Caramel Apple Pie Recipe for Fall Baking Magic

Sweet memories flood back whenever I craft this nostalgic caramel apple pie recipe that connects generations through delectable comfort.

Crisp autumn orchards whisper stories behind each carefully selected ingredient.

Rustic aromas promise warmth and tradition in every slice.

Homemade crusts cradle tender fruit beneath golden caramel waves.

Delicate spices dance with soft apple textures, creating harmonious bites.

Family gatherings feel complete when this classic dessert arrives at the table.

Caramel Apple Pie – What You Might Wonder

• Why use cold butter for the pie crust?

Cold butter creates flaky, tender layers in the crust. When cold butter hits the hot oven, it creates steam pockets that make the pastry light and crispy.

• How do I know if my apple slices are the right thickness?

Slice apples about 1/4 inch thick. Too thin, and they’ll become mushy; too thick, and they won’t cook evenly. Consistent slice size ensures perfect texture.

• Can I make the pie dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the pie dough up to 3 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. This actually helps develop better flavor and makes the dough easier to handle.

• What 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 sauce.

Why Caramel Apple Pie Is Always a Hit

• Create a stunning dessert that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary family-favorite treat with minimal professional baking skills required.
• Capture autumn's essence by using fresh, crisp apples and warm spices that bring cozy, nostalgic flavors perfect for holiday gatherings and cool weather celebrations.
• Prepare this impressive pie in just under two hours, making it an ideal weekend project that delivers maximum satisfaction with relatively straightforward preparation steps.
• Impress guests and family members with a show-stopping dessert that combines classic pie technique with irresistible caramel twist, guaranteed to generate delighted smiles around the table.

Caramel Apple Pie Ingredients to Have Ready

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base structure for the tender, flaky pie crust.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.
• Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the pie crust.
• Cold Butter: Creates flaky layers and rich flavor in the crust, best when very cold.
• Ice Water: Helps bind the dough together without overworking it.

• Apples: The star of the pie, choose firm baking varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a glossy filling.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deeper caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Allspice: Warm spices that complement the apple flavor.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall taste.
• Flour: Thickens the apple filling and prevents excess liquid.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents browning and adds a bright, tangy note.

• Caramel Sauce: Adds rich, sweet flavor and creates a luxurious texture.
• Egg: Used for egg wash to create a golden, shiny crust.
• Coarse Sugar: Optional topping for extra crunch and sparkle.

Bake Caramel Apple Pie Like This

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Salt
• Sugar

Combine these ingredients in a large mixing bowl, ensuring they are well blended.

Step 2: Work in Butter

Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate cold butter until the mixture looks like rough crumbs.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Gradually add ice water, stirring until the dough just holds together. Split the dough into two equal portions, shape into flat circles, and wrap in plastic. Chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.

Prepare Apple Filling

Step 1: Slice and Season Apples

• Sliced apples
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Allspice
• Salt
• Flour
• Lemon juice

Toss all ingredients in a large bowl until apples are completely coated.

Step 2: Add Caramel Goodness

Gently fold caramel sauce into the apple mixture.

Assemble the Pie

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: Create the Bottom Crust

Roll out one dough circle on a floured surface and place in a 9-inch pie dish.

Step 3: Fill and Top

Pour the apple mixture into the crust. Cover with the second dough circle.

Step 4: Finish the Edges

Trim excess dough and create a decorative edge. Cut steam vents on top.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Brush the top with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.

Bake and Serve

Step 1: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 45-50 minutes until the crust turns golden and filling bubbles. Cover edges with foil if browning too quickly.

Step 2: Cool and Drizzle

Allow pie to rest for an hour before slicing. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce when serving.

Tips to Elevate Caramel Apple Pie Flavor

• Select Perfect Apples: Choose firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape and provide balanced sweetness during baking.
• Prevent Apple Browning: Toss sliced apples immediately with lemon juice to stop oxidation and maintain fresh, bright appearance in the pie filling.
• Master Butter Integration: Use ice-cold butter and work quickly when mixing pie crust to create flaky, tender layers that melt in your mouth.
• Control Moisture Levels: Sprinkle flour in apple mixture to absorb excess liquid, ensuring a thick, glossy caramel sauce without making the crust soggy.
• Protect Pie Edges: Cover crust edges with aluminum foil if browning too fast, preventing burnt edges while allowing filling to cook thoroughly.

