Irresistible Homemade Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

Sweet autumn breezes carry the nostalgic aroma of a classic caramel apple pie recipe that beckons comfort and warmth.

Crisp apples nestled beneath a golden, buttery crust create a dessert that sings of harvest memories.

Each slice promises a perfect balance of tart fruit and rich, amber caramel drizzle.

The magic happens when tender apples mingle with warm spices and silky caramel sauce.

Seasonal baking doesn’t get more delightful than this delectable pie that turns simple ingredients into pure magic.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this irresistible dessert that will earn you endless praise around the dinner table.

Serve this pie warm and watch as everyone’s eyes light up with pure delight.

Apple Pie Tools for Perfect Caramel Results

• Heavy-bottomed saucepan: Essential for making smooth, even caramel without burning.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring sugar and water mixture gently.
• Whisk: Crucial for incorporating cream and creating smooth caramel sauce.
• Large mixing bowl: Needed for tossing apples with spice mixture.
• Small bowl: Used for preparing egg wash.
• Knife: Necessary for peeling and slicing apples.
• Pie plate (9-inch): Holds the pie and gives it shape.
• Parchment-lined baking sheet: Helps with preparing lattice strips.
• Rolling pin: Required for rolling out pie dough evenly.
• Wire rack: Allows pie to cool properly without getting soggy.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

Step-by-Step for Baking Caramel Apple Pie

Sweet Caramel Dream Pie

• Sugar Symphony

Grab a sturdy saucepan and transform granulated sugar and water into liquid gold. Watch carefully as the mixture shifts color, swirling gently without stirring. The key is patience – wait for a rich amber tone that signals caramel perfection.

• Creamy Magic

Pour heavy cream into the molten sugar with care. The mixture will dance and bubble dramatically. Whisk in butter and salt until silky smooth. Let the caramel simmer and reduce, developing deep flavor and luxurious texture.

• Pastry Foundation

Roll out tender pie dough into delicate circles. One becomes the pie’s cozy base, the other transforms into elegant lattice strips that will crown your masterpiece.

• Apple Awakening

Slice crisp apples into tender crescents. Coat them with a warm spice blend of cinnamon, brown sugar, and nutmeg. These fragrant apple slices will nestle into the pie crust, promising delectable bites.

• Artistic Assembly

Layer apple slices generously, drizzling caramel between each delicate layer. Weave dough strips across the top in a beautiful crosshatch pattern. Brush with golden egg wash for a stunning shine.

• Baking Transformation

Slide the pie into a hot oven. Watch as the kitchen fills with incredible aromas. The crust will turn golden, apples will bubble enticingly. Let the pie rest and settle before serving, allowing flavors to mingle and deepen.

How to Enhance the Flavor of Caramel Apple Pie

• Choose a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn for complex flavor and perfect texture. Cut slices uniformly to ensure even cooking and beautiful presentation.
• Watch caramel carefully during cooking – color changes quickly between perfect amber and burnt. Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control and remove from heat immediately when reaching dark-amber stage.
• Experiment with different lattice weaving techniques or create decorative cut-out patterns on top crust. Try braided or woven strips for an elegant, professional-looking pie finish.
• Adjust spice blend by adding ground ginger, cardamom, or allspice for deeper flavor complexity. Consider toasting spices briefly before mixing to intensify their aromatic qualities.
• Prepare caramel sauce and pie dough up to three days in advance. Store caramel in refrigerator and bring to room temperature before using. Pie can be baked a day ahead and refreshed in warm oven for serving.

Serving Caramel Apple Pie with Style

• Caramel Companion Delights: Perfect Pairings for Your Pie
• Ice Cream Indulgence: Scoop vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream alongside warm pie slices for a creamy, cool contrast that melts into the caramel sauce.
• Whipped Cream Wonder: Top each slice with freshly whipped cream and a light drizzle of extra caramel sauce for an elegant dessert presentation.
• Beverage Bliss: Serve with hot coffee, spiced chai tea, or a glass of cold milk to complement the pie's rich, sweet flavors and balance its warmth.
• Nutty Garnish: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the pie for added crunch and a nutty depth that enhances the caramel and apple notes.

