Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

The Dreamiest Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe Ever Made

Sweet autumn aromas dance through the kitchen with this decadent salted caramel apple pie that promises pure comfort.

Layers of tender apples nestled in a buttery, flaky crust create a dessert that speaks directly to the soul.

Warm spices and rich salted caramel weave magic into every single bite.

Each slice tells a story of seasonal abundance and culinary craftsmanship.

Crisp apples from local orchards deliver a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.

Golden caramel drizzles add a luxurious touch that transforms this classic pie into an irresistible treat.

Bakers and dessert enthusiasts will fall in love with this mouthwatering creation that turns ordinary moments into delectable memories.

FAQs

  • What makes the apples stay crisp in this pie?

The key is using firm baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which hold their shape during baking and prevent a mushy filling.

  • Why add lemon juice to the apple mixture?

Lemon juice prevents apple slices from browning and adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the caramel and sugars.

  • How do I know when the pie is perfectly baked?

Look for a golden-brown crust and bubbling filling around the edges. The caramel sauce will be slightly visible and the pie will have a rich, aromatic smell.

Salted Caramel and Apple Pie – A Dreamy Duo

  • Comfort Crafting: Create a warm, nostalgic dessert that wraps you in delicious memories with every single bite.
  • Quick Prep Magic: Whip up this stunning pie with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that even beginner bakers can master confidently.
  • Flavor Explosion: Combine sweet apples, rich caramel, and a hint of sea salt for a taste experience that dances between classic and gourmet.
  • Family Crowd-Pleaser: Delight everyone from kids to grandparents with a dessert that brings people together around the table, sparking smiles and conversation.

Gather These Ingredients for Caramel Apple Pie

Fruit Base:
  • Apples: Sweet and crisp fruit that forms the primary filling of the pie.
Spices and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and prevents apple browning.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Allspice: Warm spices that provide depth and traditional pie flavor.
  • Sea Salt: Enhances the caramel's richness and balances sweetness.
Binding and Sweetening Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help thicken the pie filling.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps to thicken the fruit mixture and create a stable filling.
Pie Crust Components:
  • Pie Crusts: Flaky pastry that encases the apple filling.
Caramel and Topping Elements:
  • Salted Caramel Sauce: Rich, sweet-salty sauce that adds decadent flavor.
  • Egg: Creates a golden, glossy crust when used as a wash.
  • Coarse Sugar: Optional topping that adds crunch and sparkle to the pie crust.

Steps to Bake a Salted Caramel Apple Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C) to get ready for pie magic.

Step 2: Create Apple Filling

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss together:
  • Sliced apples
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • All-purpose flour
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Allspice

Mix until every apple slice is beautifully coated with the sweet and spicy mixture.

Step 3: Layer the Bottom Crust

Gently roll out the first pie crust and carefully transfer it into a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring it nestles perfectly into every corner.

Step 4: Build the Pie Layers

Pour half of the apple mixture into the crust, then generously drizzle with salted caramel sauce.

Add the remaining apple mixture on top, then repeat the caramel drizzle.

Sprinkle a touch of sea salt across the surface for that irresistible sweet-salty contrast.

Step 5: Add the Top Crust

Roll out the second pie crust and delicately place it over the filling.

Crimp the edges together to create a tight seal.

Use a sharp knife to cut a few slits on top to allow steam to escape.

Step 6: Finish with a Golden Touch

Brush the top crust with egg wash for a beautiful golden sheen.

If desired, sprinkle coarse sugar over the surface for extra crunch and sparkle.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pie into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes.

Look for a gorgeous golden-brown crust and bubbling filling as your doneness indicators.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours.

This resting time helps the filling set and makes slicing a breeze.

Serve and watch everyone swoon!

Pro Tips for Flaky Crust and Gooey Caramel

  • Cut apple slices to the same thickness for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the pie.
  • Toss apple slices in lemon juice immediately after cutting to maintain their fresh color and prevent oxidation.
  • Drizzle salted caramel sauce in a zigzag pattern for even distribution and beautiful presentation in each slice.
  • Brush egg wash generously on the top crust and sprinkle coarse sugar for a golden, crispy, and professional-looking finish.
  • Allow the pie to cool completely for at least 2 hours so the filling sets and becomes easier to slice cleanly.

New Takes on Caramel Apple Pie

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same measurements for a celiac-friendly pie.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter and egg wash with coconut oil, use plant-based caramel sauce, and create a dairy-free crust using vegetable shortening.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, selecting tart apple varieties like Granny Smith to maintain natural sweetness.
  • Spiced Harvest Variation: Incorporate additional warm spices like cardamom, ginger, and cloves to enhance the autumn flavor profile of the classic apple pie recipe.

Serving Warm Slices of Apple Pie

  • Cozy Dessert Companion: Serve this warm slice of salted caramel apple pie with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful temperature contrast.
  • Rustic Coffee Pairing: Enjoy a slice alongside a steaming mug of rich espresso or cinnamon-spiced coffee, enhancing the pie's warm autumnal flavors.
  • Elegant Presentation Twist: Drizzle extra salted caramel sauce on each plate and garnish with a light dusting of ground cinnamon for a restaurant-quality finish.
  • Weekend Brunch Star: Cut into smaller portions and include as a stunning centerpiece dessert during weekend family gatherings or festive brunch spreads.

How to Store Leftover Caramel Apple Pie

  • Store leftover pie in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping the delicious flavors intact.
  • Wrap the cooled pie completely in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months, preserving its scrumptious taste.
  • Thaw frozen pie in the refrigerator overnight, then warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through, restoring its original warm and gooey texture.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, ensuring a quick and easy way to enjoy the pie's comforting flavors.
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Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe


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4.6 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Salted caramel apple pie brings classic American dessert magic to your table with layers of buttery crust and spiced apple goodness. Warm cinnamon notes and rich caramel drizzle create a memorable sweet experience for your family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust Ingredients:

  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (2 sticks / 226 grams) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup ice water
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Filling Ingredients:

  • 67 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Caramel Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

Egg Wash:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon milk or water

Optional Toppings:

  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Extra salted caramel sauce

Instructions

  1. Set the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) to ensure proper baking conditions.
  2. Combine apple slices with lemon juice, sugars, flour, and warm spices in a spacious mixing bowl, gently coating each slice to prevent browning and enhance flavor profile.
  3. Carefully transfer the first pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring even coverage and smooth placement.
  4. Layer the apple mixture strategically, first adding half the seasoned apples, then generously drizzling salted caramel sauce across the surface.
  5. Continue layering the remaining apple mixture, creating a robust filling with additional caramel sauce and a delicate sprinkle of sea salt for enhanced complexity.
  6. Delicately position the second pie crust atop the filling, meticulously sealing edges by crimping and creating decorative ventilation slits.
  7. Apply a glossy egg wash to the upper crust, optionally garnishing with coarse sugar for a delightful textural crunch.
  8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, monitoring until the crust achieves a rich golden hue and the filling bubbles tantalizingly.
  9. Allow the pie to cool completely for a minimum of 2 hours, enabling the filling to set and flavors to harmonize before serving.

Notes

  • Select firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and texture in your pie.
  • Create extra-flaky crust by chilling butter and using ice-cold water during preparation.
  • Prevent soggy bottom by preheating a baking sheet and placing the pie directly on the hot surface while baking.
  • Adjust caramel intensity by adding more or less sea salt according to personal preference, keeping the flavor balanced and not overpowering.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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