Copycat Reese’s Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

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From crisp apples picked fresh off the orchard to rich, gooey caramel and warm spices that fill the air with nostalgia, the possibilities for fall desserts are endless. But what if we told you we could take that delicious combination up a notch? Yes, we’re talking about the ultimate twist on classic comfort—Reese’s Caramel Apple Pie!

How to make Reese’s Caramel Apple Pie

Reese’s Caramel Apple Pie is a seasonal twist on the classic Reese’s candy, designed to capture fall dessert flavors. Instead of the standard peanut butter cup, this variety combines Reese’s peanut butter filling with a layer of caramel apple–flavored creme or coating, often wrapped in milk chocolate or pie-crust-inspired accents.

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling:

• 6 large Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• A pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 ready-made pie crusts (or homemade pie crust, if desired)

For the Caramel Layer:

• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• ¼ cup Reese’s peanut butter spread (optional for extra Reese’s flavor)

For the Reese’s Topping:

• 8 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
• ½ cup mini Reese’s Pieces candies (for decoration)

For Assembly:

• 1 egg (beaten, for brushing crust)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Add the lemon juice to prevent browning and to enhance flavor.
2. Gently toss the mixture until all apples are evenly coated. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. Roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim any excess edges.
2. Spread half of the caramel sauce evenly on the bottom of the crust. If you’d like extra peanut butter flavor, mix the caramel sauce with Reese’s peanut butter spread before spreading.

Step 3: Add the Apple Filling

1. Pour the spiced apple filling into the pie crust, arranging evenly.

Step 4: Add Reese’s Topping

1. Sprinkle chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups evenly over the apple filling.
2. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the Reese’s topping.

Step 5: Add the Top Crust

1. Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the pie, sealing the edges by pinching them together with your fingers or a fork.
2. Cut small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking.
3. Brush the top crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar for a golden finish.

Step 6: Bake the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the pie on the middle rack and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
3. If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil midway through baking.

Step 7: Cool and Decorate

1. Allow the pie to cool for at least an hour to help the filling set.
2. Once cooled, sprinkle mini Reese’s Pieces candies over the top for a festive finish.

Tips for the Best Reese’s Caramel Apple Pie

• Choose the Right Apples: Granny Smith apples are ideal for this recipe because they hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the caramel and Reese’s.
• Homemade Caramel Sauce: If you have time, make caramel from scratch to enhance the pie’s flavor. A simple mix of butter, brown sugar, cream, and vanilla works wonders!
• Customize Reese’s Toppings: Feel free to use additional Reese’s products, like Reese’s Pieces or Reese’s Chips, to suit your taste.
• Pair It with Ice Cream: Serve warm slices with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
• Chill Before Cutting: If you want clean slices, refrigerate the pie for 30 minutes after cooling.

What to serve with

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The light, sweet flavor of vanilla pairs beautifully with the rich caramel and Reese’s chocolate.
• Peanut Butter Ice Cream: If you want to amplify the Reese’s peanut butter flavor, opt for peanut butter ice cream for a decadent pairing.
• Salted Caramel Ice Cream: For an extra layer of caramel goodness, salted caramel ice cream will add sweet and savory notes to the experience.

Ingredients Substitutes

The beauty of baking is that it allows room for creativity and flexibility.

1. Apples

The apples provide the foundation of this Reese’s Caramel Apple Pie, but not all apples are created equal! If you don’t have Granny Smith apples or you’re looking for a different flavor profile, consider these:

• Honeycrisp: Slightly sweeter than Granny Smith, these apples still hold their shape beautifully and add a nice crunch.
• Braeburn: A balanced sweet-tart option, ideal if you want a mellower flavor.
• Pink Lady: Offers a tangy brightness and firm texture, perfect for baking.
• Fuji or Gala: For extra sweetness, these are great alternatives, but note that they may soften more than tart apples.
• Pears: If you want a fun twist on the Reese’s Caramel Apple Pie recipe, you can use firm, slightly under-ripe pears.

