If you love the cozy flavors of autumn wrapped up in a golden, flaky crust, this Caramel Apple Pie Recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort dessert. Imagine juicy, tart-sweet apples perfectly seasoned with warm spices and bathed in luscious caramel, all tucked inside a buttery pie shell that bakes up crisp and flaky. The harmony of textures and rich flavors makes this pie irresistible whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or simply treating yourself to a special homemade delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this delicious Caramel Apple Pie Recipe, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture. Simple pantry staples come together to create a pie that looks as impressive as it tastes.
- 2 pie crusts: Either store-bought or homemade, these provide the tender, flaky foundation for your pie.
- 6 cups peeled and sliced apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work wonderfully for a mix of tartness and sweetness.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness to complement the tart apples.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Imparts a rich, caramel-like depth to the filling.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling, so it’s perfectly set.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: Brings warm spice notes that are essential to classic apple pie flavor.
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg: Adds a subtle, aromatic warmth.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 2 tsp lemon juice: Keeps the apples from browning and adds a bright tang.
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce: The star ingredient that infuses each bite with gooey, buttery richness.
- 1 tbsp butter (optional): Small pats dotting the filling add extra richness and a lovely golden finish.
- 1 egg: For the egg wash that creates a shiny, golden crust on top.
- 1 tbsp water: Mixed with egg for the perfect egg wash consistency.
How to Make Caramel Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust Base
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out one of the pie crusts and carefully place it into a 9-inch pie pan. This sets the stage for your beautiful filling and ensures an even, flaky bottom crust. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect–the rustic look adds to the charm!
Step 2: Mix the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, toss your peeled and sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This flavorful mixture is going to be the heart of your pie, balancing sweetness with spice and thickening the juices for that perfect pie texture.
Step 3: Add the Caramel Sauce
Gently stir in half a cup of caramel sauce, folding it through the apple mixture to coat every slice with rich, buttery sweetness. This infusion of caramel is what elevates the pie from ordinary to absolutely decadent.
Step 4: Assemble the Filling in the Crust
Pour the apple and caramel filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the top with a few small pieces of butter if you like; they melt into the filling, adding a silky richness that makes every bite extra special.
Step 5: Add the Top Crust
Place the second pie crust on top in your preferred style–either a whole crust with slits for steam to escape or a beautiful lattice pattern. Trim any excess pastry and crimp the edges for that classic pie look that gives a lovely seal and finishes the pie with style.
Step 6: Apply the Egg Wash
Whisk together the egg and water to create a glaze, then brush it over the top crust. This step ensures your pie will bake up with a gorgeous golden sheen that is both eye-catching and delicious.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your pie for 45 to 50 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the vents. If your crust starts to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with foil to prevent overbrowning while the filling finishes baking to gooey perfection.
Step 8: Cool and Drizzle
Once out of the oven, allow the pie to cool for at least two hours. This waiting time lets the filling set beautifully so your slices come out neat and luscious. When ready to serve, drizzle with extra caramel sauce to ramp up the indulgence and add a little shine to each slice.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream is a classic companion to this Caramel Apple Pie Recipe. Sprinkle a small pinch of cinnamon or a few toasted pecans on top to add a delightful crunch and spice accent that complements the pie perfectly.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs beautifully with warm beverages like spiced apple cider, coffee, or a glass of dessert wine. For a fuller meal, serve alongside a simple cheese plate featuring sharp cheddar, which contrasts wonderfully with the sweet filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in mini pie tins or ramekins for a charming twist at your next gathering. You could also create a layered parfait using pie slices, caramel sauce, and whipped cream in clear glasses for a visually stunning dessert experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Caramel Apple Pie Recipe is best stored covered at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerated for up to four days. Keeping it wrapped tightly prevents the crust from drying out while preserving that luscious filling.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked pie tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to two months. To avoid sogginess, it helps to reheat the pie directly from frozen, which preserves texture and flavor beautifully.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method keeps the crust crisp and brings the filling back to melty, comforting perfection. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade caramel sauce for this pie?
Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce will add a rich, personalized touch to your Caramel Apple Pie Recipe. Just be sure it’s slightly cooled before mixing it with the apples to prevent melting the crust or cooking the filling too early.
What types of apples work best?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or a mix with sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp yield the best texture and balanced flavor. This combination ensures the filling isn’t too mushy or overly sweet.
Is it okay to make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie up to the point before baking and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking and a perfect crust.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend suitable for baking and use gluten-free pie crusts. Just keep in mind the texture might vary slightly, but the flavor will remain delightful.
How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Using flour in the filling helps thicken juices, and preheating the oven ensures the crust starts cooking immediately. Baking on a lower rack or placing a baking sheet underneath can also aid in crisping the bottom.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the way this Caramel Apple Pie Recipe brings together the crispness of apples, the indulgence of caramel, and the comforting warmth of homemade pie crust. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward, rewarding, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to share it. So, roll up your sleeves and dive into creating your own slice of sweet, spiced happiness—you won’t regret a single bite!
Print
Caramel Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes plus 2 hours cooling
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Caramel Apple Pie combines tender, spiced apples with rich caramel sauce, all encased in a flaky, golden-brown double crust. Perfect for cozy gatherings and dessert lovers, this pie balances sweet and tart flavors with a delightful caramel drizzle to finish.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, dotted on top of filling)
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Crust: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan, ensuring it fits snugly along the edges.
- Mix the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until the apples are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Add Caramel Sauce: Gently stir in 1/2 cup of caramel sauce to the apple mixture, ensuring the apples are coated but not overly saturated.
- Assemble Filling: Pour the apple and caramel mixture into the prepared pie crust. If desired, dot the filling with small pieces of butter to add richness.
- Top with Second Crust: Place the second pie crust over the filling. You can use a whole crust with slits cut into it or create a lattice pattern. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush this mixture evenly over the top crust to promote golden browning.
- Bake the Pie: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. If the crust begins to brown too quickly, tent the pie loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours to let the filling set properly. Before serving, drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top for added sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
- Allow the pie to cool completely for clean slicing.
- If using store-bought caramel sauce, choose a high-quality variety for best taste.
- Butter is optional but adds a nice richness to the filling.
- To prevent a soggy bottom crust, ensure apples are well coated with flour.
