Pumpkin Spice Caramel Apple Dessert

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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. 

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.

Creative ways to use apple pie filling

Apple pie filling is one of those versatile goodies that can transcend beyond the confines of a pie crust. Here are some creative ways to incorporate it into various dishes:

• 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.
• Apple Smoothie Bowl: Blend Greek yogurt, a bit of milk, cinnamon, and a scoop of caramel apple until smooth. Pour into a bowl and top with more apple pie filling, granola, chia seeds, and sliced almonds.
• 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.
• Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Before rolling your cinnamon roll dough, spread a layer of caramel apple. Once baked, drizzle with glaze.
• Caramel Apple Ice Cream: Swirl apple into your favorite vanilla ice cream base before freezing.

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Pumpkin Spice Caramel Apple Dessert

Author: Veena Azmanov

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Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 7 minutes mins

Total Time: 12 minutes mins

Calories: 218kcal

Adjust Servings Here: 8 Servings

Description

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 

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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 )

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Instructions

• 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

Recipe Notes & Tips

• 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.

 

Conversions Used

1 lb = 453 grams, 1 cup = 240 ml, 1 stick = 113g, 1 tbsp= 15 ml, 1 tsp= 5 ml,

Nutrition Information

Serving: 43– grams per serving (2 tarts)Calories: 218– kcalCarbohydrates: 37– gProtein: 2– gFat: 8– gSaturated Fat: 5– gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4– gMonounsaturated Fat: 2– gTrans Fat: 0.1– gCholesterol: 26– mgSodium: 180– mgPotassium: 172– mgFiber: 2– gSugar: 33– gVitamin A: 328– IUVitamin C: 4– mgCalcium: 58– mgIron: 0.2– mg

The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you

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