Get ready to transform your kitchen into a fall flavor paradise with the ultimate dessert that will make your taste buds dance! This Pumpkin Spice Caramel Apple Dessert is not just a recipe—it's a culinary experience that captures the essence of autumn in every single bite. Imagine tender, perfectly spiced apples swimming in a luxurious pumpkin mixture, draped in golden caramel, and topped with a delightful crunch of pecans. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or craving a cozy weekend treat, this dessert promises to be the star of your table and the talk of the season.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your dessert bakes evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare the apples by peeling and slicing them into thin wedges. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.
- In a greased 9-inch pie dish or baking dish, layer the sliced apples evenly across the bottom. This will form the base of your dessert.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture over the sliced apples, ensuring that all the apples are well-coated with the pumpkin spice mixture.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the pumpkin and apple mixture. Use as much or as little as you prefer, but be generous for that delicious caramel flavor.
- If you are using pecans, sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the top of the dessert. This will add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly, and place it in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 25 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to become golden and slightly crisp.
- Once baked, remove the dessert from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help the flavors to meld and make it easier to serve.
- Serve warm, optionally drizzling more caramel sauce on top and garnishing with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Tips
- • Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor balance • Slice apples uniformly to ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation • Don't rush the cooling process - letting the dessert rest allows flavors to meld beautifully • For extra decadence, serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or freshly whipped cream • If you're watching calories, you can substitute some brown sugar with a sugar substitute • Toast the pecans lightly before adding for an enhanced nutty flavor • Store leftovers in the refrigerator and gently reheat before serving for maximum enjoyment
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 20mg