A Historical Overview
Apple-based desserts have been a cornerstone of autumn cooking for centuries, especially in Europe and North America. Baked apple dishes date back to medieval times when apples were stewed with spices and served as a sweet treat. In America, apple pies and cobblers gained fame as symbols of fall harvest celebrations. The caramel apple pairing originated in the 1950s, when candy makers experimented with dipping apples in rich caramel. Bringing these traditions together, today’s caramel apple casserole is a warm, comforting dessert casserole that captures the essence of fall flavors in one dish.
Caramel Apple Fall Casserole – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This Caramel Apple Fall Casserole is cozy, spiced, and indulgent—perfect for chilly autumn evenings, Thanksgiving gatherings, or a weekend family dessert. Featuring tender baked apples layered with caramel, crunchy pecans, and a hint of cinnamon, it’s a rustic yet elegant dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible fall aromas. Topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, this casserole is a heartwarming way to celebrate the harvest season.
Ingredients
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6 medium apples, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best)
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1/2 cup light brown sugar
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp cinnamon
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1/4 tsp nutmeg
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1/4 tsp salt
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
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1/2 cup chopped pecans
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2 cups cubed brioche or challah bread (optional, for extra texture)
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Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
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In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon juice, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
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Layer apples in the casserole dish. Drizzle with half the caramel sauce.
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If using bread cubes, sprinkle them evenly between apple layers.
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Top with pecans and remaining caramel sauce.
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Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until apples are tender and topping is golden.
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Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
Notes
Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for variation.
Add a splash of bourbon or vanilla extract to the caramel sauce for extra flavor.
Make it dairy-free with coconut whipped cream and vegan caramel sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the apple mixture and layer it in the dish up to 24 hours ahead. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Add caramel and bake when ready to serve.
2. What kind of apples work best?
Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape best during baking. Mixing a few sweet and tart varieties gives the casserole a balanced flavor.
3. Can I turn this into a breakfast casserole?
Absolutely! Simply add more brioche or challah cubes and reduce the caramel slightly. It becomes a sweet apple bread pudding that’s perfect for brunch.
