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Toffee Apple Pie with Vanilla Custard – A Warm, Buttery Dessert to Sweeten Your Holidays

There’s something magical about a freshly baked pie on a cool fall day — and this Toffee Apple Pie with Vanilla Custard is the very definition of comfort. Imagine layers of tender Granny Smith apples, coated in a rich, buttery toffee sauce, all wrapped in a flaky, golden crust and served with a silky-smooth homemade vanilla custard. This pie is sweet, spiced, and perfectly balanced with a hint of tang from the apples. It’s like caramel apples, apple pie, and creamy custard all came together to create the ultimate fall dessert. 🍎✨ Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply treating yourself to a cozy weekend indulgence, this Toffee Apple Pie with Vanilla Custard is sure to become your go-to showstopper dessert.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Here’s everything you’ll need to make your Toffee Apple Pie with Vanilla Custard:
🍏 For the Apple Filling
  • 8 Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and sliced
  • ½ lemon juice of
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp allspice
  • 5 tbsp cornstarch
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 pinch salt
🥧 For the Pie Crust
  • 2½ cups flour
  • 1¼ tsp salt
  • 20 tbsp butter cold and cubed (2½ sticks)
  • ½ cup ice water
🍮 For the Vanilla Custard
  • 2 cups milk
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1 whole egg
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 5 tbsp cornstarch
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 pinch salt

Equipment

  • Here’s what you’ll need for baking perfection:
  • 9-inch pie dish
  • Mixing bowls (large and medium)
  • Rolling Pin
  • Pastry blender or fork
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Knife and peeler
  • Cooling rack
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

🥧 For the Pie Crust
    Step 1
    1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
    Step 2
    1. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender or fork to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
    Step 3
    1. Gradually drizzle in ice water, stirring gently with a fork until the dough begins to come together.
    Step 4
    1. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
    Step 5
    1. Once chilled, roll out one portion on a lightly floured surface and fit it into your pie dish. Trim excess dough and chill again while preparing the filling.
    🍏 For the Toffee Apple Filling
      Step 6
      1. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning.
      Step 7
      1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp butter. Add brown sugar, heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
      Step 8
      1. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and 1 tbsp water to make a slurry. Slowly whisk this into the toffee mixture. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until thick and glossy.
      Step 9
      1. Remove from heat and add the apple slices. Toss to coat them evenly in the toffee sauce.
      Step 10
      1. Let the filling cool slightly before adding it to the crust.
      🥧 Assemble and Bake the Pie
        Step 11
        1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
        Step 12
        1. Pour the apple-toffee filling into the prepared pie crust. Roll out the second dough disk and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough, then crimp or flute the edges to seal.
        Step 13
        1. Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush with a light egg wash (1 beaten egg with a splash of milk) for a golden finish.
        Step 14
        1. Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35–40 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
        Step 15
        1. Remove from the oven and let the pie cool on a rack for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set.
        🍮 For the Vanilla Custard
          Step 16
          1. In a medium saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until it’s steaming but not boiling.
          Step 17
          1. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, egg, sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt until smooth and pale.
          Step 18
          1. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
          Step 19
          1. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens — about 5–7 minutes.
          Step 20
          1. Remove from heat and whisk in butter and vanilla extract. Stir until silky and smooth.
          Step 21
          1. Pour into a bowl, cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent skin from forming, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
          🍎 To Serve
            Step 22
            1. Slice a generous piece of warm Toffee Apple Pie and spoon Vanilla Custard over the top or alongside.
            Step 23
            1. Optional — sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or drizzle some leftover toffee sauce for an irresistible finish.

            Notes

            🧊 Storage & Reheating
            – Store leftover pie covered at room temperature for 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
            – Vanilla custard can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
            – To reheat pie, warm slices in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 10–12 minutes.
            – Avoid microwaving the custard — reheat gently on the stove if needed.
            Tip: The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making the pie even better the next day!
            🥄 Variations
            Add your own twist to this cozy classic:
            Caramel Pecan Apple Pie: Sprinkle chopped pecans into the filling before baking.
            Spiced Maple Apple Pie: Swap honey for maple syrup in the toffee for a richer flavor.
            Crumble-Top Pie: Replace the top crust with a buttery crumble topping for extra texture.
            Mini Hand Pies: Use the same filling to make individual pastries for parties.
            Salted Toffee Twist: Add a pinch of sea salt to the toffee for a salted caramel effect.
            Double Vanilla Custard: Add a vanilla bean pod to the milk for deeper flavor.
            Cinnamon Crust: Mix ½ tsp cinnamon into your crust dough for an aromatic touch.
            Nut-Free Version: Omit any nuts for a smooth, buttery pie experience.
            Dairy-Free Alternative: Use plant-based butter and coconut milk for a vegan-friendly version.
            Lattice Top Design: Create a beautiful woven crust for a rustic presentation.
            ❓ 10 FAQs
            Can I use store-bought pie crust?
            Yes! It works perfectly if you’re short on time — just use two rounds of ready-made dough.
            Can I use a different type of apple?
            You can — Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn also work well. Granny Smith gives the best tart contrast.
            Do I have to make the custard from scratch?
            Not necessarily — store-bought vanilla pudding works in a pinch, but homemade tastes far superior.
            How do I prevent the pie crust from getting soggy?
            Preheat your baking sheet and make sure the filling has cooled slightly before adding it to the crust.
            Can I make this pie ahead of time?
            Yes! It can be made 1 day in advance and reheated gently before serving.
            Can I freeze it?
            Absolutely — freeze the baked pie (without custard) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
            Can I serve it without custard?
            Of course! It’s delicious on its own or with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
            Can I make it less sweet?
            Reduce the brown sugar slightly or use more tart apples to balance sweetness.
            Why use cornstarch in the filling?
            It thickens the toffee sauce and keeps the filling from becoming runny.
            Can I serve it warm or cold?
            It’s best served warm with chilled vanilla custard for a delightful contrast.
            🏁 Conclusion
            This Toffee Apple Pie with Vanilla Custard is the ultimate cozy dessert — buttery, spiced, creamy, and absolutely irresistible. The flaky crust, rich toffee sauce, and silky custard create a perfect harmony of textures and flavors.
            It’s a dessert that feels like a warm hug — nostalgic, indulgent, and made for sharing. Whether you serve it for the holidays or just because you crave something special, it’s guaranteed to wow your family and friends.
            So preheat your oven, grab those apples, and bake up a slice of sweetness with this Toffee Apple Pie.