[[{“value”:”A slice of warm apple pie paired with melting vanilla ice cream is hard to beat. It’s a nostalgic dessert that can turn an ordinary restaurant meal into something memorable. From homestyle slices to indulgent apple desserts, some chains do this classic combination better than others. Eat This, Not That! turned to Steve Ingber, executive chef & owner of MileHighCook, to find out which restaurant chains deserve a spot on your must-try list. Here are the top five.
Texas Roadhouse, Granny’s Apple Classic
Texas Roadhouse is known for good, affordable steak, but save room for dessert. The Granny’s Apple Classic is a must-have, says Ingber. “The honey cinnamon caramel is what sets this one apart,” he shares. “It ties the warm apples and the cold vanilla ice cream together, so every bite tastes finished.”
Denny’s, Oven-Baked Caramel Apple Pie Crisp
Denny’s has been an American institution for decades, so of course it’s a go-to for its oven baked apple pie. “Baking it to order makes all the difference,” says Ingber. “You get a crisp top that holds up under the ice cream instead of going soggy, and the caramel keeps it from tasting one note.”
Perkins, Caramel Apple Pie
While Perkins is beloved for its comfort food homestyle meals, the bakery items also never disappoint. “Perkins is a bakery-forward chain, and it shows in the crust,” Ingber explains. “A good flaky crust and a caramel apple filling with a scoop of vanilla is the diner dessert done right.”
Marie Callender’s
Marie Callender’s doesn’t have as many locations as the chain once did–most are located in Southern California, but the restaurants have been a standout for its bakery for decades. “Marie Callender’s built a whole name on pie, so it’s no surprise the apple holds up,” says Ingber. “Add a scoop of French vanilla, and it’s the closest thing to homemade you’ll find at a chain. You can grab one in the store and take it home, too.”
Cracker Barrel, Apple Streusel Pie
For Southern-inspired meals that rival home-cooked, Cracker Barrel is unbeatable, and when it comes to desserts, Ingber recommends the Apple Streusel Pie. “Streusel is the right call for apple pie,” he says. “The buttery crumb top gives you crunch and brown sugar against the soft fruit, and when the ice cream melts into it, it’s comfort food at its best.”
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