Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the combination of sweet and salty flavors, especially when they come together in a rich and comforting dessert. This Salted Caramel Apple Pie takes the classic apple pie to a whole new level by adding a luscious layer of salted caramel to the spiced apple filling. With a flaky, buttery crust and a drizzle of caramel over the top, this pie will be the highlight of any holiday feast or family gathering. Follow this step-by-step guide to make your own Salted Caramel Apple Pie and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spiced flavors in every bite.

this Recipe

What is Salted Caramel Apple Pie?

Salted Caramel Apple Pie is a mouthwatering dessert that enhances traditional apple pie with the addition of salted caramel sauce. In this recipe, crisp, tart apples are tossed with cinnamon and sugar, layered with a rich homemade caramel, and baked to perfection inside a flaky pie crust. The combination of buttery caramel and the slight tartness of the apples creates an indulgent treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce, this pie is a delicious twist on a classic favorite.

Ingredients List for the Pie Crust

For a tender, flaky crust that complements the gooey filling, this recipe uses a traditional pie dough. Here’s what you’ll need for a double-crust pie:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the crust.
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor of the crust.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed – Cold butter ensures a flaky texture.
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water – To bring the dough together without making it sticky.

Alternatively, you can use store-bought pie dough to save time, but homemade crust offers superior flavor and texture.

Ingredients List for the Salted Caramel Sauce

This salted caramel sauce is rich, buttery, and the perfect complement to tart apples. You can make it from scratch with the following ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar – The base of the caramel.
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness to the caramel.
• ½ cup heavy cream – Makes the caramel smooth and creamy.
• 1 teaspoon sea salt – Balances the sweetness and adds depth to the flavor.

You can also use store-bought salted caramel sauce for convenience, but homemade offers a fresher and more authentic taste.

Ingredients List for the Apple Filling

The filling is the heart of this pie, combining the tartness of apples with warm spices and a drizzle of caramel. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best) – Peeled, cored, and sliced thinly.
• ½ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the apples and balances the tartness.
• ¼ cup brown sugar – Adds depth of flavor and a hint of molasses.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the filling.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – A subtle hint of nutty spice.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Helps prevent the apples from browning and brightens the flavor.
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cubed – Dotted on top of the filling for added richness.

Substitutions and Variations

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie is versatile, and you can customize it to your liking with a few substitutions and variations:

1. Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute the flour in the filling with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
2. Dairy-Free Version – Use dairy-free butter and a coconut cream-based caramel sauce to make this pie suitable for those avoiding dairy.
3. Different Apples – Swap Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples with Pink Lady, Braeburn, or a mix of your favorite apples.
4. Crumble Topping – Instead of a top pie crust, make a crumble topping by combining flour, sugar, oats, and butter for a delicious twist.
5. Nutty Caramel – Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the caramel layer for a crunchy texture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to get baking? Follow these steps to create the perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie from scratch.

Step 1: Make the Pie Dough

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
• Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix just until the dough comes together.
• Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before rolling them out.

Step 2: Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce

• In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until the sugar melts and turns amber in color.
• Add the butter and stir until melted and combined.
• Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously (the mixture will bubble vigorously).
• Stir in the sea salt and remove from heat. Let the caramel cool slightly before using.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position a rack in the lower third of the oven to ensure even baking.

Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling

• In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until the apples are evenly coated.
• Let the apples sit for a few minutes to release some of their juices.

Step 5: Roll Out the Pie Dough

• On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough discs into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides.
• Roll out the second dough disc to a similar size, or cut it into strips if you plan to create a lattice top.

Step 6: Assemble the Pie

• Layer half of the apple mixture into the pie crust, then drizzle with half of the salted caramel sauce.
• Add the remaining apples, then drizzle with the rest of the caramel sauce.
• Dot the top with butter cubes, then cover the filling with the second crust or lattice strips.
• Trim and crimp the edges of the crust to seal. If using a solid top crust, cut a few slits to allow steam to escape.

Step 7: Brush the Top and Bake

• Brush the top crust with an egg wash (1 beaten egg with 1 tablespoon water) and sprinkle with a little sugar for extra crunch and shine.
• Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
• If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie crust shield during the last 20 minutes of baking.

Step 8: Cool the Pie

• Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This gives the filling time to set and makes slicing easier.

How to Cook Salted Caramel Apple Pie: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Crust – Make the dough, chill it, and roll it out for the pie base and top.
2. Cook the Caramel – Melt the sugar and mix with butter and cream to create a salted caramel sauce.
3. Mix the Filling – Combine apples with sugar, spices, and lemon juice.
4. Assemble the Pie – Layer apples and caramel in the pie shell, dot with butter, and cover with the top crust.
5. Bake and Cool – Bake until golden and bubbly, then let it cool before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Letting the Pie Cool – It’s tempting to dig in right away, but allowing the pie to cool helps the caramel and apple juices set, making the filling firmer and easier to slice.
2. Overworking the Dough – Be careful not to overhandle the pie dough, as this can make it tough instead of flaky.
3. Too Much Juice in the Filling – If your apples are particularly juicy, drain off some of the liquid before assembling the pie to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
4. Skipping the Egg Wash – An egg wash on the top crust creates a beautiful golden color and a slight sheen that makes the pie look even more impressive.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serve your Salted Caramel Apple Pie slightly warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra salted caramel sauce for an indulgent treat. For an extra special touch, dust the top with a light sprinkle of sea salt before serving to enhance the sweet and salty flavors.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie

• With Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of ice cream melting over a warm slice of pie is pure comfort.
• Extra Salted Caramel – Drizzle extra caramel sauce over each slice before serving for a decadent finish.
• Whipped Cream – Lightly sweetened whipped cream provides a soft contrast to the rich flavors of the pie.

Presentation Ideas for Salted Caramel Apple Pie

1. Lattice Crust – A lattice crust not only looks beautiful but also allows the caramel to bubble up and peek through.
2. Rustic Edges – For a more rustic look, leave the edges of the pie crust a little uneven and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
3. Caramel Drizzle – Before serving, drizzle extra salted caramel sauce in a criss-cross pattern over the top of the pie for a bakery-style presentation.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe Tips

• Use Cold Butter – Cold butter in the pie dough creates a flakier crust. Handle the dough as little as possible to keep it cold.
• Prevent a Soggy Bottom – To avoid a soggy crust, bake the pie on the lower rack of the oven to ensure the bottom cooks through.
• Chill the Caramel – If your caramel is too runny, allow it to cool and thicken slightly before pouring it over the apples.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the pie a day ahead and store it at room temperature. Reheat it in the oven for 10-15 minutes before serving if you prefer it warm.

Q: Can I freeze Salted Caramel Apple Pie?
A: Absolutely. You can freeze the pie before or after baking. To freeze an unbaked pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time. For a baked pie, cool it completely before freezing.

Q: What are the best apples to use?
A: Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape well during baking and balance the sweetness of the caramel. For a mix of flavors, you can combine Granny Smith with Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn apples.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Leftover pie can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave before serving.

Conclusion

And there you have it—a perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie that combines the timeless appeal of apple pie with the indulgent richness of salted caramel. The buttery, flaky crust and spiced apple filling come together in harmony with the luscious caramel sauce to create a dessert that’s comforting, decadent, and utterly irresistible. Whether you're making this pie for a holiday feast or a weekend treat, it's sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, roll out your dough, and enjoy every delicious bite!

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