Caramel Apple Pie Recipe
Picture a slice of warm, gooey Caramel Apple Pie: tender, cinnamon-kissed apples hugged by a flaky, golden crust and laced with ribbons of sweet, buttery caramel. This isn’t just any pie—each bite perfectly balances straightforward homey comfort with a little something special. My kitchen fills with that incredible aroma every time I bake this, and it never fails to draw a crowd. Whether you serve it at a cozy weeknight dinner or bring it to a festive gathering, Caramel Apple Pie practically guarantees happy sighs all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Caramel Apple Pie is that its magic comes from simple, thoughtful ingredients—each one has a purpose, elevating the flavor or making sure that coveted texture is just right. Grab these pantry and fridge staples, and you’ll be amazed at what happens when they mingle in your oven.
- Double pie crust (homemade or store-bought): The foundation for flaky, golden perfection that cradles all those luscious apples.
- Apples (6 cups, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended): Tart, crisp apples hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the caramel—feel free to mix for depth!
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Brings out the apples’ natural sweetness and helps caramelize the filling.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a subtle molasses warmth that pairs beautifully with apples and caramel alike.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the filling, so every slice holds together instead of oozing all over the plate.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): The essential spice for apple desserts; it breathes soul into the pie.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Just a whisper brings a cozy depth that’s almost undetectable but totally essential.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Don’t skip it—it sharpens and balances all the sweet, spiced flavors.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the pie and keeps your apples from browning as you prep.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of warmth and aroma that softly sweetens the whole experience.
- Caramel sauce (1/2 cup plus extra for drizzling): The star player that sets this pie above the rest—homemade or store-bought both work!
- Butter (1 tablespoon, cut into pieces): Adds richness and helps meld all the flavors together.
- Egg (1, beaten): The key to a shiny, beautifully browned crust (that looks as good as it tastes).
- Coarse sugar (optional, for topping): Gives the crust that covetable crunch and sparkle—especially pretty for festive occasions.
How to Make Caramel Apple Pie
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pie Crust
Begin by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out one half of your double pie crust and carefully press it into a 9-inch pie dish, smoothing out any air bubbles. This first step may seem basic, but getting that crust nestled just right sets the stage for those luscious layers to come.
Step 2: Mix the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, combine your sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Drizzle in the lemon juice, vanilla extract, and caramel sauce, then toss gently until every apple slice gleams with the glorious mixture. This is where the Caramel Apple Pie really starts to build flavor—don’t be afraid to sneak a taste!
Step 3: Fill and Dot with Butter
Pour the luscious apple filling into your prepared pie crust, mounding it slightly in the center for an appealing domed shape as it bakes. Scatter small pieces of butter over the surface. This is your secret to a filling that’s not just juicy, but also rich and silky.
Step 4: Top with Second Crust and Seal
Roll out the remaining pie crust and lay it over the apples. Trim the edges, then crimp them together to seal in all those juices. Cut a few small slits in the top—these let steam escape so your Caramel Apple Pie stays flaky, not soggy.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Brush the top crust with beaten egg for an irresistible golden sheen, and sprinkle with coarse sugar if you’re feeling fancy. These tiny touches truly make the pie bakery-worthy, adding crunch and shine that everyone will notice.
Step 6: Bake to Golden, Bubbling Perfection
Set your pie on a baking sheet (for easy cleanup) and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Watch for a deeply golden crust and a thick, bubbling filling—your kitchen will smell like pure autumn magic. Resist the urge to slice right away; let your Caramel Apple Pie cool for at least two hours to help the filling set properly.
Step 7: Drizzle and Serve
Once the pie is cooled, cut generous slices and give each one a decadent drizzle of extra caramel sauce. That glossy finish isn’t just for show—it’s the final ribbon that ties all the flavors together for a truly show-stopping dessert.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Pie
Garnishes
A proper Caramel Apple Pie deserves to look as delicious as it tastes. A classic drizzle of warm caramel sauce over each slice makes everything pop. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and maybe even a pinch more cinnamon or a handful of toasted pecans for crunch and aroma.
Side Dishes
This pie is a standout on its own, but if you want to round out the dessert table, serve with creamy vanilla ice cream, cappuccino, or spiced chai. Even a handful of fresh berries or poached pears on the side can turn this into an even more festive treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try baking your Caramel Apple Pie in individual ramekins or turning it into rustic hand pies. Want even more drama? Stack warm pie cubes in a glass, drizzle caramel between layers as a trifle, or slice and skewer pieces as a playful pie-on-a-stick for a kid-friendly option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Caramel Apple Pie tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer slices to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the pie will stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days. If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they taste just as delicious chilled or gently warmed.
Freezing
Need to make your Caramel Apple Pie ahead for a big occasion? You can freeze the whole baked pie! Let it cool completely, wrap in a double layer of foil, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to feast, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to recapture that “just baked” charm.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices (or the whole pie) in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through. If you prefer the microwave, go low and slow to avoid making the crust soggy—use short bursts, checking often. Always finish with a fresh caramel drizzle!
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought caramel sauce for this Caramel Apple Pie?
Absolutely! Store-bought caramel sauce works beautifully and saves time—just pick one with a real, buttery taste. If you’re feeling extra ambitious, homemade caramel is also fantastic (and lets you control the flavor and thickness).
What kind of apples are best for Caramel Apple Pie?
A mix of tart and sweet apples makes for the most balanced pie. Granny Smith brings structure and tartness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji add sweet juiciness—use what you love or what’s in season!
How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
If you want a crispier bottom, blind bake the bottom crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. Also, letting the pie cool before slicing gives time for the juices to thicken up and keeps both the filling and crust from being runny.
Can I make Caramel Apple Pie ahead of time?
Definitely! This pie tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together. Simply bake as directed, let it cool, and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven before serving or serve at room temperature.
What’s the best way to slice Caramel Apple Pie cleanly?
For the neatest slices, let the pie cool for a couple of hours—the filling sets as it cools and slices beautifully. Use a sharp, serrated knife, and wipe clean between cuts for that perfect presentation.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort dessert that’s equal parts nostalgic and irresistible, give this Caramel Apple Pie a try. It’s a labor of love that rewards every bite—and I can’t wait for you (and your lucky taste-testers) to experience the joy it brings to the table.
Print
Caramel Apple Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort dessert with this Caramel Apple Pie recipe. A classic combination of sweet caramel, tart apples, and flaky crust, this pie is perfect for autumn gatherings or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 double pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Apple Filling:
- 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon butter (cut into small pieces)
Egg Wash and Topping:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the crust: Roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and caramel sauce. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust and dot the top with butter pieces. Place the second pie crust over the filling, trim, crimp the edges, and cut slits in the top.
- Finish the pie: Brush the top crust with beaten egg, sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired, and bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Cool and serve: Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce before serving if desired.
Notes
- To prevent a soggy bottom, you can blind bake the bottom crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for more depth of flavor.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for a classic finish.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
