Pumpkin Spice Caramel Apple Dessert
Winter is almost upon us and apples are in abundance. So, why not make some warm pumpkin spice caramel apple dessert? And, top it with a delicious scoop of vanilla ice cream for that ultimate comfort food.
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.
Why make this dessert?
- It is the perfect way to celebrate fall don’t you think? Apples, caramel, pumpkin spice?
- Apples are not only plenty in winter but affordable too so this is a fairly inexpensive dessert to make.
- The best part? It gets done in less than 20 minutes.
- You can keep this pie filling in the fridge for a week or even freeze it for a month.
- Also, you can use this filling in any dessert that calls for an apple filling. Fill it in a braided puff pastry to make a delicious apple strudel, and pour it in a baked shortcrust pastry tart to make an apple pie tart. I love to use it in mini tarts to serve family and friends on special occasions.
Ingredients and substitutes
- Sugar – I am using a combination of white and brown sugar for the apples and caramel. The brown enhances the caramel flavor in the pie filling.
- Apples – I like to use tart Granny Smith apples for this dessert because they hold their shape well even after they are cooked soft and tender. In addition, they are tart, not sweet, which works beautifully with the sweetness in the pastry and filling.
- Lemon – Just a little lemon will help cut the sweetness it this dessert. But, if you use all Granny smith reduce the lemon.
- Butter – adds to the richness of the filling and also gives it that lovely smoothness to the sauce.
- Pumpkin Spice -I’ve used homemade pumpkin spice but you can also use cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground ginger instead
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
What are the best apples for this apple pie filling?
I like to use a combination of tart, firm apples like granny smith apples, Braeburn, and Pacific Rose, which hold their shape, as well as quick-cooking apples such as gala or golden delicious that become soft, tender, and pulpy. Other apples to include would be Pink Lady, Jonagold, Braeburn.
Should I peel the apple for the caramel apple filling?
Peeling the apples is a personal preference. Leaving the skins on can add a rustic touch and extra nutrients to your pie. However, if you prefer a smoother texture or if you’re using apples with tougher skins, like Red Delicious, it’s best to peel them. Remember to wash the apples thoroughly before peeling or leaving the skins on.
Can I add nuts to these apple pie bars?
Apples pair well with almonds, pistachios, and macadamia. I often add cashew nuts and make these as cashew cherry bars.
Pumpkin Spice Caramel Apple Dessert
Winter is almost upon us and apples are in abundance why not make some spiced up warm caramel apple dessert? Top it with a delicious scoop of vanilla ice cream for that ultimate comfort food. Serve this on a cold weekend or entertain with family and friends. With or without ice cream this dessert is an absolute treat that gets ready in 20 minutes or less.
Ingredients
Caramel apple pie filling
- 1½ lb (700 g) Apples sliced
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- ½ cup (110 g) Brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Corn syrup (optional) prevents crystallization
- 2 tbsp Water
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter room temperature
- 2 tbsp Heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Flour
- ½ tsp Pumpkin Spice or ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp Coarse salt
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
Plus
- 2 cup Vanilla ice cream to serve
Method
- Peel, core, and chop the apple into small cubes in a large bowl. Add lemon juice to prevent discoloration.1½ lb Apples, 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 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.½ cup Brown sugar, 2 tbsp Corn syrup , 2 tbsp Water
- 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.2 tbsp Unsalted butter, 2 tbsp Heavy cream
- 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.2 tbsp Flour, ½ tsp Pumpkin Spice, ½ tsp Coarse salt, 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 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.2 cup Vanilla ice cream
Notes
- 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.
Equipment you will need
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Mention @veenaazmanov_kitchen or tag #veenaazmanovkitchen!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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I believe you left out the butter on step 1. We tried making this and wound up with burnt sugar bark!
Hey Amy, Sorry about that. Must have missed it in the recipe card. Though, even without the butter, you can caramelize the sugar, similar to making caramel. You just need to cook on medium to low heat. In this recipe, you can add the butter later as well.
I love it how quick you can prepare this easy apple dessert. With a huge apple harvest this autumn in my region, I can’t have enough recipe ideas. Thank you for inspiring me.
Oh, it is very very quick Gabi. which is why it’s my favorite
Oh yummy! It looks so easy but absolutely delicious! I can’t get enough of spicy apple desserts right now.
Thank you, Corina.
This is such a yummy autumn dessert I can’t wait to try!
Thank you. Amy.
Oh, this just looks divine! This is definitely my kind of dessert, there is something so good about a warm dessert with a scoop of cold ice cream, heaven is a good word for it.
Thank you, Michelle. I love warm and cold in one dessert
All that is associated with apples I adore. Especially desserts. I think your recipe will be a favorite in my family.
Thank you, Mary
I love everything about this recipe! Apples, homemade caramel and pumpkin spice?!! And you can’t beat a 20-minute dessert. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Andrea. I hope you try it.
Can I just say this looks amazing! Total delicious comfort food for dessert!Pinning!
Thank you, Heidy
The flavors in your dessert look wonderful. Pinning to make ASAP
Thanks Heidy.