Caramel Apple Pie

This apple pie bakes in a rectangle pan, instead of the traditional round pie plate.  It has a tender flaky crust, apples in the middle and a sweet oatmeal topping. Homemade caramel topping poured over the top when served.  So good that you may not have any leftovers.

Ingredients

Crust

2 1/2 c. flour
3/4 c. salt
2/3 c. butter flavored shortening
1/2 c. cold water

Apples

2/3 c. sugar
1/3 c. flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
12 granny smith apples, peeled, cored and cut in 1/4-inch thick slices

Topping

1 c. oatmeal
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. butter

Caramel Sauce

1 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. butter
1/2 c. half-and-half or evaporated milk
1 Tbs. vanilla
salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°.  Spray a 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking pan.

In a bowl, combine flour and salt. Use a whisk, as this makes the flour lighter.

Cut in the shortening using a pastry knife, or two table knives held together in your hand. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs or small peas. 

Add one tablespoon cold water into the flour mixture.  Mix with a fork. Continue adding the water and mixing with a fork until the flour is moistened. You may or may not need to use all the water. It depends on your location and the humidity in the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and form into a ball. 

Roll the dough out into a 19 x 13-inch rectangle.  Fold the dough in half and gently pick the dough up. Place the dough into the pan, making sure it will go up the sides of the pan. Flute the edge of the dough along the edge of the pan as desired. Trim off excess.

In a large bowl, add the apples.  Now it is time to prepare the topping.

In a small bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, and apples.  Sprinkle this over the apples and toss them to coat.   Place the apples on the dough and spread them out, so they are more even in the pan. 

In the bowl that you mixed the dough in, combine oatmeal, brown sugar, and flour. 

Add the butter. Using a pastry knife or two knives held together in your hand, cut in the butter until it resembles coarse crumbs or small peas.  Sprinkle this over the top of the apples. 

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the apples are tender. Allow to cool a bit before cutting and serving.

While the apples are baking, it is time to make the caramel sauce. 

In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, half-and-half, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. 

Cook and stir over medium-low heat until the mixture thickens. It may take about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat. 

When you serve the Caramel Apple Pie, pour some caramel sauce over each piece.

Store leftover Caramel Apple Pie and Caramel sauce in the refrigerator.