Salted Caramel Apple Pie
Nothing says fall comfort quite like a warm apple pie drizzled with homemade salted caramel. Sweet, buttery, and spiced just right, this pie is a show-stopper for family dinners, cozy weekends, or festive holiday gatherings.
🕒 Prep Time: 25 min | Cook Time: 55 min | Total Time: 1 hr 20 min
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 6–8 tbsp ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp for balance), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, room temp
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp sea salt
For Assembly:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pie Crust
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, salt, and sugar. Add cold butter cubes.
- Using a pastry cutter or fingertips, cut butter into the flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Slowly drizzle ice water, 1 tbsp at a time, mixing until dough comes together.
- Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
Tip: Cold butter = flakier crust. Don’t overwork the dough!
Step 2: Prepare the Caramel Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat. Stir occasionally until sugar melts into an amber liquid.
- Add butter carefully (it will bubble). Stir until melted.
- Slowly pour in cream, whisking continuously. Cook for 1 more minute until smooth.
- Stir in sea salt. Let cool while you prep the apples.
Step 3: Make the Apple Filling
- In a large bowl, toss apple slices with lemon juice, vanilla, sugars, flour, and spices.
- Add ½ cup of the cooled caramel sauce and mix gently to coat.
- Set aside while rolling out the dough.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
- Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim excess edges.
- Pour in the apple filling, making sure it’s evenly spread.
- Roll out the second disc for the top crust. You can cover fully, make a lattice design, or use cookie cutters for a decorative top.
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake pie for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake an additional 35 minutes until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling.
- Cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the filling set.
Step 6: Serve with Caramel Drizzle
Warm slices taste amazing with an extra drizzle of salted caramel and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pro Tips
- Apple Choice Matters: Mixing tart Granny Smith with sweet Honeycrisp or Fuji creates the best flavor balance.
- Storage: Store leftovers covered at room temp for 1 day, or refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.
- Make Ahead: Both the pie crust and caramel sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored chilled until ready to use.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 slice | 420 | 4g | 62g | 18g | 4g | 38g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated and may vary based on your ingredients. Consult a nutritionist for exact dietary needs.
Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Apple Pie
This pie takes a classic dessert and elevates it with the irresistible touch of salted caramel. The balance of flaky crust, tender apples, warm spices, and sweet-salty caramel makes it unforgettable. It’s the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply when you want to bring comfort and joy to the table.
So, next time you’re craving something cozy, whip up this Salted Caramel Apple Pie. It’s more than just a dessert—it’s a slice of happiness.