Apple Crostata with Caramel Topping and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels both cozy and a little fancy, you’re going to love this Apple Crostata with Caramel Topping and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe. I absolutely adore how rustic and forgiving this crostata is — plus, the warm caramel drizzle and melting vanilla ice cream just make it next level. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a sweet treat, this recipe hits all the right notes without stressing you out.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a starring role — the flour and butter create that flaky crust, tart apples provide the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, and the caramel topping adds an indulgent finish. I like to use good quality vanilla ice cream to really make this dessert shine.

• All-purpose flour: A kitchen staple that makes a tender, flaky crust.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to both the dough and the apple filling.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors.
• Cold butter: Chilling it and cubing it helps create those perfect flaky layers in your crust.
• Cold water: Keeps your dough moist enough to come together without melting the butter.
• Vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla lifts the crust and makes it taste extra special.
• Tart apples: Granny Smith is my go-to — they hold up while baking and add a wonderful tartness.
• Cinnamon: Warms up the filling and pairs beautifully with the apples.
• Egg: Used for brushing the crust to create that gorgeous golden finish.
• Caramel ice cream topping: Warming this up before drizzling adds that sweet, gooey goodness everyone loves.
• Vanilla ice cream: Optional but seriously, it takes this crostata from tasty to unforgettable.

Variations

I love how this apple crostata recipe lends itself to personalization. Over time, I’ve experimented with tweaks here and there that make it my own — and I encourage you to get creative, too!

• Spiced Up: I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the filling — it really amps up the warm fall vibes.
• Fruit Swap: Pears or peaches work beautifully as a seasonal twist if you want to change things up.
• Gluten-Free: I’ve made this with a gluten-free flour blend; just watch the dough consistency since it’s a bit different but you still get great results.
• Nutty Crunch: Adding chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top before baking adds amazing texture contrast.

How to Make Apple Crostata with Caramel Topping and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Step 1: Making Your Flaky, Buttery Dough

Start by mixing the flour, sugar, and salt in a big bowl. Then cut in the cold butter cubes — I like to use a pastry cutter or even two knives to get it crumbly like coarse crumbs. Gradually add in your cold water and vanilla while tossing with a fork. This part’s key: don’t overwork the dough or the crust will turn tough. Once it forms a ball, wrap it and chill for about 30 minutes. This short chill makes it much easier to roll out and helps keep the butter firm for flaky layers.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling and Shaping the Crostata

While your dough chills, slice or chop your peeled apples and toss them with sugar and a tablespoon of flour — this keeps everything from getting soggy as it bakes. Once your dough is rolled out into a roughly 10-inch circle on a lightly floured surface, transfer it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pile the filling in the center, leaving about two inches of uncovered crust around the edges.

Step 3: Adding the Toppings and Baking

Fold the edges of your crust up over the filling in pleats — no need to be perfect, rustic is the point here! Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the apples, then whisk your egg and water to brush the crust for a lovely golden glaze. Bake your crostata at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles up invitingly. Pro tip: sliding the parchment to a wire rack right after baking prevents moisture from making the crust soggy.

Step 4: The Grand Finale — Caramel and Ice Cream

Right after it’s out of the oven, drizzle your warmed caramel topping generously over the crostata. The warm caramel soaking into those tart apples is absolute magic. Serve slices warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream — the contrast in temperature and creaminess just completes the experience.

How to Serve Apple Crostata with Caramel Topping and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra cinnamon or even some finely chopped toasted pecans on top just before serving. It adds a lovely crunch and an extra warm spice note that pairs beautifully with the caramel.

Side Dishes

If I’m making this for a cozy dinner, I like pairing it with a light cup of coffee or a scoop of sharp cheddar cheese on the side for my adventurous eaters — it’s an old-school combo that surprisingly works. Otherwise, a simple green salad beforehand balances the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served slices on pretty dessert plates with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce artistically done with a spoon. Sometimes I add a fresh mint sprig for color and freshness — it really impresses guests and makes it feel festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftover crostata tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. It remains surprisingly tasty, though I recommend reheating it to bring back those flaky crust textures.

Freezing

If I want to save some for later, I flash-freeze the unbaked crostata (assembled, but not yet baked) on a baking sheet before wrapping it snugly in plastic and foil. That way, when I’m ready, I just pop it straight into the oven — no thawing needed, which keeps the crust flaky and fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, I let the crostata come to room temperature, then warm it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. This refreshes the crust’s crispness and warms the filling without drying it out like a microwave would.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Crostata with Caramel Topping and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a dessert that’s both simple and show-stopping. I love how it brings people to the table with its warm, inviting flavor and absolutely no-fuss preparation. If you want a dessert that feels like a warm hug on an autumn evening or a charming finish to any meal, give this one a try — trust me, you’ll be making it over and over again!

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