Can I make these cream pies ahead of time?

Yes. You can bake the cookies and prepare the apple pie filling and salted caramel up to two days in advance. Keep each component in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, bring the fillings to room temperature and assemble. This keeps your Caramel Apple Brown Butter Oatmeal Cream Pies fresh and prevents the cookies from softening too quickly.

Do I have to use homemade apple pie filling?

Homemade apple pie filling gives the richest flavor and freshest texture, but a high-quality store-bought version works perfectly if you’re short on time. If you use store-bought filling, warm it briefly and add a touch of cinnamon or apple pie spice to boost flavor before cooling it again for assembly.

Can I skip the salted caramel?

Yes, but the salted caramel adds a layer of flavor that enhances the overall dessert. Without it, your Caramel Apple Brown Butter Oatmeal Cream Pies will still taste wonderful, just slightly sweeter and less balanced. You can replace the caramel with a drizzle of maple syrup or a touch of melted white chocolate for a lighter twist.

Can I freeze caramel apple oatmeal cream pies?

Yes. For best results, freeze the cookies on their own and add the fillings after thawing. If you prefer to freeze them assembled, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place in a sealed freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to one month. Let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

How do I keep the cookies from getting soggy after filling?

Make sure the apple filling is fully cooled and thick before assembly. Hot or thin filling will release moisture into the cookies. Also, use just enough cream and filling to hold the cookies together without excess moisture. If you plan to serve them the next day, store the assembled cream pies in the refrigerator and layer them with parchment paper to keep the texture consistent.

What type of apples work best for the filling?

Firm, tart apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady hold their shape well and balance the sweetness of the caramel and cream. Avoid softer apples that can break down too quickly when cooked. The balance between tart and sweet apples gives your filling that signature fall flavor.

Can I make a smaller batch?

Yes. This recipe scales down easily. Halve all ingredients if you only need a few cream pies for a small gathering or personal treat. The texture and flavor will stay the same, just in a smaller batch size.

How long do they last once assembled?

Assembled Caramel Apple Brown Butter Oatmeal Cream Pies are best enjoyed within two to three days. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and let them rest at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften the cream filling.

Caramel Apple Brown Butter Oatmeal Cream Pies: The Best Fall Dessert Ever (2025)

Description

Soft, chewy brown butter oatmeal cookies filled with tart apple pie filling, salted caramel, and creamy frosting — a cozy fall dessert that tastes like apple pie meets an oatmeal cream pie.

Ingredients

Scale

Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies:

1/2 cup salted butter

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup honey

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 cups flour

1 cup oats

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

Apple Pie Filling:

2 tbsp butter

2 apples, diced

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tbsp maple syrup

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp apple pie spice

2 tsp cornstarch

1 tsp vanilla

Cream Filling:

6 tbsp butter

1 1/4 cups powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 tbsp milk

Salted Caramel:

1/4 cup maple syrup

3 tbsp almond butter

2 tbsp coconut oil

Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment.

2. Brown butter until golden and nutty, then let cool.

3. Whisk flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

4. Mix cooled butter with sugars, honey, egg, and vanilla.

5. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Scoop dough onto baking sheets.

6. Bake 9–12 minutes, until edges are golden.

7. Cook apple filling with butter, sugar, syrup, and spices until thickened.

8. Make cream filling by beating butter, sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

9. Mix caramel ingredients until glossy.

10. Assemble by piping cream around cookie edge, adding apple filling and caramel in the center. Sandwich with another cookie.

Notes

Store in airtight container in fridge for 3–4 days.

Freeze cookies separately for up to 2 months.

Best served slightly chilled or at room temperature.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 420
Sugar: 31g
Sodium: 170mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 55mg