Smart Storage Tips for Caramel Apple Pie

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store the caramel apple pie covered with aluminum foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the pie away from strong-smelling foods to maintain its delicate flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the salted caramel sauce and pie dough up to 5 days in advance. Store the caramel in an airtight container and keep the dough wrapped tightly in plastic film inside the refrigerator.
• Freezing Friendly Option: Unbaked pie can be wrapped securely and frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the total baking time to ensure even cooking.
• Room Temperature Wisdom: Once cooled completely, the pie can sit at room temperature for 1-2 days. Cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel to prevent moisture buildup and maintain the crust's crispy texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cook Time: 60 mins

Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 9

Caramel Apple Pie: Everything That Goes Inside

• Granulated Sugar: Provides the foundation for rich, deep caramel flavor with a golden complexity.
• Water: Helps dissolve sugar evenly and creates smooth caramel consistency.

• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and softens caramel's intense sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Introduces silky texture and rounds out caramel's sharp edges.
• Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall caramel depth.

• Dark Brown Sugar: Delivers deep molasses undertones and natural moisture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens apple filling and prevents excess liquid.
• Ground Cinnamon: Provides warm, classic baking spice character.
• Ground Nutmeg: Introduces subtle, aromatic warmth to complement apples.
• Kosher Salt: Elevates and balances sweet flavor profile.

• Apples: Select firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best structural integrity and balanced sweetness.

• Egg Yolk: Creates golden, glossy surface with rich color.
• Water: Helps egg wash spread smoothly.
• Coarse Sugar: Adds delightful crunch and sparkling texture.

Heavenly Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Family gatherings celebrate this classic caramel apple pie with layers of sweet apples and rich caramel nestled in a buttery crust. Midwestern bakers pass down generations of delicious memories through each golden, crackly slice you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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• 2.5 lb (1.13 kg) Granny Smith or Pink Lady apples (about 6 large or 7 medium)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 (8 to 10 oz) store-bought or homemade flaky pie crusts, thawed if frozen
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 1 large egg yolk
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp turbinado or coarse sugar (optional)

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Instructions

1. Caramel Preparation: Combine sugar and water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heating until sugar dissolves and transforms into a rich, dark-amber liquid without stirring.
2. Cream Integration: Remove from heat, carefully whisk in heavy cream to create a smooth caramel, then blend in butter and salt until uniform.
3. Caramel Refinement: Simmer the mixture on medium-low heat until slightly thickened, then cool completely for one hour.
4. Dough Arrangement: Preheat oven to 375°F and roll out pie doughs, transferring the first to a 9-inch pie plate and cutting the second into lattice strips.
5. Apple Transformation: Peel, core, and slice apples, then coat with a blend of brown sugar, flour, and spices.
6. Pie Assembly: Layer seasoned apples in the crust, drizzle with prepared salted caramel, and weave dough strips into an intricate lattice pattern.
7. Finishing Touches: Trim excess dough, crimp edges, brush with egg wash, and optionally sprinkle with coarse sugar.
8. Baking Process: Bake until the crust turns golden-brown and filling bubbles, tenting with foil if browning too quickly.
9. Cooling and Serving: Allow pie to cool completely on a wire rack for two hours, then serve with additional caramel sauce.

Notes

• Master Caramel Technique: Watch sugar closely during caramelization to prevent burning; color changes rapidly from golden to dark amber.
• Apple Selection Matters: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for optimal texture and balanced sweetness in the pie.
• Lattice Precision Tip: Use a sharp knife or pastry wheel for clean, even lattice strips that create a professional-looking pie top.
• Cooling is Crucial: Letting the pie rest allows filling to set and flavors to meld, ensuring clean slices and enhanced taste experience.

• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 60 mins
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg