The Ultimate Crumb-Topped Deep-Dish Apple-Caramel Pie

Ingredients

Crust

• 2 cups pecans, chopped divided
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 (18 ounce) package refrigerated sugar cookie dough

Filling

• 3 lbs granny smith apples, peeled, cored and cut in 1/2-inch slices
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon candied ginger, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 8 individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped and quartered

Crumb Topping

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 cup butter or margarine, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. 2

   Spread pecans on ungreased baking sheet. Bake until lightly browned, 2-3 minutes; cool.

3. 3

   CRUST: Coat bottom and inside of a 9" springform pan with cooking spray.

4. 4

   In food processor process 1 cup pecans until fnely ground (or finely chop with a knife.)

5. 5

   At medium-low speed beat flour into refrigerated sugar cookie dough until combined.

6. 6

   Stir in ground pecans.

7. 7

   Press dough onto side and bottom of pan, creating scant 1/4 inch thick crust; refrigerate 20 minutes.

8. 8

   Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees.

9. 9

   Bake crust 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

10. 10

    FILLING: Toss apples with sugar, flour, ginger, cinnamon and remaining pecans; spoon into pan.

11. 11

    Sprinkle with chopped caramels.

12. 12

    Cover tightly with foil.

13. 13

    Bake for 45 minutes.

14. 14

    CRUMB TOPPING: Meanwhile, at low speed combine flour, sugars, and cinnamon.

15. 15

    Increase speed to medium gradually add butter and vanilla, beating until wet crumbs form.

16. 16

    Remove pie from oven, uncover.

17. 17

    Using hands press tablespoonfuls of crumb mixture toether to form large crumbs; place over filling, covering entire surface.

18. 18

    Bake, uncovered for 45 minutes or untill lightly browned.

19. 19

    Cool on rack; remove side from pan.

20. 20

    Stir together confectioners' sugar and 4 teaspoons water until smooth.

21. 21

    Transfer to plastic food storage bag; snip 1 corner; drizzle over crumbs.