Storing and Reheating Caramel Apple Pie Easily

• 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.
• Allow pie to sit at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth. After that, transfer to the refrigerator.
• Warm individual slices in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning and keep the crust crisp.
• For a quick warm-up, heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Note that microwaving might soften the crust slightly.

Pairing Suggestions for Caramel Apple Pie

• Scoop a cold, creamy vanilla ice cream alongside the warm caramel apple pie to create a delightful temperature and flavor contrast. The smooth, rich vanilla perfectly complements the spiced, caramelized apple filling.
• Brew a warm, spicy cinnamon chai latte that echoes the pie's warm spices. The aromatic tea and milk blend beautifully with the caramel and apple notes, enhancing the dessert's comforting qualities.
• Pour a smooth, amber-colored bourbon that brings out the caramel's deep, rich undertones. The whiskey's subtle oakiness and warmth intensify the pie's complex flavor profile, creating a sophisticated dessert experience.
• Whip fresh cream with a touch of salted caramel sauce to create a luxurious topping. This decadent addition amplifies the pie's caramel essence while providing a light, airy texture contrast.

New Ways to Enjoy Caramel Apple Pie

• Gluten-Free Apple Pie: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond and coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free caramel sauce to maintain the original flavor profile.
• Vegan Caramel Apple Pie: Substitute butter with coconut oil in the crust. Create a vegan caramel using coconut milk, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Use plant-based egg wash alternative like almond milk for brushing.
• Low-Sugar Apple Pie: Swap granulated and brown sugars with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce caramel sauce quantity and use a sugar-free caramel alternative. Add extra spices like cinnamon to enhance natural sweetness.
• Dairy-Free Version: Replace butter with plant-based margarine or shortening. Use coconut cream-based caramel sauce. Ensure all ingredients are dairy-free for those with lactose intolerance.

Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade caramel apple pie delivers a classic American dessert with irresistible layers of sweet-tart apples nestled in buttery, flaky crust. Rich caramel drizzle and warm spices create a comforting slice perfect for celebrating autumn’s delicious bounty.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

Sweeteners and Spices:

• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar

Baking and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 package (14 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream
• ¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Craft the foundational pastry by blending flour, salt, and sugar in a spacious mixing bowl. Incorporate chilled butter using fingertips or a pastry tool until the mixture transforms into sandy, irregular crumbs.
2. Introduce ice water incrementally, gently folding until the dough coheres. Partition the dough into two equal segments, mold into compact discs, encase in plastic film, and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to stabilize the texture.
3. Prepare the apple medley by combining sliced fruit with granulated and brown sugars, aromatic spices, flour, salt, and citrus essence. Thoroughly coat the apple slices, ensuring even distribution of seasonings.
4. Cascade caramel sauce over the spiced apple mixture, delicately intertwining the golden liquid throughout the fruit components.
5. Warm the oven to 400F (200C), creating an ideal baking environment for the pie.
6. Liberate one dough disc onto a flour-dusted surface, carefully transferring and pressing it into a 9-inch pie vessel. Cascade the caramel-infused apple filling into the pastry foundation.
7. Unfurl the second dough disc, draping it gracefully over the apple landscape. Meticulously trim excess edges, creating an elegant seal by crimping the periphery. Strategically carve ventilation slits to permit steam escape.
8. Embellish the pie’s surface with a whisked egg wash, optionally sprinkling coarse sugar for textural complexity. Position in the heated oven, baking for 45-50 minutes until the crust achieves a golden amber hue and the filling bubbles enticingly.
9. Shield the crust’s edges with aluminum foil during the final cooking phase if browning occurs too rapidly.
10. Allow the pie to rest and settle for a full hour post-baking. Before serving, luxuriously drizzle additional caramel sauce, creating a final dramatic flourish.

Notes

• Chill butter thoroughly before cutting into flour for flakier, more tender pie crust that melts in your mouth.
• Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance sweetness and maintain structure during baking.
• Create decorative lattice top crust for enhanced visual appeal and extra crispiness by cutting strips and weaving them carefully.
• Prevent soggy bottom by preheating baking sheet and placing pie directly on hot surface to crisp pie crust from underneath.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg