Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that combines sweet, salty, and perfectly spiced flavors, look no further than this Salted Caramel Apple Pie. This pie takes the traditional apple pie up a notch by adding layers of rich, homemade salted caramel sauce to the filling, creating a luxurious dessert with a buttery, flaky crust, tender spiced apples, and a hint of salt that balances the sweetness. Whether for a special occasion or just because, this pie will quickly become a family favorite. Read on for a step-by-step guide to making the perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie from scratch!

this Recipe

What is a Salted Caramel Apple Pie?

A Salted Caramel Apple Pie is a delicious fusion of a traditional apple pie and salted caramel sauce. The filling consists of tender, spiced apples tossed in homemade or store-bought salted caramel, which adds a rich sweetness and a hint of saltiness. The pie is topped with either a double crust or a lattice crust and baked to golden perfection. The result is a mouthwatering combination of buttery crust, gooey caramel, and spiced apple goodness.

Ingredients List for Salted Caramel Apple Pie

To create this pie, you'll need ingredients for the buttery pie crust, the apple filling, and the salted caramel sauce. Here’s the full list of everything you’ll need:

For the Pie Crust (Double Crust):

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 6-8 tablespoon ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-7 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Pinch of salt

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon water
• Optional: 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for sprinkling

Substitutions and Variations

Salted Caramel Apple Pie is versatile, and you can make substitutions to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

• Store-Bought Crust: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made pie crust instead of making it from scratch.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based butter and cream substitute for the caramel sauce to make the recipe dairy-free.
• Apple Varieties: While Granny Smith apples are the classic choice, you can use a mix of apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor.
• Spice Variations: Feel free to add other spices like allspice, cloves, or cardamom for a more complex spiced apple filling.
• Crumble Topping: Instead of a double crust, you can top the pie with a crumbly streusel made with butter, flour, and brown sugar for a different texture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to bake this indulgent Salted Caramel Apple Pie? Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a dessert that’s sure to impress.

Step 1: Make the Pie Crust

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, while gently mixing with a fork. Add just enough water until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce

1. Melt the Sugar: In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts and turns a deep amber color, about 6-8 minutes.
2. Add the Butter: Once the sugar is melted, carefully add the butter (it will bubble vigorously). Stir until the butter is fully melted and incorporated.
3. Add the Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. The mixture will bubble up again, so be cautious. Cook for 1-2 more minutes, then remove from heat.
4. Add the Salt: Stir in the sea salt, adjusting to taste. Let the caramel cool slightly before using. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Peel and Slice the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even slices (about ¼-inch thick).
2. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Make sure the apples are evenly coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Roll Out the Bottom Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the chilled dough disks into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides.
2. Add the Apples: Spoon half of the apple filling into the pie crust. Drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over the apples, then add the remaining apple filling on top. Drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce over the apples.
3. Roll Out the Top Crust: Roll out the second dough disk into another 12-inch circle. You can leave it whole or cut it into strips to create a lattice design.
4. Seal the Edges: If using a whole top crust, place it over the apples and trim any excess dough, leaving a 1-inch overhang. Fold the edges under and crimp or flute the edges to seal. If making a lattice, weave the strips over the filling and press the ends into the bottom crust to seal.

Step 5: Add the Egg Wash and Bake

1. Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
2. Brush the Crust: Brush the top crust (or lattice) with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired, for added sweetness and crunch.
3. Bake the Pie: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
4. Cool the Pie: Once the pie is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set.

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

To sum up the process of making a Salted Caramel Apple Pie:

1. Make the Pie Crust: Prepare a buttery pie crust by mixing flour, butter, and water. Chill, roll out, and use for the bottom and top crusts.
2. Prepare the Salted Caramel: Melt sugar, add butter and cream, and stir in sea salt for a rich, homemade caramel sauce.
3. Mix the Apple Filling: Toss thinly sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt for the perfect apple filling.
4. Assemble the Pie: Layer the apple filling with drizzles of caramel between a double crust or lattice.
5. Bake and Cool: Bake until golden brown, then let the pie cool for several hours to allow the filling to set.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Cooling the Pie: It’s essential to let the pie cool completely before slicing. If you cut into it too soon, the filling may spill out and won’t hold its shape.
• Skipping the Cornstarch/Flour: Flour or cornstarch helps thicken the apple juices, so don’t skip this step. Without it, your filling may become too runny.
• Burning the Caramel: Be careful when making the caramel. Stir constantly and watch the sugar closely as it can burn quickly once it starts to melt.
• Overbaking the Crust: If the edges of your crust are browning too quickly, cover them with foil or a pie crust shield halfway through baking to prevent burning.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your Salted Caramel Apple Pie is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy this decadent dessert!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie

• Warm or Room Temperature: You can serve the pie warm for a comforting dessert or at room temperature. Both options are delicious!
• Add Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream pairs beautifully with the sweet and salty flavors of the pie.

Presentation Ideas for Salted Caramel Apple Pie

• Drizzle Extra Caramel: Just before serving, drizzle a bit of extra caramel sauce over each slice for added indulgence.
• Top with Fresh Apples or Nuts: Garnish with thin apple slices or toasted pecans for a decorative touch.
• Sprinkle with Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the crust before baking adds a beautiful touch and enhances the flavor.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe Tips

• Chill the Dough: Always chill the dough before rolling it out. Cold dough is easier to handle and results in a flakier crust.
• Make the Caramel Ahead: You can make the salted caramel sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Warm it slightly before using it in the pie.
• Mix of Apples: For a more complex flavor, use a mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp or Gala) apples.
• Use a Pie Shield: To avoid the crust browning too quickly, use a pie shield or aluminum foil to cover the edges during baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the pie a day ahead. Let it cool completely, then cover it and store it at room temperature. If you’re making the caramel sauce ahead, store it in the fridge and reheat it slightly before using.

How long does Salted Caramel Apple Pie last?

The pie can be stored at room temperature, covered, for up to 2 days. After that, store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 more days.

Can I freeze Salted Caramel Apple Pie?

Yes, you can freeze the pie. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

What other toppings can I use for Salted Caramel Apple Pie?

If you want an alternative to the top crust, you can use a crumb topping made of butter, brown sugar, flour, and oats. This adds a delicious crunchy layer to the pie.

Conclusion

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie combines the best of both worlds—sweet, spiced apples and rich, gooey salted caramel. It’s a decadent twist on a classic apple pie that will impress family and friends at any gathering. With a flaky, buttery crust and layers of tender apples drenched in caramel, this pie is perfect for fall celebrations, holiday dinners, or any time you want to indulge. Now that you have the recipe, it’s time to head to the kitchen and bake a pie that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!

Print