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Caramel Apple Dessert Pizza Recipe

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4.2 from 8 reviews

This Caramel Apple Dessert Pizza combines a soft, cinnamon-spiced pizza dough topped with a tender apple filling and a crunchy streusel topping, all drizzled with rich homemade caramel sauce. It’s a delightful, warm dessert perfect for fall or any occasion that calls for a sweet treat with a comforting blend of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Caramel Sauce

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tbsp salted butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt

Pizza Dough

  • 1/2 cup warm water (105° F to 115° F)
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 and 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (163 grams)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (added during dough mixing)

Streusel Topping

  • 3 tbsp cold salted butter, cubed
  • 2 tbsp + 1 tsp olive oil
  • 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Apple Filling

  • 2 large apples, sliced into 1/2″ slices (about 4 cups, 430 grams)
  • 2 tbsp salted butter
  • 3 tbsp packed brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 and 1/2 tbsp all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Make the Caramel Sauce: Prepare the caramel sauce by melting granulated sugar until golden brown, then slowly whisk in cubed butter and warm heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Add a pinch of flaky sea salt. You can make this up to two weeks ahead and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
  2. Make the Pizza Dough: In a large bowl, combine the 1 tbsp sugar and warm water, whisking gently. Add the yeast without mixing and let sit for 5 minutes until creamy and foamy. Stir in flour, olive oil, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and allow to rise for 1 hour.
  3. Make the Streusel: While the dough rises, pulse the streusel ingredients together in a food processor until crumbly and clumping. If you don’t have a processor, whisk dry ingredients and cut in cold butter until crumbly. Set aside.
  4. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425° F so it’s ready when you finish the filling and assembling the pizza.
  5. Make the Apple Filling: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, cooking a few extra minutes if you want browned butter. Add apple slices, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook for 4 minutes stirring occasionally, then stir in flour. Continue cooking for 4 to 6 more minutes until apples are slightly softened but still retain a bit of crunch.
  6. Assemble & Bake: Transfer the risen dough into a greased pan and press it out, lifting the edges slightly. Spoon the apple filling over the crust, leaving behind any excess liquid. Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the apples, using it all. Bake for 17 to 19 minutes until the crust edges and streusel turn golden brown. Check that the bottom and sides are fully baked.
  7. Serve + Store: Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the hot pizza and serve immediately. Leftovers can be covered and refrigerated for 2 to 3 days and are best enjoyed warmed.

Notes

  • The caramel sauce can be made up to two weeks in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
  • Ensure the yeast mixture is foamy before proceeding to guarantee proper dough rising.
  • For best texture, do not overcook the apples; they should remain slightly crisp.
  • You can use three medium apples instead of two large, totaling about 4 cups sliced.
  • Use a kitchen towel to cover the dough for rising to maintain moisture without sticking.
  • Check doneness by lifting the crust edge; it should be golden and fully cooked underneath.
  • Serve the dessert pizza warm and drizzle with the caramel just before eating for the best flavor.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge and gently reheat before serving.