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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Select a heavy-bottomed saucepan and merge sugar with water over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves completely.
- Allow the liquid to transition into a boiling state without additional stirring, gently swirling occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Watch closely as the mixture transforms into a rich, dark-amber color, indicating caramelization has occurred.
- Remove from heat and introduce heavy cream cautiously, whisking vigorously to prevent splattering and create a smooth consistency.
- Incorporate butter and salt, continuing to whisk until the mixture achieves a uniform texture.
- Return to medium-low heat, simmering until the caramel reaches a slightly thickened state and reduces to approximately 1 1/4 cups.
- Transfer to a heatproof container and allow to cool completely for at least one hour.
Preparing the Pie:
- Position oven rack in the middle and preheat to 375°F.
- Gently roll out the first pie dough into a 12-inch circular shape, carefully transferring to a 9-inch pie plate.
- Transform the second dough into an 11-inch round, meticulously cutting into 3/4-inch lattice strips.
- Combine egg yolk with water to create a golden wash for finishing the pie.
- Blend brown sugar, flour, and aromatic spices in a mixing bowl to create a flavor-enhancing coating.
- Skillfully prepare apples by peeling, coring, and slicing into uniform 1/4-inch pieces.
- Thoroughly coat apple slices with the spice mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Layer the seasoned apples into the prepared crust, creating a slight mound in the center.
- Generously drizzle salted caramel sauce over the apple filling.
- Weave the prepared dough strips into an intricate lattice pattern across the pie.
- Carefully trim excess dough and crimp edges to seal the pie’s border.
- Brush the lattice and edges with egg wash, optionally sprinkling with coarse sugar for added texture.
- Bake until the crust achieves a golden-brown hue and the filling bubbles enthusiastically.
- If the crust browns too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack for at least two hours before serving.
- 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