Nothing says comfort like a slice of warm apple pie—and when you add a caramel drizzle, it becomes an irresistible dessert. This caramel apple pie is a perfect combination of tender spiced apples, flaky crust, and gooey caramel. It’s a show-stopper for holiday dinners, cozy gatherings, or simply when you’re craving something sweet and indulgent.
How to Make Caramel Apple Pie
Making a caramel apple pie is easier than you might think! With a few simple steps and the right ingredients, you’ll have a bakery-worthy pie that’s sure to impress.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust: If using homemade crust, roll it out and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Chill while preparing the filling.
- Preheat the Oven: Bring your oven up to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice apples. Toss them with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
- Make the Caramel Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in brown sugar, and heavy cream, then let it simmer until smooth and thickened.
- Assemble the Pie: Layer the spiced apples in the pie crust, pour caramel sauce over the top, and cover with a lattice crust or full top crust.
- Bake the Pie: Brush the crust with an egg wash, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving with an extra drizzle of caramel and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Caramel Apple Pie
8
servings30
minutes1
hourIngredients
- For the Pie Crust:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
6-8 tbsp ice water- For the Filling:
6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt- For the Caramel Sauce:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9-inch pie pan with your favorite crust.
- Toss sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Prepare caramel sauce by melting butter, adding brown sugar and cream, and simmering until smooth.
- Fill the pie crust with the spiced apples and pour caramel sauce over them.
- Add the top crust, seal edges, and create vents if using a full top crust.
- Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 50-60 minutes.
- Let cool slightly, then serve with extra caramel and ice cream.
FAQ
Q: What apples are best for caramel apple pie?
A: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are excellent choices because they hold their shape and have a balance of sweetness and tartness.
Q: Is it possible to prepare the caramel sauce in advance? A: Yes, the caramel sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Warm it slightly before using.
Q: What can I do to avoid a soggy bottom crust? A: Blind bake the bottom crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling, or sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or flour before layering the apples.
Q: Can I freeze caramel apple pie?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked pie. Seal it securely and keep it stored for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.