2. Pie Crust

The crust is what holds everything together, but if you prefer homemade or alternative options, try:

• Homemade Pie Crust: Make your crust from scratch with flour, butter (or shortening), and water for fresh, flaky results.
• Gluten-Free Pie Crust: Replace regular pie crust with a store-bought or homemade gluten-free alternative (made with almond flour, rice flour, or a gluten-free flour blend).
• Graham Cracker Crust: For a completely new flavor dimension, use a graham cracker crust. It adds sweetness and a slightly crunchy texture.
• Oat-Based Crust: A crumble-style crust made from rolled oats, butter, and brown sugar is a rustic and gluten-free-friendly substitute.

3. Caramel Sauce

The sticky caramel layer is key to the Reese’s Caramel Apple Pie’s indulgent flavor, but there are substitutes if you don’t have it on hand:

• Homemade Caramel Sauce: Make your caramel using sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Add a pinch of sea salt for extra depth!
• Salted Caramel Sauce: Swap in salted caramel for a sweet-savory kick that enhances the flavors.
• Dulce de Leche: This thick, creamy caramel-like spread made from slowly simmered milk and sugar is a great alternative.
• Butterscotch Sauce: If caramel isn’t available, butterscotch offers a similar sweet and buttery profile that will pair well with the apples.

4. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

While Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are an iconic ingredient in this recipe, you can try other chocolates or candies if you’d like:

• Mini Reese’s Cups: Use the mini versions for easier chopping and better distribution of peanut butter flavor.
• Reese’s Pieces: For a crunchier texture and a burst of peanut butter flavor, sprinkle these on top or mix some into the filling.
• Peanut Butter Chips: These can be used instead of Reese’s Cups for a more subtle peanut butter flavor.
• Snickers Bars: Chopped Snickers bars are an indulgent substitute, offering caramel, nougat, and peanuts in one bite.
• Plain Chocolate (Milk or Dark): If peanut butter isn’t your thing, you can substitute Reese’s Cups with chopped milk or dark chocolate for a classic chocolate-apple flavor combination.

5. Peanut Butter

If you want to adjust or substitute the Reese’s peanut butter elements, you can try these options instead:

• Almond Butter: A slightly nuttier, milder alternative that aligns with the recipe’s spirit.
• Hazelnut Spread (like Nutella): For a chocolaty, hazelnut twist, Nutella can be used in place of peanut butter.
• Sunflower Seed Butter: Ideal for nut-free diets but still rich and creamy.
• Tahini: For an adventurous, nutty/earthy flavor (though it isn’t sweet, you can mix in some sugar or honey).
• Omit Peanut Butter: The recipe will still be cozy and delicious without peanut butter; the caramel and apple flavors will shine on their own.

6. Sugars in the Apple Filling

The granulated sugar and brown sugar in the apple filling can be replaced with alternatives to meet dietary needs or add flavor depth:

• Coconut Sugar: A natural substitute with a mild caramel flavor.
• Maple Syrup: Adds a richer natural sweetness and pairs beautifully with apples and spices. Use slightly less to avoid making the filling too liquid.
• Honey: A simple and natural sweetener that works as a substitute for both sugars.
• Stevia, Monk Fruit, or Erythritol: For a low-sugar or keto-friendly option, replace granulated sugar and brown sugar with these substitutes. Check the packaging for conversion amounts.

7. Spices

The warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices give the pie its autumnal flavor, but you can customize or substitute them:

• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A pre-mixed blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves is an easy alternative.
• Allspice or Clove: Just a pinch of these spices complements the warmth of the cinnamon.
• Cardamom: For a slightly more exotic flavor with floral and citrusy notes, cardamom is an excellent addition.
• Omit Nutmeg: If nutmeg isn’t your favorite, just use cinnamon—it’s still delicious without it.

8. Egg Wash for the Crust

The egg wash helps the top crust achieve a golden, shiny finish, but you can skip it or use alternatives:

• Milk or Cream: Brush the crust with milk or cream for a less shiny but still golden look.
• Butter: Melted butter brushed on the crust adds richness.
• Vegan Egg Wash: A mixture of non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) with a little syrup or oil can mimic the effect of a traditional egg wash.

Final Thoughts

Reese’s Caramel Apple Pie is already a standout dessert, but these serving ideas will take it to a whole new level.

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