There’s just something magical about the aroma of apples and caramel bubbling away in the oven that turns any house into a home. This Caramel Apple Pie is an irresistible twist on a timeless classic, boasting tender cinnamon-spiced apples nestled between layers of flaky crust and ribboned with luscious caramel sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort dessert—perfect for crisp autumn evenings, family celebrations, or anytime you simply need a taste of nostalgia with a little gourmet flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Caramel Apple Pie lies in its simplicity—all you need are a few staple ingredients that work together to create an unforgettable dessert. Each component brings its own unique touch, turning everyday apples into a show-stopping treat.
- Double pie crust: Whether you’re using store-bought or homemade, a sturdy and buttery crust is the foundation for any great pie.
- Granny Smith apples (6 cups, about 6 medium): These tart, crisp apples hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the caramel beautifully.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Classic white sugar sweetens the filling and helps the apples release their juices.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): A bit of flour thickens all those delicious apple juices, ensuring your filling is perfectly set—not soggy.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): This warm spice is a must for infusing each bite with fragrant, cozy flavor.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Nutmeg adds a subtle depth that pairs perfectly with apples and caramel.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch brings out all the pie’s nuanced flavors and perfectly balances the sweetness.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): A splash of lemon juice brightens up the filling and keeps the apples from browning.
- Caramel sauce (1/2 cup plus extra for drizzling): This is the superstar ingredient—homemade or store-bought both work wonders!
- Butter (2 tablespoons, cut into bits): Dotted on top, butter creates a silky richness in every bite.
- Egg (1, for egg wash): An egg wash gives your crust a beautiful, golden sheen after baking.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Whisked with the egg, milk helps achieve that shiny, bakery-style finish.
How to Make Caramel Apple Pie
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pie Dish
Start your Caramel Apple Pie adventure by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out one of your pie crusts and gently ease it into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it snugly into the corners. This step ensures a crisp, never-soggy base ready to cradle all that apple goodness.
Step 2: Mix Up the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, toss your sliced Granny Smith apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and that glorious caramel sauce. Take a moment to admire the beautiful autumn colors as you stir—the apples should be thoroughly coated and glistening.
Step 3: Fill and Dot with Butter
Pour the prepared apple filling into your waiting pie crust, arranging the slices for a packed-but-even layer. Dot the top of the filling with little bits of butter; trust me, this step creates pockets of richness that make your Caramel Apple Pie unforgettable.
Step 4: Top with Second Crust and Seal
Roll out the second pie crust and lay it over the apples. Have fun with your design—go for a classic full crust with a few slits, or get creative with a rustic lattice. Trim any overhang, crimp the edges together, and make sure everything is sealed in for a bubbling, caramel-infused center.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake
In a small bowl, whisk the egg and milk together, then brush it generously over the top crust. This encourages that postcard-perfect golden glow. Place the pie on a baking sheet (just in case of drips!) and slide it into the oven for 45 to 50 minutes, until the crust is deeply golden and the filling is bubbling. If the edges start browning too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.
Step 6: Cool, Slice, and Drizzle
Patience pays off! Let your Caramel Apple Pie cool for at least 2 hours so the filling sets. When you’re ready to slice, drizzle extra caramel sauce over each piece—because more caramel is always the right answer.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Pie
Garnishes
Dress up each slice with a generous drizzle of warm caramel sauce, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. These little touches make every serving feel special and irresistible.
Side Dishes
Caramel Apple Pie pairs wonderfully with freshly whipped cream, tangy yogurt, or a handful of toasted nuts for crunch. For holiday feasts, serve alongside a sharp cheddar cheese slice—the sweet and savory combination is a secret delight!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Caramel Apple Pie into individual hand pies for parties, or bake it in mini tart pans for a sweet twist at a dessert buffet. Hosting a cozy get-together? Offer a pie bar with different toppings like chopped pecans, mini chocolate chips, or spiced whipped cream, so everyone can customize their own slice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Caramel Apple Pie tightly and keep it at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s slice just as crave-worthy.
Freezing
This pie freezes beautifully! Once fully cooled, wrap slices or the whole pie tightly in plastic and then foil. Store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature for an easy future treat.
Reheating
To restore the fresh-baked taste, warm slices in a 325°F (163°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll revive the flaky crust and gooey caramel, especially if you add a touch more caramel sauce before serving.
FAQs
Can I use different kinds of apples in Caramel Apple Pie?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are classic for their tartness, combining them with sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji can give the filling more depth and texture.
How do I keep the bottom crust from getting soggy?
Make sure to coat the apples with flour and sugar, which helps absorb extra juices. Preheating a baking sheet in the oven and baking the pie on it can also give the crust an extra boost.
What’s the best way to cut perfect slices?
Let your Caramel Apple Pie cool completely—about two hours—before slicing. Use a sharp, serrated knife and wipe it clean between slices for neat, photo-worthy pieces.
Can I make Caramel Apple Pie ahead of time?
Yes! This pie is actually even more flavorful a day after baking. Bake it the night before, let it cool, and reheat slices as needed before serving.
Should I use homemade or store-bought caramel sauce?
Either works wonderfully. Store-bought caramel saves time and is ultra-convenient, but if you have homemade caramel on hand, it can add a rich, personal touch.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Caramel Apple Pie enough—it’s a stunning showstopper with cozy, gooey flavors that bring everyone to the table. If you’ve been craving something sweet, a little bit nostalgic, and absolutely bursting with fall spirit, give this recipe a try and share it with all your favorite people!
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Caramel Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect combination of sweet caramel and tart apples with this irresistible Caramel Apple Pie. This classic dessert is sure to be a hit at any gathering, especially during the fall season.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 prepared double pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Filling:
- 6 cups peeled and sliced Granny Smith apples (about 6 medium)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
For Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the bottom crust: Roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and caramel sauce. Mix until the apples are well coated.
- Fill the pie: Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust and dot the top with butter pieces.
- Top the pie: Roll out the second crust and place it over the filling, either as a full crust with slits or a lattice pattern. Trim and crimp the edges to seal.
- Apply egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk, then brush over the top crust for a golden finish.
- Bake: Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. Cover the edges with foil if they brown too quickly.
- Cool and serve: Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce before serving, if desired.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, use a mix of apple varieties like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith.
- You can make the pie a day ahead and reheat slices gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
