The Best Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe You’ll Ever Taste

Baking a salted caramel apple pie sparks pure culinary magic in your kitchen.

Sweet and tangy apples mingle beautifully with rich caramel notes.

Crisp pastry layers promise delectable moments of pure comfort.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a memorable dessert experience.

Warm spices whisper tales of cozy autumn afternoons.

Crafting this pie feels like wrapping yourself in a delicious blanket of flavor.

You’ll find each bite tells a story of tradition and innovation.

Prepare to savor every incredible moment of this mouthwatering creation.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

• Indulge in Flavor Complexity: Combines sweet apples, rich caramel, and surprising salty notes for a gourmet taste experience that elevates traditional pie.
• Craft with Minimal Skill: Requires basic baking techniques, making it accessible for home cooks of all levels without intimidating steps or advanced culinary knowledge.
• Perfect for Gathering Moments: Ideal for holiday celebrations, family dinners, and cozy autumn gatherings where everyone craves a comforting, impressive dessert that sparks conversation.
• Customize with Ease: Offers flexibility to adjust spices, swap apple varieties, or modify caramel intensity, allowing personal creativity while maintaining the recipe's core deliciousness.

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Apple Pie

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for creating a flaky and tender pie crust.
• White Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the crust.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pie crust.
• Cold Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates a flaky texture in the crust.
• Ice Water: Helps bind the crust ingredients together without developing gluten.

• Apples: The star ingredient that provides a sweet and tangy base for the pie.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth and richness to the apple filling.
• White Sugar: Provides additional sweetness to balance the apples.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the apple flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds a bright, fresh note.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the apple filling and create a cohesive texture.

• Granulated Sugar: The primary ingredient for creating the caramel sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth texture to the caramel.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a silky and luxurious caramel consistency.
• Salt: Provides a perfect balance to the sweet caramel.
• Egg: Used for egg wash to create a golden, shiny crust.
• Sea Salt: Offers a final flavor enhancement when serving.
• Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream: Optional serving accompaniments that complement the pie.

Stepwise Salted Caramel Apple Pie Preparation

Step 1: Craft the Buttery Pie Crust

Blend together flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

Using a pastry cutter or cold knife, chop cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

Slowly introduce ice water, mixing gently until the dough comes together.

Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the butter to firm up and the gluten to relax.

Step 2: Create the Spiced Apple Filling

• Fresh crisp apples
• Brown sugar
• White sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Fresh lemon juice
• All-purpose flour

Toss the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring each apple slice is evenly coated with the sweet and spicy mixture.

Step 3: Whip Up the Decadent Caramel Sauce

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt granulated sugar over medium heat until it transforms into a rich amber color.

Carefully add butter and heavy cream, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce.

Sprinkle in sea salt for that perfect sweet-savory balance.

Step 4: Construct the Pie Layers

Roll out the chilled pie dough on a floured surface.

Gently transfer the bottom crust to a pie dish.

Pour in the apple filling, creating an even layer.

Drizzle the warm caramel sauce generously over the apples.

Cover with the top crust, crimping the edges to seal in all the delicious flavors.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Brush the top crust with an egg wash to create a beautiful golden sheen.

Cut a few decorative slits to allow steam to escape.

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust turns a deep golden brown and the filling bubbles tantalizingly.

Step 6: Serve and Indulge

Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly.

Sprinkle with an extra pinch of flaky sea salt.

Slice and serve warm, accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for the ultimate comfort dessert experience.

Tips for Rich Salted Caramel Apple Pie

• Refrigerate pie crust for at least 1 hour to prevent shrinking and ensure a flaky texture during baking.
• Combine tart Granny Smith with sweet Honeycrisp for balanced flavor and ideal pie consistency.
• Watch sugar carefully while caramelizing to prevent burning; remove from heat when it reaches a deep amber color.
• Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or ground nuts on the bottom crust to absorb excess moisture from apple filling.
• Add a splash of bourbon or vanilla extract to the caramel sauce for deeper, more complex taste notes.

Variations to Change Up Salted Caramel Apple Pie

• Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Pie: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version. Use xanthan gum to help bind the crust.
• Vegan Caramel Apple Delight: Swap butter for coconut oil, use plant-based cream in caramel sauce. Replace eggs with aquafaba or flax egg for wash.
• Low-Sugar Autumn Pie: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use tart apples to reduce overall sugar content. Reduce caramel sauce quantity.
• Nutty Caramel Apple Creation: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling. Sprinkle toasted nuts on top for extra crunch and depth of flavor.

Serving Ideas for Salted Caramel Apple Pie

• Sweet Scoop Showcase: Top the warm pie slice with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic creamy contrast.
• Caramel Cascade Delight: Drizzle extra salted caramel sauce over each slice, allowing it to beautifully pool around the golden pie crust.
• Rustic Autumn Pairing: Serve alongside a warm mug of spiced apple cider or a rich espresso to complement the pie's sweet and salty notes.
• Garnish Glory: Sprinkle toasted chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on top for added texture and visual appeal.

How to Store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Properly

• Store leftover pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the pie at a consistent temperature to maintain its texture and flavor.
• Wrap the entire cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices in the oven at 350F (175C) for 10-15 minutes to restore the crust's crispness. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
• Let refrigerated pie sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to soften the filling and enhance the flavors.

FAQs

• What type of apples work best for this pie?

Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These varieties hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance to the sweet caramel.

• How can I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Pre-bake the bottom crust for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling. This technique, called blind baking, helps create a crisp base that won’t get soggy from the apple juices.

• Can I make the caramel sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salted caramel sauce up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat before using in the pie.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

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• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade salted caramel apple pie combines classic American dessert traditions with rich, layered flavors. Buttery crust, tart apples, and silky caramel create a delightful experience you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 5 large apples
• 1 pie crust

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Wet and Cold Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water

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Instructions

1. Craft a delicate pastry foundation by blending flour, sugar, and salt, then incorporate chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Introduce ice water gradually, forming a cohesive dough, and refrigerate for optimal texture.
2. Transform crisp apples into a luxurious filling by coating them with a harmonious blend of sugars, aromatic spices, bright lemon juice, and a light dusting of flour. Allow the mixture to rest and meld flavors.
3. Create a decadent salted caramel sauce by carefully caramelizing sugar until it reaches a rich amber hue. Gently introduce butter and cream, stirring until smooth, then elevate with a pinch of salt for depth.
4. Roll the chilled pastry into two elegant rounds, draping one layer into a pie dish. Lovingly pile the seasoned apple mixture, generously cascade the warm caramel sauce, and crown with the second pastry layer, crimping edges to seal.
5. Brush the surface with a golden egg wash, then bake at 375F (190C) for 50-60 minutes. Watch for a burnished, crisp crust and bubbling filling, indicating perfect doneness.
6. Finish with a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt, serving the pie while warm alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.

Notes

• Choose a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for balanced flavor complexity.
• Chill the pie dough for at least an hour to ensure a flaky, tender crust that doesn’t shrink during baking.
• Drain excess liquid from apple mixture to prevent a soggy bottom crust and maintain perfect pie texture.
• Adjust caramel sauce salt levels based on personal preference, starting with a light sprinkle and tasting as you go.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg