Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate fall dessert, this Salted Caramel Apple Pie is the perfect combination of classic apple pie flavors with a rich and decadent twist. Tart apples are coated in a homemade salted caramel sauce, then baked in a flaky, buttery crust. The result is an irresistible pie that’s sweet, salty, buttery, and bursting with the flavors of warm cinnamon and tender apples. Topped with even more caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt, this pie will impress anyone lucky enough to have a slice.

Let’s dive into this step-by-step recipe and learn how to make a Salted Caramel Apple Pie that’s sure to be a showstopper!

What is Salted Caramel Apple Pie?

Salted Caramel Apple Pie takes a traditional apple pie and elevates it with the addition of homemade salted caramel sauce. The tart apples are sweetened and spiced, then coated in the caramel sauce before being baked inside a flaky pie crust. As it bakes, the caramel sauce melds with the apple juices, creating a gooey, sweet-and-salty filling that perfectly complements the crisp crust.

Ingredients List for Salted Caramel Apple Pie

Here’s everything you’ll need to make a delicious salted caramel apple pie from scratch, broken down into the pie crust, filling, caramel sauce, and optional egg wash.

For the Pie Crust (Homemade or Store-Bought):

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base of the pie crust.
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Adds a slight sweetness.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the crust.
• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed): Ensures a flaky and tender crust.
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water: Helps bind the dough together.

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar: The base of the caramel sauce.
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into pieces): Adds richness to the caramel.
• ½ cup heavy cream: Makes the caramel sauce smooth and creamy.
• ½ teaspoon sea salt: For that perfect balance of sweet and salty.

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix): Peeled, cored, and thinly sliced.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the apples.
• ¼ cup light brown sugar: Adds caramel-like flavor.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the apple juices.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Classic warm spice.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds depth to the flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness of the filling.

For the Egg Wash (Optional):

• 1 egg: Beaten for brushing the top crust.
• 1 tablespoon water: To thin the egg wash.

Optional Garnishes:

• Extra caramel sauce: To drizzle over the finished pie.
• Flaky sea salt: To sprinkle over the top before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some substitutions and variations to adapt the recipe based on your dietary preferences or ingredients available:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the pie crust and filling.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based butter and coconut cream to make the caramel sauce and pie crust dairy-free.
• Different Apples: You can use any variety of firm apples, like Pink Lady, Braeburn, or Jonagold, instead of Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
• Store-Bought Caramel: To save time, you can use store-bought caramel sauce, though homemade caramel really takes this pie to the next level.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to create a perfect salted caramel apple pie with a flaky crust, sweet and salty caramel, and tender apples.

1. Prepare the Pie Crust:

• Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Add ice water: Drizzle in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together. Form the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides. Leave the other disk in the fridge for the top crust.

2. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• Melt the sugar: In a medium saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula. The sugar will melt into an amber-colored liquid.
• Add the butter: Once the sugar is completely melted, add the butter (be careful, it will bubble up) and whisk until fully combined.
• Add the cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly. Allow the mixture to boil for about 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Let the caramel cool slightly while you prepare the apple filling.

3. Prepare the Apple Filling:

• Slice the apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples, then place them in a large bowl.
• Add the sugar and spices: Toss the apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the apples are evenly coated.

4. Assemble the Pie:

• Add caramel to the apples: Drizzle about ⅓ cup of the cooled salted caramel sauce over the apples and toss to coat.
• Fill the pie crust: Spoon the caramel-coated apples into the prepared pie crust, mounding them slightly in the center.
• Add the top crust: Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the apple filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal. Cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Alternatively, you can create a lattice crust by cutting the dough into strips and weaving them over the apples.
• Brush with egg wash: Brush the top crust with the egg wash for a golden finish, and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.

5. Bake the Pie:

• Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Bake: Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake for 20 minutes at 400°F. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
• Cover the edges: If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie crust shield.
• Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 2-3 hours to allow the filling to set.

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

Here’s a quick recap of the process for making salted caramel apple pie:

1. Prepare the crust: Mix the dough, chill it, and roll it out for the bottom and top crusts.
2. Make the caramel sauce: Melt the sugar, add the butter and cream, then stir in the salt.
3. Prepare the apple filling: Toss the apples with sugar, spices, and flour, then coat them in caramel.
4. Assemble the pie: Fill the pie crust with the caramel-coated apples, top with the second crust, and brush with egg wash.
5. Bake the pie: Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, then reduce to 350°F and bake until golden and bubbly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking the pie: Be careful not to overbake, as the caramel can burn if baked too long. Keep an eye on the pie during the last 10 minutes.
• Skipping the cooling time: Let the pie cool for at least 2-3 hours before slicing. This allows the caramel to set and the filling to thicken properly.
• Not pre-cooking the caramel: It’s important to make the caramel sauce first so it can coat the apples and create that gooey, caramelized filling.

Serving and Presentation Tips

• Serve warm: Salted caramel apple pie is best served warm, allowing the caramel to be gooey and rich. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Top with ice cream: For the ultimate indulgence, serve the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
• Drizzle extra caramel: For extra flair, drizzle the remaining salted caramel sauce over the pie or each individual slice.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie

Salted caramel apple pie is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce. The contrast between the warm, gooey filling and the cold, creamy ice cream makes each bite heavenly. You can also add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for an extra hit of salty sweetness.

Presentation Ideas for Salted Caramel Apple Pie

• Lattice Crust: Create a beautiful lattice crust to showcase the caramel-filled apples inside.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle extra caramel over the pie for a glossy finish.
• Sea Salt Garnish: Sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt over the caramel drizzle for an elegant and flavorful garnish.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe Tips

• Use a mix of apples: Combining sweet and tart apples (like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) gives the pie a more complex flavor.
• Chill the dough: Chilling the pie dough ensures a flaky crust and prevents shrinking during baking.
• Prevent a soggy bottom: Baking the pie on a lower oven rack helps ensure that the bottom crust is fully cooked and crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
A: Yes! If you’re short on time, store-bought caramel sauce works well, though homemade salted caramel really enhances the flavor of the pie.

Q: Can I freeze salted caramel apple pie?
A: Yes, you can freeze the pie either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. If freezing before baking, add an additional 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

Q: How long does salted caramel apple pie last?
A: The pie will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave before serving.

Q: Can I make the pie ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the pie a day in advance and store it at room temperature. Reheat it in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie is a rich and decadent twist on the classic apple pie, combining tender apples with a buttery caramel sauce and a hint of sea salt. Whether you’re serving it for a special holiday meal or just because, this pie is sure to impress. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a perfectly baked pie with a flaky crust, gooey caramel filling, and a delicious balance of sweet and salty flavors. Enjoy!

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