Caramel Apple Pie Recipe
If there’s one dessert that tastes like autumn wrapped in a pastry crust, it’s Caramel Apple Pie. Imagine buttery, flaky crust concealing thick, cinnamon-scented apple slices, all bathed in a dreamy river of caramel. This heavenly pie brings together tart, juicy apples and silky caramel in a way that feels both nostalgic and delightfully indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or simply craving a cozy treat, this recipe delivers a showstopping, crowd-pleasing finish that’s every bit as magical as it sounds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every bite of this Caramel Apple Pie is the result of a handful of classic, accessible ingredients working in harmony. Each one plays a specific role in creating that perfect balance of sweet, tart, gooey, and crisp—for a pie that looks as lovely as it tastes.
- Pie crusts: Store-bought refrigerated crusts save time but still provide a golden, tender base and lid—no fussing with homemade dough if you’d rather not!
- Apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp): A blend gives you that unbeatable mix of sweet and tart, plus they hold up beautifully during baking.
- Lemon juice: A quick toss prevents the apples from browning and adds zing to keep the sweetness balanced.
- Granulated sugar: Classic sweetness that dissolves easily and accentuates the apples’ natural flavors.
- Brown sugar: Adds a gentle molasses richness, making the filling taste deep and caramelized even before you add the sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the pie filling so you get luscious slices instead of a soupy mess.
- Ground cinnamon: Warm spice that instantly makes the whole kitchen smell like fall.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch brings a gentle, rounded spice that elevates the apple flavor.
- Salt: Essential for balance—don’t skip it! It heightens all the flavors and keeps the pie from being one-note.
- Caramel sauce: The superstar of this pie. Ready-made sauce cuts prep time but tastes just as decadent as homemade.
- Unsalted butter: Little dots of butter melt into the filling, creating richness and a silky texture.
- Egg (for egg wash): Beaten with water and brushed over the crust for that mesmerizing, glossy golden finish.
- Coarse sugar (optional): A sparkling crunch on the crust is the perfect finishing touch if you love a bit of texture.
How to Make Caramel Apple Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
First things first—preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and dust your work surface lightly with flour. Roll out one pie crust and gently press it into your 9-inch pie plate. Give those edges a little love with a gentle crimp or fluting—it makes the final pie look straight from a bakery.
Step 2: Mix the Apple Filling
In a large mixing bowl, toss your sliced apples with the lemon juice to keep them looking fresh and perk up their flavor. Follow with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Don’t be shy with your mixing here; you want every single apple slice to be generously coated. Stir in the luscious caramel sauce so it mingles with all the spices and sugars—every bite should be dripping with flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Spoon that glorious apple-caramel filling into your prepared crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the surface with small pieces of unsalted butter for extra richness. Now, roll out your second pie crust and gently drape it over the apples. Trim away any overhang and get creative sealing the edges—you can crimp, braid, or twist. Don’t forget to cut several slits in the top crust to let steam escape, which keeps the filling just right.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Brush the top crust with your egg wash for a beautiful sheen. If you like, sprinkle some coarse sugar over the top. This doesn’t just look pretty—it adds a lovely sugary crunch that everyone will remember.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Pop your Caramel Apple Pie in the oven for 45 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye on the crust: halfway through, cover the edges with foil if they’re getting too brown. This keeps them tender instead of tough. The pie is done when the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. Now the hard part—let it rest for at least 2 hours before slicing. This patience ensures beautifully set slices instead of runny ones. Before serving, drizzle on that extra caramel for a finishing flourish.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Pie
Garnishes
Why stop at caramel drizzle? A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream beside a slice of Caramel Apple Pie adds lush, cool creaminess that pairs perfectly with the warm, gooey filling. For a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
This pie really shines on its own, but if you’re looking to round out dessert, think light and simple. Fresh berries offer lovely contrast, or serve alongside a mug of hot apple cider to echo the flavors. For a decadent touch, a cinnamon latte or spiced chai tea completes the cozy theme.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Caramel Apple Pie into eye-catching mini desserts by baking the filling in individual ramekins with a lattice of pie dough on top. Or, for a rustic farmhouse vibe, serve generous slices on wooden boards with plenty of napkins for catching sticky caramel drips. A dusting of powdered sugar or a ring of thinly sliced apples around each piece adds a showstopping look for special gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover your cooled pie loosely with foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days—just note the crust might soften a bit.
Freezing
Want to savor your masterpiece later? Allow the Caramel Apple Pie to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re craving a slice, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To enjoy that just-baked experience, warm individual slices in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave them for 20–30 seconds. If reheating the whole pie, cover loosely with foil and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, until the filling is bubbly and the crust is crisp again.
FAQs
Can I use only one type Dessert
Absolutely! Granny Smith provides great tartness and structure, while Honeycrisp lends extra sweetness. If you prefer, feel free to use just one variety—your pie will still be delicious and full of flavor.
Is store-bought caramel sauce okay, or should I make my own?
Store-bought caramel sauce is a fantastic shortcut and works perfectly in this recipe. If you love making your own, go for it—homemade caramel adds a special touch, but it’s not essential for a knockout Caramel Apple Pie.
Do I have to use an egg wash on the crust?
Nope! The egg wash gives your pie a shiny, golden-brown finish and helps coarse sugar stick, but if you skip it, you’ll still have a beautiful and tasty pie. For an egg-free version, brush with just a bit of milk or cream.
Can I make the pie ahead of time?
Definitely! Caramel Apple Pie keeps well, making it ideal for prepping a day in advance. Just let it cool completely before covering and storing, then warm it up before serving if you like.
My filling is too runny—what went wrong?
Usually, runny filling happens if the pie is sliced while still hot. Letting it cool at least 2 hours allows the caramel and juices to thicken properly. Using the right amount of flour as a thickener and mixing thoroughly also helps ensure a perfect, sliceable filling.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting about homemade Caramel Apple Pie, from the cozy aroma in your kitchen to the golden slice on your plate. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned dessert maker, this recipe brings effortless joy to any gathering. Don’t wait for a special occasion to bake it—your family and friends will thank you for bringing a little extra sweetness to their day!
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Caramel Apple Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of a classic Caramel Apple Pie. This recipe combines sweet caramel, tart apples, and warm spices in a flaky crust, making it a perfect dessert for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
Apple Filling:
- 6 cups thinly sliced and peeled apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp mix recommended)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Egg Wash and Topping:
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate.
- Make the Filling: Toss sliced apples with lemon juice. Add sugars, flour, spices, and caramel sauce. Pour into crust and dot with butter.
- Assemble and Bake: Place the second crust over the filling, seal edges, and vent the top. Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 45–50 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Let the pie cool before slicing. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce before serving.
Notes
- For a richer pie, layer caramel sauce on the bottom crust before adding the apples.
- This pie pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 37g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
