The Dreamiest Caramel Apple Pie Recipe for Sweet Autumn Joy

Sweet caramel apple pie changes ordinary desserts into extraordinary culinary experiences that dance between rustic comfort and gourmet elegance.

Autumn’s most beloved pastry combines tart fruit with rich, golden caramel in ways that tantalize sophisticated palates.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike understand this classic dessert represents more than simple ingredients—it symbolizes warmth and connection.

Layers of carefully spiced fruit nestle beneath a buttery, flaky crust that promises delectable memories with each bite.

Family recipes often carry deep emotional significance, weaving generations together through shared kitchen traditions.

Seasonal ingredients elevate this pie from mundane to magnificent, creating sensory experiences that resonate beyond mere sustenance.

Gathering around a freshly baked pie represents communal joy, celebrating both culinary craft and familial bonds.

Caramel Apple Pie That Brings Comfort in Every Bite

• Craft a Caramel Symphony: This pie transforms ordinary apple dessert into a luxurious experience by infusing rich, homemade salted caramel sauce that elevates every single bite with deep, complex sweetness and a sophisticated flavor profile.
• Master a Professional Baking Technique: Creating a beautiful lattice top requires minimal skill but delivers maximum visual impact, turning an everyday pie into an Instagram-worthy dessert that looks like it came straight from a professional bakery.
• Enjoy Layers of Textural Delight: The recipe combines crisp, tender apple slices with a buttery, flaky crust and smooth caramel sauce, creating a multi-dimensional taste experience that provides satisfying crunch, softness, and creamy richness in every forkful.
• Impress with Minimal Effort: Despite seeming complicated, this recipe breaks down complex steps into manageable instructions, allowing home bakers to produce a gourmet-level dessert that appears much more challenging than it actually is.

Ingredients That Make a Great Caramel Apple Pie

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for a tender, flaky pie crust that provides structure and classic texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates layers in the pie crust for ultimate flakiness.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pie crust.

• Apples: Sweet and tangy fruit that forms the heart of the pie, best when crisp and firm.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the apple filling.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the apples and add depth of flavor.

• Granulated Sugar, Water: The base for creating rich, golden caramel sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create smooth, creamy caramel.
• Unsalted Butter: Enriches the caramel with a silky, luxurious texture.
• Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the caramel.
• Large Egg Yolk, Water: Creates an egg wash for a beautiful golden-brown crust finish.
• Coarse Sugar: Optional topping for extra crunch and sparkle on the pie crust.

Instructions for Flaky Crust and Gooey Filling

Step 1: Craft Magical Caramel Sauce

• Granulated sugar
• Water
• Heavy cream
• Unsalted butter
• Kosher salt

Combine sugar and water in a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Swirl the pan gently without stirring until the mixture transforms into a deep amber color. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in cream, creating a dramatic steam show. Blend in butter and salt until silky smooth. Simmer the mixture until it thickens slightly. Let the caramel cool completely for at least one hour.

Step 2: Prepare Dreamy Pie Dough

Warm up your oven to 375°F. Roll out the first pie dough into a wide circle on a flour-dusted surface. Gently transfer to a 9-inch pie plate. Roll the second dough and slice into elegant strips. Chill both crusts while preparing the filling.

Step 3: Create Apple Filling Magic

• Dark brown sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Ground cinnamon
• Kosher salt
• Ground nutmeg

Peel and slice crisp apples into delicate thin pieces. Coat the apple slices generously with the spice mixture, ensuring each slice is perfectly seasoned.

Step 4: Assemble Gorgeous Pie

Layer the spiced apple slices into the prepared crust, creating a beautiful mound in the center. Drizzle with half of the caramel sauce for extra decadence. Weave the dough strips into a stunning lattice pattern across the top.

Step 5: Finish with Golden Perfection

Whisk an egg wash and brush over the lattice and edges. Sprinkle with coarse sugar for a sparkling finish. Bake until the crust turns golden and the filling bubbles with excitement, about 50-60 minutes. Shield with foil if the crust browns too quickly.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the pie to rest on a wire rack for at least two hours. This patience ensures perfect slicing. Serve with remaining caramel sauce drizzled on top.

Helpful Baking Tips for Even Caramel Spread

• Select Superior Apples: Choose firm, tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during baking and provide a perfect balance to the sweet caramel.
• Control Caramel Color: Watch the caramel carefully while cooking; color changes quickly from golden to burnt, so use a candy thermometer for precise temperature monitoring.
• Prevent Soggy Crust: Sprinkle a thin layer of ground almonds or breadcrumbs on the bottom crust before adding apple filling to absorb excess moisture and maintain crispness.
• Create Perfectly Woven Lattice: Chill pie dough strips before weaving to ensure clean, sharp edges and prevent stretching during the lattice construction.
• Protect Pie Edges: Cover pie crust edges with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning and ensure even, golden-brown results.

