Introduction
This Salted Caramel Apple Pie is the ultimate fall dessert, featuring a flaky, buttery crust, tender cinnamon spiced apples, and a deliscious homemade salted caramel sauce. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or any time you crave a cozy, comforting treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Rich & Buttery Crust – Made from scratch for the perfect flakiness.
✔️ Sweet & Salty Balance – Caramel and sea salt enhance the apple flavor.
✔️ Warm & Spiced – Infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar.
✔️ Show Stopping Dessert – A beautiful pie with incredible flavor.
Equipment Needed
- 9-inch pie pan
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Pastry brush
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Apple peeler & corer
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, chilled & cubed
- 6-8 tbsp ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 6-7 cups (about 5 large) apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (55g) brown sugar
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp cornstarch or flour
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp (90g) unsalted butter
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 tsp sea salt
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg + 1 tbsp milk (for brushing the crust)
Step by Step Instructions
Total Time: 2 hours
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Bake Time: 50-55 minutes
1. Make the Pie Crust
- In a bowl, mix flour and salt.
- Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough holds together.
- Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling
- Toss apples with sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
- Let sit for 15 minutes to release juices.
3. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce
- Heat sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until it melts and turns golden brown.
- Stir in butter until fully combined.
- Slowly whisk in heavy cream (be careful, it will bubble up).
- Stir in sea salt and let cool.
4. Assemble the Pie
- Roll out one dough disc and fit into a 9-inch pie pan.
- Add apple filling and drizzle with ½ cup caramel sauce.
- Roll out the second dough disc and cover with a lattice or full crust.
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
5. Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 50-55 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool for at least 2 hours before serving.
Tips for Success
Use a Mix of Apples – A combination of tart and sweet apples adds depth of flavor.
Chill the Dough – Keeps the crust flaky and easy to handle.
Homemade Caramel is Key – It adds richness and depth you can’t get from store bought.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make the caramel sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to 1 week and reheat before using.
Q: How do I store this pie?
A: Keep at room temperature for 1 day, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Q: Can I freeze this pie?
A: Yes, bake and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Conclusion
This Salted Caramel Apple Pie is a warm, comforting dessert that combines buttery crust, spiced apples, and rich caramel for an unforgettable treat. Serve with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence!