Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a homemade apple pie, but when you add a drizzle of salted caramel, this classic dessert becomes even more irresistible. This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe takes the traditional apple pie to the next level by layering crisp, sweet apples with a rich, buttery caramel sauce and a touch of sea salt. The combination of sweet, salty, and buttery flavors will leave you wanting more with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just because, this pie is sure to be a crowd favorite. Follow this simple recipe to create a masterpiece that will make any occasion special.

this Recipe

What is Salted Caramel Apple Pie?

Salted Caramel Apple Pie is a delicious twist on the traditional apple pie. It features a combination of tart apples, a sweet homemade caramel sauce with a hint of salt, and a buttery pie crust. The salted caramel adds depth to the classic apple filling, balancing the sweetness of the apples with a subtle salty flavor. The result is a rich, decadent dessert that offers both familiar comfort and a little extra indulgence. It’s perfect for fall, but is a treat that can be enjoyed year-round.

Ingredients List for Salted Caramel Apple Pie

This recipe is made with fresh apples, homemade caramel, and a flaky pie crust. You’ll need the following ingredients:

Pie Crust Ingredients (Double Crust):

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

(Alternatively, you can use store-bought pie crust for convenience.)

Salted Caramel Sauce Ingredients:

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

Apple Filling Ingredients:

• 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon butter, cubed (for dotting the pie)

Egg Wash:

• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon milk or cream

Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have all the exact ingredients or want to change things up a bit, here are some substitutions and variations for this Salted Caramel Apple Pie:

• Crust Variations: You can use a store-bought pie crust if you're short on time. For a different texture, try a crumbly streusel topping instead of a double crust.
• Caramel Alternatives: If you’re in a hurry, you can use store-bought salted caramel sauce instead of making your own. Simply warm it up before drizzling it over the apples.
• Different Apples: While Granny Smith apples are the traditional choice for their tartness, you can use a combination of apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn for a sweeter and more complex flavor.
• Spice it Up: Add extra spices such as ground ginger, cardamom, or allspice for a more robust, spiced apple filling.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the pie crust and filling, or use a pre-made gluten-free pie crust.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make a Salted Caramel Apple Pie from scratch. Follow these steps carefully for the perfect balance of tart apples, sweet caramel, and buttery crust.

Step 1: Make the Pie Crust

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, while mixing with a fork. Stop when the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
4. Form the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal disks, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 days).

(Tip: If using store-bought pie crust, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before unrolling.)

Step 2: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

1. Melt the Sugar: In a medium saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula as the sugar melts and turns into a deep amber color. Be careful not to let it burn.
2. Add the Butter: Once the sugar is fully melted, carefully add the butter (it will bubble up). Stir until the butter is completely melted and combined with the sugar.
3. Add the Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Be careful, as the mixture will bubble and steam. Let it simmer for 1 minute.
4. Stir in the Salt: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the sea salt. Let the caramel cool slightly before using.

(Tip: You can store any leftover caramel sauce in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.)

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Peel and Slice the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into ¼-inch thick slices. Place them in a large bowl.
2. Toss the Apples: Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the apples. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated.
3. Let the Filling Sit: Let the apple mixture sit for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to release and the flavors to blend.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll Out the Bottom Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough disks into a 12-inch circle, about ⅛ inch thick. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, trimming any excess dough hanging over the edge.
3. Layer the Apples and Caramel: Add half of the apple mixture to the pie crust. Drizzle about half of the salted caramel sauce over the apples. Add the rest of the apples on top, then drizzle with more caramel. (Reserve a little caramel for drizzling on top after baking.)
4. Dot with Butter: Dot the top of the filling with small pieces of butter.
5. Roll Out the Top Crust: Roll out the second dough disk into another 12-inch circle. You can either place this over the top of the filling as a full top crust, or cut it into strips for a lattice pattern. If using a full top crust, be sure to cut slits to allow steam to escape.
6. Seal and Crimp the Edges: Press the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal, then crimp the edges using your fingers or a fork.
7. Apply the Egg Wash: Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and milk mixture, and sprinkle with coarse sugar for extra texture and sweetness.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

1. Bake at High Temperature First: Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes.
2. Lower the Oven Temperature: After 20 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
3. Cool the Pie: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This will allow the filling to set.
4. Drizzle with Remaining Caramel: Just before serving, warm the reserved caramel sauce and drizzle it over the top of the pie.

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

1. Make the Pie Crust: Combine flour, salt, sugar, and cold butter. Add ice water, form the dough, and chill.
2. Prepare the Caramel: Melt sugar, then add butter, cream, and salt. Set aside.
3. Make the Apple Filling: Toss apples with sugars, spices, flour, lemon juice, and vanilla.
4. Assemble the Pie: Layer the apples and caramel sauce in the crust, dot with butter, and add the top crust.
5. Bake the Pie: Start at 400°F for 20 minutes, then reduce to 350°F for 35-40 minutes.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool for 2 hours, then drizzle with more caramel before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Burning the Caramel: Keep an eye on the sugar as it melts. Caramel can go from golden brown to burnt very quickly, so remove it from the heat as soon as it turns amber.
• Overfilling the Pie: Avoid piling too many apples into the crust, as the filling can overflow during baking.
• Skipping the Cooling Time: Let the pie cool completely before slicing. This allows the filling to thicken, making it easier to cut clean slices.
• Soggy Crust: To avoid a soggy bottom crust, use firm apples like Granny Smith, and don’t skip the step of letting the filling rest before assembling the pie. This allows the apples to release some of their juices.

Serving and Presentation Tips

• Serve Warm: Salted caramel apple pie is best served warm, with the caramel gooey and the apples soft.
• Add Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon ice cream on the side is a perfect match for the warm, sweet pie.
• Garnish with Caramel: For a finishing touch, drizzle additional warm salted caramel sauce over each slice just before serving.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie

Once the pie has cooled and set, slice it into wedges using a sharp knife. Serve each slice with a drizzle of warm caramel and, if desired, a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This dessert is perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or any time you want to impress with a homemade treat.

Presentation Ideas for Salted Caramel Apple Pie

• Lattice Crust: Create a lattice top with the pie crust for a beautiful, rustic presentation.
• Mini Pies: Make individual salted caramel apple pies using mini pie pans or ramekins for personal-sized servings.
• Salted Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle the pie with extra caramel right before serving for an extra indulgent look.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe Tips

• Chill the Dough: For the flakiest crust, make sure your dough is cold before rolling it out and baking.
• Taste the Caramel: Adjust the amount of salt in the caramel to your taste. Some like a stronger salty contrast, while others prefer it more subtly sweet.
• Use a Baking Sheet: Place the pie on a baking sheet in the oven to catch any caramel or juices that may bubble over.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes! If you're short on time, you can use store-bought salted caramel sauce. Just be sure to warm it slightly before drizzling over the apples.

Q: What are the best apples for this pie?
Granny Smith apples are ideal because of their tartness and firmness. Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or a mix of tart and sweet apples also work well.

Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this pie a day ahead. Store it at room temperature, and drizzle with additional caramel just before serving.

Q: How long does salted caramel apple pie last?
It will keep for 2-3 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the fridge. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave before serving.

Conclusion

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe is a decadent and mouthwatering dessert that combines the comforting flavors of a traditional apple pie with the rich sweetness of salted caramel. Whether you're a seasoned baker or trying something new, this pie is sure to impress your family and guests. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or an extra drizzle of caramel, and enjoy a slice of fall heaven anytime of the year! Now, it's time to bake your masterpiece and indulge in the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and salty goodness.

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