Miso Caramel Apple Pie with Streusel Topping

Embark on a culinary adventure with this unique take on a classic dessert: a homemade apple pie elevated with a rich miso caramel sauce and a buttery streusel topping. Each element of this pie, from the flaky crust to the spiced apple filling, harmonizes with the umami depth of the miso-infused caramel.

Yield: One 9-inch pie

Ingredients:

For the Homemade Crust:

• 1 cup + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (145 grams), for the base
• 1/2 tsp salt, for flavor
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed, for flakiness
• 3 tbsp ice water, to bring the dough together

For the Miso Caramel:

• 1 cup sugar, for sweetness
• 1/4 cup butter, for richness
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, for creaminess
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, for flavor
• 2 tbsp miso paste (white or red), for a savory twist

For the Pie Filling:

• 5 red apples, peeled and sliced, for the filling
• 1/2 lemon, juiced, to prevent browning
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, to thicken the filling
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, for sweetness
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon, for spice

For the Streusel:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened, to bind the topping
• 1 cup flour, for texture
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, for a caramel note
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon, for warmth
• 1/4 tsp salt, to enhance the streusel flavor

Instructions:

1. For the crust, mix flour and salt, then work in cold butter and add ice water to form a dough. Chill for an hour.
2. Make the miso caramel by melting sugar to an amber color, then blend in butter, cream, vanilla, and miso until smooth. Set aside.
3. Toss apples with lemon juice, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
4. For the streusel, pulse softened butter, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a food processor.
5. Roll out the crust, fit into a pie dish, and fill with the apple mixture, pressing down. Drizzle with miso caramel and top with streusel.
6. Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 35-45 minutes, covering the edges if they brown too quickly.
7. Serve the pie warm with a scoop of ice cream and an extra drizzle of miso caramel.

Slice into this pie to reveal the layers of tender apples and gooey caramel, all capped with a crunchy streusel that’s sure to please. Share this unique recipe with friends and save it for your next baking day—it’s a delightful twist on a beloved classic that’s not to be missed. Enjoy the complex flavors that each bite offers!