Caramel Apple Dream
Hey Lykkers! Apples are such a classic fruit, but they’re also super versatile. Whether you want something savory or sweet, apples can totally surprise you.
Today, I’m sharing two unique and delicious apple recipes: a Spiced Apple & Cheddar Savory Galette and a Caramel Apple Chia Pudding Parfait. Both are easy to make and perfect for impressing your friends or just treating yourself. Let’s get cooking!
1. Spiced Apple & Cheddar Savory Galette
This recipe is a fantastic twist on apples, pairing sweet and spiced fruit with sharp cheddar cheese inside a flaky pastry crust. It’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.
Ingredients:
For the pastry:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 8 tbsp (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3-4 tbsp ice water
For the filling:
- 3 tart apples (Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp honey (for drizzling)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
How to Make It:
Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until it looks like coarse crumbs—little bits of butter mixed throughout. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just holds together. Form it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Filling:
While the dough chills, toss the sliced apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of black pepper in a bowl. That pepper adds a subtle warmth that balances the sweet spices.
Assemble the Galette:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough into an approximate 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the center, making sure to leave about a 2-inch border around the edges. Layer the spiced apples on top of the cheese. Fold the edges of the dough up and over the filling, pleating as needed to form a rustic, free-form crust. Beat the egg and brush it over the dough edges to give the galette a beautiful golden-brown finish when baked.
Bake:
Bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden and the apples are tender. Remove from the oven and drizzle honey over the warm galette.
2. Caramel Apple Chia Pudding Parfait
If you want a fresh, healthy treat, this layered chia pudding parfait combines creamy chia pudding, warm spiced apples, and a luscious caramel drizzle. Top it with nuts for a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients:
For the chia pudding:
- ½ cup chia seeds
- 2 ½ cups vanilla almond milk (or milk of your choice)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
For the stewed apples:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Zest of ½ orange
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
For the caramel sauce:
- 2 tbsp coconut oil or butter
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- ⅓ cup coconut cream or heavy cream
- Pinch of sea salt
For topping:
- ¼ cup toasted pecans or walnuts
How to Make It:
Make the Chia Pudding:
In a bowl, mix together the chia seeds, almond milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until everything is fully combined. Cover the bowl and chill it in the fridge overnight or for at least 4 hours, allowing the mixture to thicken into a creamy pudding.
Stew the Apples:
In a saucepan, combine diced apples, cinnamon, orange zest, water, and maple syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until apples soften but still hold their shape (about 10 minutes). Let cool.
Make the Caramel Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt coconut oil over medium heat. Add coconut sugar and stir until melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes. Slowly pour in coconut cream while stirring continuously. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, stir in sea salt, and let cool.
Assemble the Parfait:
In glasses or jars, layer chia pudding, stewed apples, and drizzle caramel sauce. Repeat if desired. Top with toasted nuts for crunch.
Why These Recipes Rock
The galette’s flaky crust and the combo of sweet-spiced apples with sharp cheddar is an unexpected delight that feels cozy and comforting. Perfect for a weekend treat or entertaining guests.
Give these a go next time you have apples on hand. They’re fun, easy, and seriously tasty. If you want more recipes or tips on which apples work best, just let me know!
There you have it — two standout apple recipes with ingredients and clear step-by-step instructions, all in a friendly, casual tone. Want me to help with a printable version or any other twists?