There’s something about a warm apple pie that just feels like home, but when you add a rich caramel twist to the mix? Oh, it’s game-changing. This Caramel Apple Pie isn’t just any dessert it’s a showstopper that’ll make you feel like a baking pro, even if you’re just starting out. Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, flaky crust that’s hiding layers of tender spiced apples, all smothered in gooey, buttery caramel. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!

Why You’ll Love Caramel Apple Pie

This pie is the ultimate comfort dessert, and it’s perfect for any occasion whether you’re baking it for a cozy family dinner, a holiday feast, or simply because you deserve something sweet. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or enjoy it on its own with a hot cup of coffee. Either way, it’s bound to be a hit!

Budget-Friendly: You don’t need to break the bank for a delicious dessert. This pie is made with simple, affordable ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary.

Quick and Easy: With a little prep and a touch of love, you’ll have a showstopping dessert on your hands. No complicated steps, just the perfect balance of sweet and spice.

Customizable: Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a splash of vanilla extract to make this recipe your own. The caramel sauce is rich and versatile, so you can adjust it to your taste.

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s for a holiday, a special occasion, or a casual weekend treat, this Caramel Apple Pie is guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. It’s that good.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering pie:

Pie Crust: The base of your pie. You can either go with store-bought for convenience or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous.

Apples: The stars of the show! Granny Smith apples work best for a tart bite that balances out the sweetness of the caramel. Peel, core, and slice them up for maximum flavor.

Sugar: Sweeten things up with a touch of sugar. This helps the apples release their juices as they cook.

Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon gives the pie that warm, comforting spiced flavor that makes apple pies so irresistible.

Butter: For richness and that perfect melt-in-your-mouth taste.

Flour: To thicken up the caramel sauce just right.

Salt: A tiny bit of salt to balance all the sweetness and bring the flavors together.

Caramel Sauce: The magic ingredient! You can use store-bought caramel sauce or make your own for a more decadent touch. The gooey caramel will melt into the apples as they bake, creating that perfect sweet, buttery finish.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even baking and helps get that crispy, golden crust.

Prepare Your Apples: In a large bowl, combine your sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Toss them gently to coat the apples in the sugar and spice mixture. This is where the magic begins those apples are going to soak up all that sweetness.

Make the Caramel: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, stir in flour and cook for a minute or two until it forms a smooth paste. Slowly whisk in the caramel sauce, making sure everything is smooth and combined. Simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.

Assemble the Pie: Roll out your pie crust and fit it into a pie dish. Fill the crust with the spiced apple mixture, then pour the caramel sauce evenly over the apples. Top with the second pie crust (or a lattice crust if you’re feeling fancy!) and pinch the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top to let the steam escape.

Bake to Perfection: Bake the pie for about 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Check it halfway through and cover the edges with foil if they’re browning too quickly.

Finishing Touches: Let the pie cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing into it. The caramel sauce needs a little time to set, so resist the urge to dig in right away!

Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8 Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve Caramel Apple Pie

This pie is fantastic on its own, but if you’re looking to take it up a notch, here are some serving suggestions:

With Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, creamy ice cream contrasts perfectly with the warm, caramel-filled pie.
With Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, whipped cream adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the pie.
As a Breakfast Treat: Why not? A slice of this caramel apple pie with a hot cup of coffee is a delightful way to start the day.

Additional Tips

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the pie and refrigerate it before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake for a hot, fresh pie.
Storage: Keep any leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven for a warm slice anytime.
Double the Recipe: If you’re hosting a large crowd, feel free to double the ingredients and bake two pies. Everyone will be asking for seconds!

FAQ’s

1. Can I use different types of apples for this pie? Yes! While Granny Smith apples work best, you can use Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji apples for a sweeter pie.

2. Can I make the caramel sauce from scratch? Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce adds a rich, deep flavor to the pie. Just be sure to keep an eye on it while making to prevent burning.

3. Can I freeze this pie? Yes! You can freeze the pie before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and bake from frozen when you’re ready.

4. How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy? Blind bake the crust (bake it empty for about 10 minutes before adding the filling) to help it stay crisp.

5. Can I make this pie without a top crust? Definitely! You can make a rustic version with just a bottom crust or use a crumble topping for a different texture.

6. What if I don’t have a pie dish? No worries! You can make this in a tart pan or even a round cake pan.

7. How do I make the caramel sauce thicker? If you want a thicker caramel sauce, cook it a little longer, but be careful not to burn it!

8. Can I use a store-bought caramel sauce? Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works great for convenience. Just choose a high-quality one for the best flavor.

9. How do I know when the pie is done? The pie is done when the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. You can also test the apples with a fork they should be tender.

10. Can I add nuts to this pie? Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a nice crunch and flavor to the filling or topping.

Conclusion

This Caramel Apple Pie is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it with family, serving it at a gathering, or savoring a quiet moment to yourself, it’s a recipe that’s bound to bring joy. With its sweet, spiced apples and rich caramel sauce, it’s a dessert you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you try this pie, it’ll be a new favorite!

Caramel Apple Pie

Author: Andy
Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Caramel Apple Pie is a decadent twist on the classic apple pie, featuring sweet, spiced apples enveloped in a flaky crust and drizzled with rich caramel sauce. It’s a perfect dessert for fall, with a touch of indulgence that will impress any crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
6–8 tablespoons ice water
For the filling:
6–7 medium apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Fuji works well), peeled, cored, and sliced
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the caramel sauce:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
For assembly:
1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie pan and set aside.
To make the crust: In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and pulse until the dough begins to come together.
Divide the dough into two portions, flatten each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
To make the filling: In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, cornstarch, and salt. Toss until the apples are well coated.
Roll out one portion of the dough on a floured surface to fit the pie pan. Place it in the prepared pie pan and trim the edges, leaving a 1-inch overhang.
Pour the apple filling into the crust, packing it in tightly. Roll out the second portion of dough and lay it over the apples. Trim and crimp the edges to seal the pie. Cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Brush the top with a beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil or a pie shield.
To make the caramel sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, then add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until smooth, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Once the pie has cooled slightly, drizzle with warm caramel sauce before serving. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Notes

For an extra touch, you can add a tablespoon of whiskey or rum to the caramel sauce for a deeper flavor.
Make sure to allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to help the filling set.
Leftover pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.