There’s something about a warm slice of apple pie that feels like home, but when you add caramel into the mix? Oh, it’s a game-changer. This Caramel Apple Pie brings together the perfect balance of sweet and tart apples, a buttery, flaky crust, and that irresistible, gooey caramel sauce that just makes everything better. It’s the ultimate dessert for fall or any occasion when you want to make something extra special. Trust me, once you take a bite, you won’t be able to stop at just one slice.
Why You’ll Love Caramel Apple Pie
This pie isn’t just about the classic apple filling—it’s about turning a traditional favorite into something extraordinary. Here’s why this Caramel Apple Pie is bound to be a hit in your home:
Versatile
Perfect for a family dinner, holiday gatherings, or simply because you deserve a delicious treat. It’s an all-season favorite, and the caramel twist makes it feel like a special indulgence every time.
Budget-Friendly
Apple pie is always a crowd-pleaser, and by adding caramel, you’re elevating it without needing to break the bank. The ingredients are simple, and you probably already have most of them on hand.
Quick and Easy
While making a pie from scratch may seem like a lot of work, this caramel apple pie is surprisingly simple to prepare. The steps come together quickly, and the results are nothing short of amazing.
Customizable
Feel free to mix up the apples to suit your taste—Granny Smith apples are tart and balance perfectly with the sweet caramel, but you can use any apple variety you love. You can also adjust the amount of caramel for your perfect level of sweetness.
Crowd-Pleasing
This pie is a crowd favorite, whether it’s for a special occasion or just a sweet end to a weeknight meal. The combo of warm apples and gooey caramel makes it a universal hit.
Ingredients in Caramel Apple Pie
Here’s how simple it is to make this caramel apple pie, and yet how truly delicious it turns out:
Apples:
The star of the show! For the best pie, use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. The tart apples provide a lovely contrast to the sweet caramel.
Caramel Sauce:
This rich, creamy caramel adds an indulgent layer to the pie, turning it from a classic apple pie into a mouthwatering dessert. You can use store-bought or homemade caramel sauce.
Pie Crust:
A flaky, buttery crust is the perfect vessel for this gooey apple filling. You can use store-bought crust, or make your own for an extra special touch.
Cinnamon:
Cinnamon brings warmth and spice to the apples, making the filling aromatic and comforting. It’s an essential ingredient in any apple pie.
Nutmeg:
Just a pinch of nutmeg adds depth to the flavor of the filling and complements the cinnamon beautifully.
Lemon Juice:
A splash of lemon juice brightens up the apples and balances their sweetness, adding a touch of freshness to the pie.
Brown Sugar:
Brown sugar gives the filling its rich sweetness and enhances the caramel flavor, making the apple filling extra luscious.
Butter:
Butter adds richness and helps bind the filling together while giving the pie that irresistible buttery aroma.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this irresistible caramel apple pie:
Preheat Your Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your pie will bake evenly and come out golden and perfect.
Prepare the Apples:
Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly. Toss them in lemon juice to prevent browning and ensure they’re nice and tart. Then mix the apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a little flour to help thicken the filling.
Prepare the Pie Crust:
Roll out your pie crust on a floured surface. If using a store-bought crust, make sure it’s thawed and ready to go. Place one crust into a 9-inch pie dish and press it into the bottom and sides.
Assemble the Pie:
Layer the prepared apple filling into the pie crust. It’s okay if the apples pile up a little, as they’ll cook down. Drizzle a generous amount of caramel sauce over the top of the apples, then dot the filling with small pats of butter for extra richness.
Add the Top Crust:
Place the second pie crust on top, pinching the edges together to seal the pie. Cut a few small slits in the top to allow steam to escape as it bakes.
Bake to Perfection:
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling through the slits. If the crust starts to get too brown, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Cool and Serve:
Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes to allow the filling to set. Slice and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 350
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
How to Serve Caramel Apple Pie
This pie is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also serve it with an extra drizzle of caramel sauce for that extra indulgence!
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- For a more intense caramel flavor, try drizzling a little extra caramel sauce on the pie after baking.
- If you like a crunchy topping, you can sprinkle some streusel over the top before baking.
- Serve the pie warm for the best experience; the caramel filling will be nice and gooey.
FAQ’s
- Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the pie a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it in the oven before serving. - Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes! Feel free to use your favorite apple variety. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are both great options, but any apple you love will work. - Can I use a store-bought caramel sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought caramel sauce is perfectly fine and makes this pie even easier to prepare. - Can I freeze this pie?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked pie before cooking. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then bake from frozen, adding extra time to the cooking process. - Can I make this pie without the caramel?
Yes, the pie will still be delicious without the caramel. You can simply skip the caramel drizzle and make a classic apple pie filling. - Do I have to use a double crust?
If you prefer, you can make a lattice top or leave it open-faced, but a double crust helps keep the caramel and apples contained. - Can I add nuts to the filling?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts would add a nice crunch and flavor to the pie. - What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover pie in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving. - How can I make the crust flakier?
For an even flakier crust, make sure to use cold butter and handle the dough as little as possible. - Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free pie crust and gluten-free flour to make the filling.
Conclusion
This Caramel Apple Pie is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with that rich, gooey caramel sauce making it truly unforgettable. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday, a family dinner, or just because you deserve something delicious, this pie will steal the show. It’s a classic with a sweet twist that everyone will love—trust me, you’re going to want to make this one again and again!
Print
Caramel Apple Pie
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious twist on the classic apple pie, featuring a rich caramel sauce that adds sweetness and depth to the tart apples.
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade crusts)
- 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a 9-inch pie dish with one pie crust, pressing it into the bottom and sides.
- In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Set aside.
- Transfer the apple mixture into the pie crust, spreading evenly.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in vanilla extract and cornstarch (if using). Let the mixture thicken for 1-2 minutes, then pour the caramel sauce evenly over the apples.
- Cover the pie with the second pie crust, pinching the edges together and cutting a few slits in the top for ventilation. Brush the top with the beaten egg.
- Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker caramel sauce, use cornstarch to thicken it before pouring over the apples.
- For extra flavor, top with whipped cream or a drizzle of additional caramel sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg