Apples and cinnamon is a classic combination, and the flavors scream fall. I took the idea of apple pie, one of my favorite autumn desserts, and made it into an ice cream sundae. This recipe is already decadent, but for added richness, I dollop a generous serving of homemade whipped cream on the top. Enjoy!
Caramel Apple Pie Sundae
Serves 4
Ingredients
For the crust
4 Tbsp. (½ stick) of butter
3 Tbsp. sugar
½ cup + 3 Tbsp. flour
pinch of salt
For the caramel apples
3 Tbsp. butter
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
½ tsp. cinnamon
½ cup brown sugar (packed)
¼ cup heavy cream
½ tsp. vanilla extract
Putting it all together
2 pints vanilla ice cream
Preparation
For the crust:
Preheat the oven to 350°. Place 4 tablespoons of butter in a microwave safe mixing bowl and microwave until the butter melts, about 60 seconds. Add the sugar and a pinch of salt and stir to combine. Add the flour, and stir the mixture until the flour is incorporated and small and large clumps form. Chill the crust mixture in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. Place the mixture on a baking sheet in an even layer, and bake until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
For the caramel apples:
While the crust cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat until it melts. Add the diced apples, and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the cinnamon to the apples, and stir to combine. Remove the apples from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet over medium-low heat, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the brown sugar. Stir the butter and brown sugar until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Add the cream, stir, and let the mixture bubble for one minute until it thickens. Add the vanilla extract and stir to combine. Add the apples back into the skillet, stir the mixture, and let it continue to thicken for another one to two minutes.
Putting it all together:
Place three large scoops of vanilla ice cream into a bowl or sundae glass. Pour a generous serving of the caramel apple mixture over the top of the ice cream, and top with pie crust crumbles. For even more decadence, add a dollop of homemade whipped cream to the top.