Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

If you’re looking to take your traditional apple pie to the next level, this Salted Caramel Apple Pie is the perfect dessert for you. The combination of sweet, spiced apples, buttery salted caramel, and a flaky pie crust is absolutely irresistible. Every bite offers the warm, cozy flavors of a classic apple pie, but with a luscious caramel twist that adds richness and depth. It’s a perfect dessert for fall, holidays, or any time you’re craving something indulgent and special.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make Salted Caramel Apple Pie from scratch, including the caramel sauce, apple filling, and flaky pie crust. Let’s get baking!

What is Salted Caramel Apple Pie?

Salted Caramel Apple Pie is a variation of traditional apple pie, where sliced apples are tossed in a rich caramel sauce and layered inside a buttery pie crust. The addition of salted caramel adds a sweet and salty complexity that enhances the natural tartness of the apples. Once baked, the caramel and apples meld together beautifully, creating a pie that’s warm, gooey, and full of flavor.

Ingredients List for Salted Caramel Apple Pie

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the pie crust.
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor of the crust.
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed – Cold butter ensures a flaky texture.
• ½ cup ice water – To bring the dough together without making it too sticky.

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar – The base for the caramel.
• ¼ cup water – Helps dissolve the sugar.
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness to the caramel.
• ½ cup heavy cream – For a smooth, creamy caramel sauce.
• 1 teaspoon sea salt – To balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-7 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced – Use a mix of tart and sweet apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn.
• ½ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the apple filling.
• ¼ cup brown sugar – Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – For that classic apple pie spice.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Adds warmth and depth to the filling.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the apple filling.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Brightens the flavors and prevents the apples from browning.

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 large egg – For brushing on the crust before baking.
• 1 tablespoon milk or water – To thin the egg wash for easy brushing.

Optional Toppings:

• Vanilla ice cream – For serving alongside a warm slice of pie.
• Extra salted caramel sauce – Drizzled over the top of the pie.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some substitutions and variations to try:

• Gluten-Free Crust: Use a gluten-free flour blend in both the pie crust and the filling.
• Dairy-Free Caramel Sauce: Substitute dairy-free butter and coconut cream for a dairy-free version of the caramel sauce.
• Add Nuts: For extra crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling or sprinkle them on top of the pie.
• Apple Varieties: Use a combination of different apples to add layers of flavor. Tart apples like Granny Smith balance perfectly with sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp.
• Spiced Caramel: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramel sauce for a spiced twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Salted Caramel Apple Pie from scratch:

Step 1: Make the Pie Crust

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with pea-sized bits of butter remaining.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork or your hands, until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two disks, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 days.

Step 2: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

1. Melt the Sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring. Allow the sugar to cook and turn a deep amber color, swirling the pan occasionally to prevent burning. This will take about 6-8 minutes.
2. Add the Butter: Once the sugar is melted and golden, carefully add the butter. Stir until fully melted.
3. Add the Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Be careful as the mixture may bubble vigorously. Stir until smooth.
4. Add Salt: Remove the caramel from the heat and stir in the sea salt. Set the caramel aside to cool slightly while you prepare the apple filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Slice the Apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Place the slices in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add Sugar and Spices: Toss the apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice until the apples are evenly coated.
3. Drizzle with Caramel: Pour about ½ cup of the salted caramel sauce over the apple mixture and toss to combine.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the chilled dough disks into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides.
3. Add the Filling: Spoon the caramel-coated apple mixture into the crust, spreading it out evenly.
4. Top with More Caramel: Drizzle an additional ¼ cup of caramel sauce over the apples.
5. Add the Top Crust: Roll out the second dough disk and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough, and crimp the edges to seal. You can also create a lattice design by cutting the top dough into strips.
6. Brush with Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk (or water). Lightly brush the egg wash over the top crust.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

1. Bake the Pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any overflow) and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
2. Cool the Pie: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice and Serve: Cut the pie into slices and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and an extra drizzle of salted caramel sauce for the ultimate indulgence.
2. Store Leftovers: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of the key steps to ensure your Salted Caramel Apple Pie turns out perfectly:

1. Prepare the Pie Crust: Make and chill the dough for a flaky, tender crust.
2. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce: Create a smooth caramel by melting sugar, adding butter and cream, and seasoning with sea salt.
3. Assemble the Pie: Layer the apple filling and drizzle caramel sauce over the top, then add the top crust.
4. Bake and Cool: Bake until golden brown and bubbly, then cool to let the filling set.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Salted Caramel Apple Pie:

• Not Chilling the Dough: Always chill the pie dough before rolling it out. Cold dough helps create a flaky crust that won’t shrink during baking.
• Overcooking the Caramel: Watch the caramel closely while it’s cooking. If it turns too dark, it can become bitter. Remove it from the heat once it reaches a deep amber color.
• Slicing the Pie Too Soon: Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This allows the caramel to thicken and the pie to hold its shape.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Salted Caramel Apple Pie is a showstopper on its own, but here are a few tips to elevate its presentation:

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie

1. Serve Warm or at Room Temperature: For the best flavor, serve the pie warm or at room temperature. If it’s been refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
2. Add Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect complement to the warm, gooey pie filling.

Presentation Ideas for Salted Caramel Apple Pie

• Drizzle with Extra Caramel: Before serving, drizzle more salted caramel sauce over the top for an extra indulgent touch.
• Decorative Pie Crust: Use cookie cutters to cut shapes out of the top crust or create a lattice design for a beautiful, rustic look.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled pie adds a touch of elegance.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe Tips

• Mix Different Apples: Using a combination of tart and sweet apples adds depth of flavor. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and Fuji are all great choices.
• Taste the Caramel: Always taste the caramel before adding it to the pie to ensure it’s perfectly balanced with the right amount of salt.
• Bake on a Baking Sheet: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any caramel or apple juices that may bubble over during baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pie crust and caramel sauce ahead of time. Store the dough in the fridge for up to 2 days, and the caramel sauce in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. Assemble and bake the pie on the day you plan to serve it.

2. Can I freeze Salted Caramel Apple Pie?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked pie for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze. When ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw; simply add an additional 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

3. How do I store leftover pie?
Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or foil, for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven before serving.

4. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought salted caramel sauce. However, homemade caramel sauce offers a richer and fresher flavor.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Apple Pie is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the combination of sweet, salty, and spiced flavors. With its buttery, flaky crust, gooey apple filling, and rich salted caramel, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, special occasion, or just to treat yourself, this pie is a comforting and delicious indulgence. Follow the steps in this guide, and you’ll have a pie that’s as beautiful as it is tasty. Enjoy!

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