Caramel Apple Pie

Caramel Apple Pie is a delightful twist on the classic apple pie, combining tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with rich, gooey caramel in a flaky, buttery crust. This pie is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a comforting dessert. The caramel adds a luscious layer of flavor that takes traditional apple pie to the next level.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines classic apple pie flavors with rich caramel
• Made with fresh apples and warm spices
• Perfectly flaky and buttery pie crust
• Ideal for holidays and special occasions
• Can be served warm with ice cream or whipped cream

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

For the Topping:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
• Extra caramel sauce for drizzling

Directions

Make the Pie Crust

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
   • Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add Ice Water:
   • Gradually add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
   • Divide the dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Mix the Apples:
   • In a large bowl, combine sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, flour, and lemon juice.
   • Toss until apples are evenly coated.
2. Add Caramel:
   • Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple mixture and stir gently to combine.

Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll Out the Dough:
   • Roll out one dough disk on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.
   • Pour the apple filling into the crust.
3. Add the Top Crust:
   • Roll out the second dough disk and place it over the apples.
   • Trim and crimp the edges. Cut slits on top for steam to escape.
4. Egg Wash and Bake:
   • Brush the top crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
   • Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
   • If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Serve

1. Cool and Drizzle:
   • Let the pie cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.
   • Drizzle with extra caramel sauce before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

• Salted Caramel Apple Pie: Use salted caramel sauce for a sweet and salty flavor.
• Crumb Topping: Replace the top crust with a streusel topping made of butter, flour, brown sugar, and oats.
• Pecan Caramel Pie: Add a layer of chopped pecans on top of the apples before baking.
• Mini Caramel Apple Pies: Make individual pies using a muffin tin for cute, portable desserts.
• Cinnamon Roll Crust: Use cinnamon roll dough instead of a traditional pie crust for a unique twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the baked pie tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for a few seconds.

FAQs

1. What kind of apples are best for caramel apple pie?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or a mix of tart and sweet apples work well.

2. Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Yes, using a store-bought crust can save time and still result in a delicious pie.

3. How do I prevent the pie crust from getting soggy?

Coating the apples with flour and pre-baking the bottom crust for a few minutes can help prevent sogginess.

4. Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake it when ready to serve.

5. How do I make homemade caramel sauce?

Heat 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan until melted and golden. Stir in 6 tablespoons of butter, then add 1/2 cup heavy cream and a pinch of salt.

6. Can I use caramel candies instead of caramel sauce?

Yes, melt caramel candies with a bit of milk to create a smooth caramel sauce.

7. What should I serve with caramel apple pie?

Serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce.

8. How do I know when my pie is done?

The crust should be golden, and the filling should be bubbling through the slits in the top crust.

9. Can I make this pie gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch.

10. What do I do if the edges of the crust are browning too quickly?

Cover the edges with aluminum foil or a pie shield to prevent over-browning.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Pie is a decadent and comforting dessert that combines classic apple pie flavors with rich, buttery caramel. The flaky crust, tender spiced apples, and sweet caramel drizzle make this pie a show-stopping treat for any occasion. Whether served warm with ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this pie is sure to become a favorite recipe for fall and beyond!

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