The 5-Star Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe That Will Be Your New Favorite

Get ready to meet your new obsession. Salted Caramel Apple Pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s a full-blown flavor explosion that hits all the right notes. Imagine crisp, juicy apples wrapped in buttery pie crust, drizzled with a salty-sweet caramel that’s basically a magical syrup.

This pie is what dreams taste like when they trade in boredom for brilliance. If you want a dessert that’ll have everyone begging for seconds (and thirds), you’re in the right place.

The Secret Behind This Recipe

Here’s the deal: what sets this pie apart from your average apple pie is the perfect balance of salted caramel and tart applesIngredients Breakdown

  • For the crust: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed), 6-8 tbsp ice water
  • For the filling: 6 Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and sliced), ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • For the salted caramel: 1 cup granulated sugar, 6 tbsp unsalted butter, ½ cup heavy cream, 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Make the crust: Blend flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in butter until crumbly. Add ice water 1 tbsp at a time until dough just holds together.

    Divide into two discs. Chill for 1 hour.

  2. Prepare the filling: Toss sliced apples with sugars, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Set aside.
  3. Make salted caramel: Heat sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it melts and turns amber.

    Add butter and whisk until melted. Slowly add cream and stir until smooth. Remove from heat; stir in sea salt.

  4. Preheat oven: Set at 425°F (220°C).
  5. Roll out bottom crust: Fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.
  6. Add filling: Layer apples evenly; drizzle about half the caramel over the apples.
  7. Roll out top crust: Place over filling; seal edges with the bottom crust.

    Cut slits or lattice the top for steam escape.

  8. Egg wash: Brush top crust with beaten egg for this golden glow.
  9. Bake: For 20 minutes at 425°F, then lower heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 40 minutes. Cover edges with foil if crust browns too quickly.
  10. Cool and drizzle: Let pie cool before drizzling remaining caramel atop.

Keeping It Fresh

Worried this masterpiece won’t survive your household? Once baked, cover the pie loosely with foil or plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to two days.

Want to keep it longer? Refrigerate it for up to five days, but bring it back to room temp or warm it slightly before serving — because nobody wants cold caramel apple pizza. FYI, if you freeze it, wrap tightly and reheat slowly to protect that flaky crust.

Benefits of This Recipe

  • Flavor Overload: Combines sweet, tart, and salty in every bite, satisfying all cravings at once.
  • Comfort Food Vibes: Perfect for seasonal gatherings, impressing guests, or spoiling yourself after a rough day.
  • Customizable: You control the sweetness and salt levels; adjust to your mood or dietary needs.
  • Homemade Excellence: Nothing beats pulling a fresh, homemade pie out of your oven—and bragging rights come free.

What Not to Do

  • Don’t rush the crust chilling—skip this and you’ll end up with dough that’s a pain to roll and a crust that shrinks in the oven.
  • Avoid overcooking caramel; burn it and the whole pie suffers from bitter undertones.
  • Don’t forget the egg wash unless you want your pie looking like a sad, pale pancake.
  • Resist the urge to slice the apples too thin or they’ll turn mushy mushy—not the vibe here.

Recipe Variations

  • Nutty Twist: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts with the apples for crunch.
  • Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cloves or ginger for a warm, spicy kick.
  • Vegan Version: Use coconut oil or vegan butter for the crust, and replace heavy cream in caramel with coconut cream.
  • Boozy Boost: Splash some bourbon or apple brandy into the caramel for adult-only decadence.

FAQ

Can I use any type of apple for this pie?

You can, but Granny Smith and other tart apples hold up best to baking and give that perfect tangy contrast against the caramel.

Sweet apples tend to get mushy and overly sweet.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Sprinkle the bottom crust with a thin layer of flour or breadcrumbs before adding the filling. Also, chilling the dough well helps the crust stay firm during baking.

Is salted caramel hard to make?

It sounds scarier than it really is. Just watch the sugar carefully to avoid burning and stir in your butter and cream gradually.

Once you nail it, this caramel will be your secret weapon.

Can I prepare this pie in advance?

Absolutely. You can assemble the pie and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it well to avoid drying out.

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Apple Pie is not just your grandma’s apple pie, nor is it just caramel dumped on fruit.

It’s a sophisticated dance of opposing flavors and textures that somehow feel like your childhood memories with a little grown-up attitude. The kind of dessert that makes you wonder why you ever settled for boring pie. Perfect for holidays, weekend treats, or flexing your baking skills, this recipe delivers a guaranteed crowd-pleaser status.

So grab your rolling pin, get those apples out, and prepare to create a masterpiece. Your taste buds will thank you—and honestly, you deserve it.

Printable Recipe Card

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