This Upside-Down Caramel Apple Pie is a fun twist on a classic dessert! It features sweet apples topped with gooey caramel and a flaky crust baked on top, making it extra special.
You get a delicious surprise when you flip it over—just imagine that ooey-gooey caramel oozing down over the apples! I love to serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance in flavor. If they’re unavailable, Honeycrisp or Fuji can also work well, though they’re sweeter. Mixing a few different types can add depth to the dish!
Pecans: Chopped pecans give a nice crunch and a rich flavor. If you can’t find pecans or prefer not to use nuts, you could leave them out or swap for walnuts or almonds. Just be aware that texture will change a bit.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal here. However, if you’re looking for a dairy-free version, a good cooking oil or vegan butter can be used. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Pie Crust: Using store-bought pie crust saves time, but if you have a favorite homemade recipe, feel free to use that! For gluten-free options, there are great gluten-free pie crusts available to use.
How Do I Get the Perfect Caramel Layer?
The caramel layer is key in the upside-down pie and takes some patience! Start by melting the butter slowly and mixing it well with brown sugar. Here’s a quick guide:
- Melt the butter in a pie dish and immediately sprinkle the brown sugar evenly on top.
- Mixing it right after melting helps dissolve the sugar, making a smoother caramel.
- Spread the nuts on top; they will get coated in caramel while baking!
- As the pie bakes, the sugar and butter will meld and caramelize, creating that gooey layer you want!
Don’t rush this step, and keep an eye on the oven. Letting the pie cool before flipping helps the caramel set a bit, too!
Upside-Down Caramel Apple Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie:
- 6 medium tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crust or homemade pie dough (enough for a single 9-inch crust)
For Serving:
- Optional: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious upside-down caramel apple pie takes about 20 minutes to prep and 45-55 minutes to bake, plus an additional 20 minutes to cool before serving. So, plan for just under 1.5 hours to bring this sweet treat to life!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Next, take a 9-inch round pie dish and melt the butter in it over low heat or in the oven. Once it’s melted, remove it from the heat.
2. Create the Caramel Base:
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the melted butter. This will form the caramel base of your pie. Then, spread the chopped pecans over the brown sugar, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
3. Prepare the Apples:
In a large bowl, combine the apple slices with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Toss everything together until the apple slices are well coated with the mixture; this adds flavor and helps thicken the caramel.
4. Assemble the Pie:
Layer the coated apple slices evenly on top of the pecans and brown sugar in the pie dish. Pack them tightly, as they’ll cook down a bit. Now, roll out your pie crust dough to fit the pie dish, and carefully lay it over the apples. Tuck the edges down around the apples inside the dish.
5. Prepare the Crust:
Using a sharp knife, make 4-5 slits in the crust to allow steam to escape while it bakes. This will help the crust cook evenly!
6. Bake the Pie:
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender. Keep an eye on it as it cooks!
7. Cool and Invert:
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for about 20 minutes. This allows the caramel to set a bit. Then, gently place a serving plate over the pie dish and carefully invert the pie onto the plate, so the caramel, pecans, and apples are on top.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the pie rest for a few minutes to allow the caramel to thicken slightly. Serve warm, and for an extra treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.
Enjoy the gooey caramel sauce dripping over tender spiced apples and crunchy pecans in this delightful upside-down apple pie!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn apples. A mix of sweet and tart apples can enhance the flavor profile of the pie!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3 days, but you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to bring back the texture and warmth.
Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie and store it unbaked in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just cover it with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing in the oven.
What if I Don’t Have Pecans?
If you don’t have pecans or prefer not to use them, you can omit them completely or substitute with walnuts or almonds. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be slightly different, but still delicious!