Pecan Praline Apple Pie is a rich and indulgent dessert that takes the classic apple pie to the next level. With a buttery, flaky crust, tart apples, and a crunchy pecan praline topping, this pie is sure to impress family and friends. Perfect for the holidays or any special occasion, this pie combines the best of both worlds—a traditional apple filling with a sweet, nutty praline crunch.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ingredients
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
4. Cook Notes & Tips
5. Variations
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
7. Conclusion

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust

• 1 (9-inch) pie crust, homemade or store-bought

For the Apple Filling

• 6 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

For the Pecan Praline Topping

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pie crust and place it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges as desired. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning.
2. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until the apples are evenly coated.
3. Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Pie

1. Cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.

Step 4: Make the Pecan Praline Topping

1. While the pie is baking, prepare the praline topping. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and bubbling.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans.

Step 5: Add the Praline Topping

1. Once the pie is done baking, remove it from the oven and carefully spoon the pecan praline mixture over the top of the apples.
2. Return the pie to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and caramelized.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Cook Notes & Tips

• Apples: Granny Smith apples are ideal for this recipe because of their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the praline topping. Feel free to use a mix of tart and sweet apples for added depth of flavor.
• Praline Topping: Be sure to watch the praline topping closely as it cooks to avoid burning. It should be thick and bubbly before adding it to the pie.
• Cooling Time: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean slices and a set filling.

Variations

• Caramel Pecan Apple Pie: Drizzle caramel sauce over the pie before adding the praline topping for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Nut-Free Option: Omit the pecans and add a crumble topping made with oats, flour, and butter for a nut-free alternative.
• Spiced Pecan Topping: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of ground ginger to the praline topping for a warm, spiced flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. Store it at room temperature or in the refrigerator, and reheat slightly before serving if desired.

2. How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven before serving.

3. Can I Freeze Pecan Praline Apple Pie?

Yes, you can freeze this pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

4. What Can I Serve with This Pie?

This pie is delicious served with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.

Pecan Praline Apple Pie is a decadent twist on the classic apple pie, with its buttery pecan topping adding a wonderful crunch and sweetness to every bite. It’s perfect for holidays, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving a comforting dessert. Feel free to experiment with different variations and make this pie your own—it’s sure to be a hit with everyone who takes a bite.

Happy baking!