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Caramel Apple Pie

caramel apple pie recipe - featured image

This easy homemade caramel apple pie features cinnamon-spiced apples and gooey caramel sauce wrapped in a flaky, golden crust. It’s the perfect cozy fall dessert for gatherings or holiday feasts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 56 large apples (about 2 lbs, preferably Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 tsp salt (for caramel)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (for crust)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 cup ice water (more as needed)
  • 1/2 tsp salt (for crust)
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, for crust)
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tbsp coarse sugar (for sprinkling, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pie Crust: In a large bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp sugar. Add 1 cup cold, cubed butter and mix until crumbly. Drizzle in 1/4 cup ice water, stirring until dough comes together. Divide dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
  2. Make the Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup butter. Stir in 3/4 cup brown sugar and 1/4 tsp salt. Cook until blended and bubbling (2-3 minutes). Add 1/4 cup heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the Apple Filling: Peel, core, and slice 5-6 large apples into thin slices. In a large bowl, toss apples with 2/3 cup sugar, 2 tbsp flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Mix gently until apples are coated.
  4. Assemble the Pie: Preheat oven to 400°F. Roll out one dough disk to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Place into dish. Layer half the apple mixture into the crust and drizzle half the caramel sauce over apples. Repeat with remaining apples and caramel. Roll out second dough disk and cut into strips for lattice or cover whole (cut slits for steam). Seal edges and crimp. Brush crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
  5. Bake the Pie: Place pie on a baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, then cover edges with foil. Bake another 25-35 minutes, until filling is bubbling and crust is golden brown. Cool on a wire rack at least 2 hours before slicing.

Notes

Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for best flavor. Chill dough for a flaky crust. Cover crust edges with foil to prevent over-browning. Let pie cool completely before slicing for clean pieces. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute coconut oil and coconut cream. Sprinkle flaked sea salt over caramel for a sweet-salty twist.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple pie, fall dessert, homemade pie, apple pie, caramel, Thanksgiving dessert, easy pie recipe, autumn baking