Prepare to be enchanted by the Whiskey Caramel Apple Pie, where the comforting embrace of traditional apple pie meets the bold twist of whiskey and the sweet kiss of caramel. This pie isn't just a dessert—it's a celebration in every slice. The crust, kissed by your choice of spirit, lays the foundation for a decadent salted caramel sauce and a rich apple cider pastry cream, culminating in a fluffy crown of whipped cream dusted with cinnamon. This pie promises to be the star of any dining table, a treat that's sure to spark conversation and craving.
For the Spirited Pie Crust:
- 1 tablespoon whiskey (bourbon, vodka, or your choice)
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup cold, cubed salted butter
- 1 egg for egg wash
For the Luscious Salted Caramel:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup room temperature heavy cream
- 6 tablespoons softened salted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Cider Pastry Cream:
- 12 ounces apple cider (optionally reduced)
- 2 large eggs or 4 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup light or dark brown sugar
- 5 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- A tiny pinch of fine sea salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or extract
- 4 tablespoons room temperature salted butter
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- A tiny pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup cold heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cinnamon for dusting
The Art of Pie Making:
- Mix whiskey with water and chill. Pulse flour, salt, and butter in a food processor. Add the whiskey mixture to form a crumbly dough. Chill in discs.
- Make caramel by dissolving sugar in water, then adding cream and butter off the heat. Incorporate salt and vanilla and let cool.
- For the pastry cream, simmer cider, then whisk with egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, spices, and salt. Cook until thick, off heat add butter and vanilla.
- Assemble by layering caramel and pastry cream in the crust. Chill thoroughly.
- Whip cream with sugar, salt, and vanilla until peaks form. Top the pie and dust with cinnamon.
Invite your friends and family to indulge in this culinary masterpiece and make sure to share this recipe with those who appreciate a twist on the classic. Bookmark our site for more innovative recipes and delightful flavor journeys!