Honeycrisp Caramel Apple Pizza

Prep Time:

50m

Bake/Cook Time:

14m

Yield:

8 slices

Say hello to Fall with this autumn inspired recipe. Honeycrisp apples shine on a spiced sugar cookie crust, vanilla cream cheese spread, generous drizzle of caramel, and a sprinkle of toasted pecans. Feel free to substitute another firm-flesh apple. The crust and spread can be made up to a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

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Products Used

Confectioners Powdered Sugar Poly Bag

Ingredients

Spiced Sugar Cookie Crust
1 1/2 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour*
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon cardamom
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 cups salted butter, cut into chunks
1/4 cup Dixie Crystals Extra Fine Granulated Sugar
1/4 cup lightly packed Dixie Crystals Light Brown Sugar
1 egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Spread
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 + 2 tablespoons Dixie Crystals Confectioners Powdered Sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon cardamom
Toppings
1/4 teaspoon salt
Water
1 honeycrisp apple
1 cup caramel bits
3 tablespoons milk
1/3 cup chopped pecans

*Spoon & Sweep method: Use a spoon to fill measuring cup with flour until required amount is obtained. Scooping measuring cup directly into flour bag will firmly pack flour resulting in too much flour required for recipe.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut a sheet of parchment to fit a 12 to 13-inch pizza pan. Set aside.
Whisk flour, baking powder, and spices together. In a bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter and sugars together for several minutes until combined and fluffy. Beat in yolk and vanilla, scraping down bowl as needed.
In 2 additions, add flour mixture on low speed. Once combined, increase speed to medium and mix until dough comes together.
Flour cut parchment and rolling pin. Press dough into a ball, then roll out to almost the edge of parchment. (Don’t worry if it’s not a perfect circle.) Place parchment with rolled dough on a pizza pan and bake for 14 minutes or until done and golden at edges. Cool on pan for 15 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
When crust is cooled, make cream cheese spread. Beat cream cheese until light and smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cardamom. Beat until combined. Spread on crust, leaving about 1/2-inch border. Refrigerate while you prepare the topping, or for up to 1 day.
For toppings - Mix salt with 1 1/2 cups water in a bowl. Slice honeycrisp apples very thinly. Place slices in salt water and soak for 5 minutes. Rinse with cool water. Pat dry. Place in a single layer between paper towels and refrigerate.
Meanwhile, place caramel bits and milk in a small saucepan. Heat on medium-low, stirring frequently until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
In a small skillet, toast pecans pieces until fragrant and toasted, about 4 minutes. Remove from pan.
To assemble, place apple slices in a spiral pattern on top of cream cheese. Drizzle caramel sauce on top and sprinkle with toasted pecans. Serve immediately.
For easiest and cleanest cuts, use a large, greased knife. Caramel will stick otherwise.