Apple Skillet Pie: A Caramel & Toffee Twist on a Classic that Will Have You Hooked From First Bite

If you're looking for a dessert that takes the comforting flavors of apple pie to a whole new level, this Apple Skillet Pie is exactly what you need. Picture this: a deliciously buttery and flaky pie crust, filled with soft cinnamon-spiced apples, all topped with sweet caramel nibs and toffee pieces rolled into a golden-brown crust. Baking this beauty in a cast iron skillet gives it a rustic charm and the perfect balance of crispy and gooey textures. Whether you're serving it at a family dinner or during the holidays, this pie is guaranteed to make your dessert table shine.

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Apple Skillet Pie

Apple pie has always been a symbol of warmth, nostalgia, and family gatherings. But what if we could make it even better? By adding the irresistible combination of caramel and toffee, this skillet pie brings a fun twist to the beloved classic. Baking it in a cast iron skillet enhances the flavors and textures, making the crust extra crispy while allowing the apple filling to bubble and caramelize beautifully. With every bite, you'll enjoy the soft, juicy apples, the crunch of toffee, and the sweet, rich flavor of caramel nibs – all wrapped in flaky pastry. It’s a dessert that screams comfort and indulgence!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Apple Skillet Pie

There are many reasons to love this Apple Skillet Pie, but here are just a few:

• Texture Heaven: The contrast between the tender apples, the crispy crust, and the chewy caramel and toffee bits is simply divine.
• Unique Presentation: Baking it in a skillet not only gives it that homemade, rustic look, but it also helps achieve a golden, evenly baked crust.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of cinnamon-spiced apples, buttery crust, and caramel-toffee topping makes this pie stand out in a sea of desserts.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this show-stopping dessert in no time!

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fiber: 3g

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Apple Skillet Pie is delicious on its own, but why not take it to the next level? Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience. The cold creaminess of the ice cream or whipped cream pairs perfectly with the warm, gooey pie filling. If you're feeling extra fancy, drizzle a bit of salted caramel sauce on top to really indulge in the caramel flavors. A hot cup of coffee or spiced cider is the perfect beverage pairing for this comforting treat.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. You can also freeze this pie for up to three months—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven for best results.

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Fun Fact: The Versatility of Skillet Pies

Did you know that baking pies in a cast iron skillet has been a tradition for centuries? Skillet pies are a great way to give your dessert a rustic, old-fashioned look and feel, and the cast iron distributes heat evenly, ensuring that your crust bakes to perfection. While apple pie is a classic choice, you can use this same technique with a variety of fillings, from peaches to berries to savory options like pot pies!

Cooking Tips

• Use Firm Apples: To prevent your apples from turning mushy, choose firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. They’ll hold their shape better during baking.
• Chill Your Pie Dough: For the flakiest crust, make sure to keep your pie dough chilled until you’re ready to use it. Cold dough ensures that the butter doesn’t melt before baking, creating those beautiful layers.
• Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: The cornstarch thickens the apple filling so that it doesn’t become too runny. If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, you can substitute it with flour.

Optional Variations

• Add Nuts: For an extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts into the caramel and toffee mixture before rolling the dough.
• Cinnamon Sugar Crust: Brush the top crust slices with a bit of butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking to give them an extra flavor boost.
• Savory Twist: Want to experiment with savory pies? Try making a chicken pot pie using the same skillet-baking method!

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Apple Skillet Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 pie crusts, refrigerated or homemade
• ¼ cup caramel nibs
• ¼ cup toffee pieces

For the Filling:

• 4-6 apples, diced small
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the cinnamon. Add the diced apples, sugar, and water, and cook for about 5 minutes, until the apples are just tender.
3. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the boiling apple mixture. Continue stirring until the filling thickens, then remove from heat.
4. Press one pie crust into a cast iron skillet, making sure to cover the bottom and sides evenly.
5. Pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading it out evenly.
6. Lay the second pie crust flat, sprinkle it with caramel nibs and toffee pieces, then roll it up into a log. Cut the log into slices and place the slices on top of the apple filling in the skillet.
7. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
8. Let the pie cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!

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Final Thoughts

This Apple Skillet Pie is the ultimate dessert for those who love the combination of sweet, buttery flavors and a little extra crunch. The caramel and toffee pieces add a delightful twist to the classic apple filling, while baking it in a cast iron skillet gives the pie a beautifully rustic presentation. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just because, this pie is sure to impress and become a family favorite!