Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

If you love the flavors of traditional apple pie and enjoy the sweet-and-salty combination of salted caramel, then this salted caramel apple pie is the dessert of your dreams. Combining tender, spiced apples with a rich, buttery caramel sauce and a flaky pie crust, this dessert is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy a slice. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any time you want to treat yourself, this pie is a must-try. Follow this step-by-step guide to make a show-stopping salted caramel apple pie, complete with tips, variations, and serving suggestions.

this Recipes

What is Salted Caramel Apple Pie?

Salted caramel apple pie takes the classic apple pie to the next level by adding homemade (or store-bought) salted caramel sauce. The filling consists of apples coated in cinnamon and sugar, with salted caramel folded into the mixture. The pie is baked with either a traditional double-crust or lattice top, allowing the warm apple filling and gooey caramel to bubble up and infuse every bite with rich, buttery sweetness. The result is a perfectly balanced dessert—sweet, salty, buttery, and spiced—packed with apple and caramel goodness.

Ingredients List for Salted Caramel Apple Pie

For the Pie Crust (Double Crust):

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (or adjust to taste)

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup salted caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)

For Brushing:

• 1 egg (lightly beaten for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling on top)

Substitutions and Variations

While salted caramel apple pie is delicious in its classic form, there are several ways to adapt the recipe to suit different preferences or dietary needs.

• Crust Alternatives: If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought pie crust instead of making your own. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pie crust or substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Store-Bought Caramel Sauce: If making caramel from scratch seems daunting, you can use store-bought salted caramel sauce to save time. Just be sure to choose a high-quality caramel for the best flavor.
• Sugar Substitutes: If you want to reduce the sugar content, try using coconut sugar, honey, or a sugar substitute like erythritol in both the filling and caramel sauce.
• Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free pie, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative in both the crust and caramel sauce. You can also use coconut cream in place of heavy cream for the caramel.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making salted caramel apple pie involves three main steps: preparing the pie crust, making the salted caramel sauce, and assembling the pie. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through each step:

1. Prepare the Pie Crust:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
• Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix with a fork until the dough just comes together.
• Divide the dough into two equal parts, form each into a disk, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to chill.

2. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly. The sugar will clump at first, then melt into a thick, amber-colored liquid. Be careful not to let it burn.
• Once the sugar has melted, add the butter and whisk until combined. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble vigorously.
• Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking, and let the mixture boil for 1-2 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the sea salt.
• Let the caramel cool slightly before using. You can store extra caramel sauce in the fridge for up to a week.

3. Make the Apple Filling:

• In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss the apples until they are evenly coated with the sugar and spices.
• Add ¼ cup of the salted caramel sauce to the apple mixture and toss to combine. Set the filling aside while you roll out the pie dough.

4. Assemble the Pie:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides, leaving a slight overhang.
• Pour the apple filling into the crust, making sure to spread it out evenly.
• Drizzle an additional 2-3 tablespoons of salted caramel sauce over the apples.

5. Add the Top Crust:

• Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the apples. You can either make a full top crust or cut it into strips for a lattice pattern.
• Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges together to seal. If using a full crust, cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the egg wash over the top crust and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.

6. Bake the Pie:

• Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
• After 20 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
• If the crust is browning too quickly, loosely cover the pie with aluminum foil during the last 20 minutes of baking.

7. Cool and Serve:

• Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set.
• Drizzle more salted caramel sauce over each slice before serving. The pie is best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side.

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

Making salted caramel apple pie involves a few extra steps compared to traditional apple pie, but the results are well worth the effort. The caramel sauce adds a layer of rich, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with the spiced apples. When assembling the pie, be sure to give the crust time to chill and allow the pie to cool completely before slicing so the filling has time to set.

• Chilling the Dough: Cold butter in the pie dough ensures a flaky crust. Always chill the dough before rolling it out and assembling the pie.
• Homemade Caramel: While making caramel sauce may seem intimidating, it’s easier than you think! The key is to watch the sugar closely as it melts to avoid burning it. If you're short on time, store-bought salted caramel works just as well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common pitfalls to watch out for when making salted caramel apple pie:

• Soggy Bottom Crust: To avoid a soggy crust, make sure the pie dough is chilled before assembling, and bake the pie at a high temperature initially (400°F) to help set the crust.
• Runny Filling: If your pie filling is too runny, it may be because the apples released too much juice. Tossing the apples with flour helps thicken the filling as it bakes, and letting the pie cool completely allows the filling to set properly.
• Overbrowning the Crust: Keep an eye on the crust as the pie bakes. If it starts to brown too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the filling finishes cooking.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Salted caramel apple pie is as beautiful as it is delicious. Here are some tips to serve and present your pie in the most appealing way.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie:

• Serve the pie slightly warm or at room temperature, allowing the filling to fully set.
• Drizzle additional salted caramel sauce over each slice for extra indulgence.
• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side to balance the richness of the caramel.

Presentation Ideas for Salted Caramel Apple Pie:

• Lattice Crust: A lattice top crust allows the caramelized filling to peek through, creating a beautiful presentation. The woven pattern adds texture and visual appeal.
• Drizzle with Caramel: Before serving, drizzle the pie with extra salted caramel sauce for a luxurious touch.
• Decorative Edges: Use cookie cutters to cut shapes out of extra pie dough and decorate the edges of the pie before baking for a more festive look.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe Tips

To ensure your salted caramel apple pie turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Tart Apples: Granny Smith apples are a great choice for this pie because their tartness balances the sweetness of the caramel. Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples also work well.
• Let It Cool: Allowing the pie to cool for at least 2 hours ensures that the filling sets properly and doesn’t run when sliced.
• Make Ahead: You can make the caramel sauce and pie dough ahead of time. Store the dough in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the caramel sauce can be refrigerated for up to a week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make salted caramel apple pie ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the pie a day in advance and store it at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Reheat slices in the oven for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Q: Can I freeze salted caramel apple pie?
A: Yes, salted caramel apple pie freezes well. After baking, let the pie cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven before serving.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover pie at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the pie with plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh.

Conclusion

Salted caramel apple pie is a decadent twist on a classic dessert, combining the comforting flavors of traditional apple pie with the rich, buttery indulgence of salted caramel. The combination of tart apples, warm spices, and gooey caramel makes this pie the perfect dessert for holidays, family gatherings, or any time you want to indulge. Follow the tips and step-by-step instructions in this guide, and you’ll have a pie that’s not only beautiful to look at but also irresistible to taste. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and an extra drizzle of caramel, and get ready to savor every bite!

Print