Keeping Apple Pie Fresh Longer

• Refrigerate: Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the pie at a consistent temperature to maintain its texture and flavor.
• Freeze: Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Warm individual slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Place the slice on a baking sheet to help restore the crust's crispness. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce just before serving to revive the pie's delicious flavor.

Ideal Pairings for Caramel Apple Slices

• Sip Smooth Vanilla Bourbon: Pair this rich caramel apple pie with a smooth bourbon whiskey that complements the pie's sweet and buttery notes. The vanilla undertones in bourbon will enhance the caramel's depth and bring out the warm spices in the pie.
• Scoop Cinnamon Vanilla Ice Cream: Top the warm pie with a generous scoop of cinnamon or vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, creamy texture creates a delightful contrast with the warm, flaky pie crust and provides a luxurious taste experience.
• Brew Spiced Chai Latte: Serve alongside a warming spiced chai latte to echo the pie's cinnamon and nutmeg flavors. The aromatic spices in the chai will beautifully complement the caramel and apple elements, creating a cozy and comforting dessert moment.
• Pour Salted Caramel Macchiato: Match the pie with a salted caramel macchiato for an indulgent coffee-based pairing. The espresso's rich flavor and caramel undertones will mirror the pie's own caramel sauce, making each bite and sip a harmonious delight.

Unique Variations of Apple Pie Traditions

• Nutty Caramel Apple Delight: Enhance the pie by adding 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling, creating a crunchy texture that complements the smooth caramel.
• Bourbon-Infused Apple Sensation: Mix 2 tablespoons of bourbon into the caramel sauce for a rich, complex flavor that adds depth to the classic apple pie.
• Rustic Caramel Apple Galette: Transform the recipe into a free-form galette by using a single pie crust, folding the edges over the filling, and baking on a baking sheet for a more rustic presentation.
• Spiced Autumn Apple Experience: Incorporate additional warm spices like cardamom or ginger to the existing spice mixture, bringing an extra layer of autumnal warmth to the pie.

Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comforting caramel apple pie brings classic American dessert magic to your table. Buttery crust, spiced apples, and rich caramel drizzle create a soul-warming treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Caramel Apple Pie Ingredients:

Main Ingredients (Apples):

• 2.5 pounds Granny Smith or Pink Lady apples (about 6 large or 7 medium)

Pie Crusts and Filling:

• 2 (8 to 10 ounces) store-bought or homemade flaky pie crusts, thawed if frozen
• ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon turbinado or coarse sugar (optional)

Salted Caramel Components:

• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Select a heavy-bottomed saucepan and merge sugar with water over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves completely.
2. Allow the liquid to transition into a boiling state without additional stirring, gently swirling occasionally to ensure even heating.
3. Watch closely as the mixture transforms into a rich, dark-amber color, indicating caramelization has occurred.
4. Remove from heat and introduce heavy cream cautiously, whisking vigorously to prevent splattering and create a smooth consistency.
5. Incorporate butter and salt, continuing to whisk until the mixture achieves a uniform texture.
6. Return to medium-low heat, simmering until the caramel reaches a slightly thickened state and reduces to approximately 1 1/4 cups.
7. Transfer to a heatproof container and allow to cool completely for at least one hour.

Preparing the Pie:

1. Position oven rack in the middle and preheat to 375°F.
2. Gently roll out the first pie dough into a 12-inch circular shape, carefully transferring to a 9-inch pie plate.
3. Transform the second dough into an 11-inch round, meticulously cutting into 3/4-inch lattice strips.
4. Combine egg yolk with water to create a golden wash for finishing the pie.
5. Blend brown sugar, flour, and aromatic spices in a mixing bowl to create a flavor-enhancing coating.
6. Skillfully prepare apples by peeling, coring, and slicing into uniform 1/4-inch pieces.
7. Thoroughly coat apple slices with the spice mixture, ensuring even distribution.
8. Layer the seasoned apples into the prepared crust, creating a slight mound in the center.
9. Generously drizzle salted caramel sauce over the apple filling.
10. Weave the prepared dough strips into an intricate lattice pattern across the pie.
11. Carefully trim excess dough and crimp edges to seal the pie’s border.
12. Brush the lattice and edges with egg wash, optionally sprinkling with coarse sugar for added texture.
13. Bake until the crust achieves a golden-brown hue and the filling bubbles enthusiastically.
14. If the crust browns too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
15. Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack for at least two hours before serving.
16. Accompany each slice with additional caramel sauce for an indulgent finishing touch.

Notes

• Master the caramel by watching its color carefully, as it can quickly burn and turn bitter.
• Choose tart baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of flavor and texture.
• Allow the caramel to cool completely to prevent a soggy pie bottom and maintain the sauce’s rich consistency.
• Create a tight lattice top to trap steam and help the apples cook evenly while looking stunning.
• Save extra caramel sauce for drizzling over slices or serving alongside the pie for an indulgent touch.
• Cooling the pie for at least two hours helps the filling set and makes slicing cleaner and more precise.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 61 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg