Caramel Apple Brown Butter Oatmeal Cream Pies
These Caramel Apple Brown Butter Oatmeal Cream Pies are a cozy, decadent twist on a classic treat. Soft and chewy brown butter oatmeal cookies are sandwiched with a tart and gooey apple pie filling, a dreamy layer of salted caramel, and a smooth cream filling. Every bite is sweet, spiced, and perfectly balanced—like apple pie, caramel, and oatmeal cream pies rolled into one irresistible fall dessert.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Salted butter
Brown sugar, light and dark
Honey
Egg
Vanilla bean paste or extract
All-purpose flour
Old-fashioned rolled oats
Baking soda
Cinnamon
Salt
Apples of choice (I used Granny Smith)
Maple syrup
Apple pie spice
Cornstarch
Powdered sugar
Milk of choice
Ingredients for Easy Salted Caramel (or Use Store-Bought):
Maple syrup
Smooth, creamy almond butter
Avocado or coconut oil
Salt
Why You’ll Love Caramel Apple Brown Butter Oatmeal Cream Pies:
Chewy, Soft Cookies: The brown butter oatmeal cookies bake up with crisp edges and soft, chewy centers.
Caramel + Apple Combo: Gooey apple pie filling paired with salted caramel brings all the flavors of fall into one bite.
Creamy Filling: A smooth cream filling ties everything together and balances the richness of the caramel and apples.
Bakery-Style Sandwich Cookies: These look impressive and taste like something straight out of a bakery case.
Nostalgic with a Twist: A childhood favorite, oatmeal cream pies, elevated with seasonal fall flavors.
Perfect Texture Contrast: Soft cookies, gooey apple filling, creamy center, and sticky caramel in every bite.
Great for Sharing: Easy to serve and portion, making them perfect for holiday gatherings, bake sales, or dessert tables.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The cookies and fillings can be prepped in advance, making assembly simple.
Versatile Flavors: You can swap in pears, different spices, or even a spiced cream filling for variation.
Fall Dessert Showstopper: Unique enough to stand out at Thanksgiving or any autumn celebration.
Tips for Making Caramel Apple Brown Butter Oatmeal Cream Pies:
Brown the Butter Carefully: Cook the butter until golden with a nutty aroma, then let it cool slightly before mixing into the dough. This step adds depth and richness to the cookies.
Weigh or Measure Flour Properly: Weighing flour is the most accurate, but if you scoop, be sure to spoon and level. Too much flour will make the cookies dry instead of soft and chewy.
Chill the Dough if Needed: If the dough feels too soft or sticky, a short 20–30 minute chill in the fridge will help the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Don’t Overbake the Cookies: The cookies should look just set in the center with golden edges. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, staying chewy in the middle.
Dice Apples Small: For the apple pie filling, cut the apples into small pieces so they soften evenly and create a gooey texture.
Cook the Apple Filling Until Thick: Reduce the filling until most of the liquid has evaporated. This prevents it from leaking out of the cookies when assembled.
Use Room Temperature Cream Filling: A smooth, spreadable cream filling makes assembly easier and ensures it layers evenly between the cookies.
Pipe for Neat Assembly: Use a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner cut) to pipe the cream filling and salted caramel for cleaner, bakery-style sandwiches.
Don’t Overfill: A little filling goes a long way—too much will cause the cookies to slide apart.
Assemble Just Before Serving (Optional): For the freshest texture, assemble the cream pies right before serving, especially if you want the cookies to stay crisp.
How to Store Caramel Apple Brown Butter Oatmeal Cream Pies:
Room Temperature: Because these cream pies contain a cream filling and apple pie filling, they should not be stored at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator: Store assembled cream pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To keep them from sticking together, layer parchment paper between each one. Let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Freezer (Unassembled): For best results, freeze the cookies separately. Once cooled, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then fill with cream, apple filling, and caramel before serving.
Freezer (Assembled): You can freeze fully assembled cream pies, though the texture of the cream filling may change slightly. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Apple Filling & Caramel: Store the apple pie filling in the fridge for up to 5 days, and the salted caramel in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Both can be made ahead and used when ready to assemble.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make these cream pies ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can bake the cookies and prepare the apple pie filling and salted caramel up to 2 days in advance. Store everything separately, then assemble just before serving for the best texture.
Q: Do I have to use homemade apple pie filling?
A: Not at all. Homemade apple filling gives the best flavor, but you can use a good-quality store-bought version if you’re short on time.
Q: Can I skip the salted caramel?
A: Yes. The cream pies are still delicious with just the cream filling and apple pie filling. But the salted caramel adds a rich, sweet-and-salty layer that really elevates them.
Q: Can I freeze caramel apple oatmeal cream pies?
A: You can freeze them, but it’s best to freeze the cookies on their own and add the fillings later. If freezing assembled cream pies, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and store for up to 1 month.
Q: How do I keep the cookies from getting soggy after filling?
A: Make sure the apple filling is cooked down until thick and cooled before assembling. Also, don’t overfill—the right amount keeps the cookies soft without becoming soggy.
Q: What type of apples work best for the filling?
A: Firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the caramel.
Q: Can I make a smaller batch?
A: Yes. This recipe can be halved easily if you only need a few cream pies.
Q: How long do they last once assembled?
A: Assembled cream pies are best enjoyed within 2–3 days for the freshest texture, though they’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Check out my other fall recipes:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you make these caramel apple brown butter oatmeal cream pies. Happy baking!
