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Spiced Upside-Down Apple Pie Recipe

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4.4 from 68 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Spiced Upside-Down Apple Pie is a delicious twist on the traditional apple pie, featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples baked beneath a flaky, buttery pie crust. Once flipped, the caramelized apples create a beautiful, golden topping enriched with warm spices and brown sugar. This comforting dessert is perfect for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, or when you crave a cozy homemade apple treat.

Ingredients

For the Apple Topping:

  • 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pie Crust:

  • 1 refrigerated pie crust (9-inch)
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or pie dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Melt Butter and Make Caramel Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup unsalted butter. Add ¾ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon ground ginger. Stir continuously until the sugars dissolve and the mixture is smooth and caramel-like.
  3. Add Citrus and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to brighten and enhance the flavors.
  4. Assemble Apple Layer: Pour the caramel mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Arrange the thinly sliced apples in overlapping circles on top of the caramel, covering the entire surface.
  5. Prepare Apples: Lightly dust the arranged apples with 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour to absorb any extra moisture and help thicken the filling.
  6. Cover with Pie Crust: Place the refrigerated 9-inch pie crust over the apples, gently tucking and sealing the edges around the filling to lock in moisture and flavor.
  7. Finish Crust Topping: Brush the crust with 1 tablespoon milk and sprinkle 1 tablespoon granulated sugar on top for a golden, sweet finish. Cut a few small slits in the center of the crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
  8. Bake the Pie: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling with caramelized apple juices.
  9. Rest the Pie: Remove from oven and let the pie rest for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the filling to set and cool slightly for easier handling.
  10. Invert and Serve: Carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen, then place a serving plate over the pan and invert the pie onto the plate. Allow the caramel to settle before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use firm apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for the best texture and tart-sweet balance.
  • Slice apples evenly to ensure they cook uniformly and the pie maintains a consistent texture.
  • Be extremely careful when flipping the pie as the caramel will be very hot and can cause burns.
  • Let the pie rest briefly before inverting, but don’t let it cool completely in the pan or the caramel may stick and make removal difficult.
  • Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the apples for extra crunch and flavor contrast.
  • Serve warm slices with vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat gently before serving.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Pies, Fruit Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarasplate.com/spiced-upside-down-apple-pie-recipe/