lay them horizontally over one side of the pie. Then fold back the first and third strips and lay a fifth strip vertically over the pie. Fold the first and third strips back onto the pie. Fold back the second and fourth strips and repeat the same process with the remaining strips. After the process is done place the pie into a freezer for 15 minutes and preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Once the pie is out of the freezer make an egg wash by mixing the egg and water together in a small bowl. Then brush the egg wash over the crust of the pie.

Once the pie and oven are ready place the pan into the middle rack of the oven. Cook the pie for 50 minutes and take it out when crust become a golden brown. Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before serving.

(When the pie is done you can also drizzle more caramel sauce over it or eat it with ice cream)