Apple Pie by Grandma Ople: A Classic Family Recipe with a Caramel Twist

Introduction

Grandma Ople’s Apple Pie is not your ordinary apple pie—it’s a family-favorite recipe known for its rich, caramel-like sauce that takes this classic dessert to the next level. Instead of mixing sugar with the apples, a buttery caramel syrup is poured over the top, creating a perfectly sweet and flavorful filling inside a flaky pie crust.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making this delicious apple pie, share expert tips, and answer frequently asked questions to help you bake the perfect pie every time.

Ingredients

For the Pie:

1 double pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
6 to 8 apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
½ cup unsalted butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
¼ cup water
½ cup white sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Apples

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan.
Place the sliced apples into the pie crust, slightly mounding them in the center.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a paste.
Add water, white sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Let the sauce cook for a few minutes until slightly thickened, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Carefully pour the caramel sauce over the apples, ensuring even coverage.
Roll out the second pie crust and cut it into lattice strips or place it whole over the pie, sealing the edges.
Brush the top crust lightly with the remaining caramel sauce for a golden finish.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

Place the pie on the middle rack and bake for 15 minutes at 425°F.
Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream.

Expert Tips for the Best Apple Pie

Use firm apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples hold their shape and balance the sweetness.
Let the pie cool before slicing: This prevents the filling from being too runny.
For extra shine: Brush the top crust with an egg wash before baking.
Enhance the flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract to the caramel sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the pie a day in advance and store it at room temperature. Reheat slightly before serving.

2. How do I store leftover pie?

Cover and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

3. Can I freeze this apple pie?

Yes! Wrap the fully baked pie tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

4. What’s the best way to reheat apple pie?

Warm slices in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds.

5. Can I make this recipe with a crumble topping instead of a crust?

Absolutely! Swap the top crust for a mixture of butter, flour, brown sugar, and oats for a delicious crumb topping.

Final Thoughts

Grandma Ople’s Apple Pie is a heartwarming, old-fashioned dessert that brings family and friends together. With its caramel-infused apple filling and flaky crust, it’s sure to become your go-to apple pie recipe. Give it a try, and let the sweet aroma fill your kitchen!

Would you like a printable version of this recipe for Fit Bites Recipes? 😊