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If you’re longing for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a crisp autumn day, this Caramel Apple Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust, all drizzled with luscious caramel sauce that melts into every bite. This classic dessert blends the comforting flavors of home with just the right touch of sweet indulgence, making it an absolute showstopper for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first joyful step toward this heavenly pie. Each component is simple yet crucial, contributing to the perfect balance of flaky crust, tender fruit, and gooey caramel goodness.
- 2 cups plain (all-purpose) flour: The base for your buttery crust, providing the right texture and structure.
- 1 teaspoon fine salt: Enhances flavor in both the crust and the filling.
- 1 tablespoon white sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the dough without overpowering.
- 6 oz (175g) very cold butter, diced: Cold butter is essential for a flaky, tender crust that shatters delightfully.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness and tenderize the dough.
- 4–5 tablespoons iced water: Helps bring the dough together without warming the butter.
- 850g apples, peeled, cored, and sliced: The star of the show, offering that crisp, fruity sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses warm spice that complements the apples beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon fine salt: Balances the sweetness in the filling.
- 2 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch): Thickens the filling so it’s perfectly set, not runny.
- ½ cup soft light brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor with its molasses richness.
- ⅓ cup store-bought caramel sauce: Blends inside the filling for that irresistible caramel twist.
- 1 beaten egg (for sealing and glazing): Gives the crust a beautiful golden shine and helps seal edges.
- 1 tablespoon demerara or caster sugar: Sprinkled on top, it creates a subtle crunch and sparkle.
- Extra caramel sauce for drizzling (optional): Because can you ever have too much caramel? Exactly.
How to Make Caramel Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough
Start by combining your flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Then, rub in the very cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs – this step is what ensures that flaky crust we all love. Adding in the apple cider vinegar and icy water gives the dough just the right tenderness. Once combined, divide the dough into two halves, wrap them in plastic, and pop them in the fridge to chill for an hour. Patience here pays off with fantastic texture.
Step 2: Mix the Apple Filling
While your dough chills, toss the peeled, cored, and sliced apples with cinnamon, salt, cornflour, and brown sugar in a bowl. This blend coats each apple slice with warm spices, balancing sweetness and thickening the filling once baked. It’s the perfect harmony of flavors that makes this Caramel Apple Pie Recipe stand out.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Roll out one half of the dough and gently press it into a 9-inch pie plate, then chill it briefly to firm up. Pour the apple mixture into the crust, and drizzle the caramel sauce across the fruit to infuse every bite with sweet, buttery richness.
Step 4: Seal and Glaze the Pie
Brush the edges of the bottom crust with the beaten egg to help the top crust stick. Roll out the second dough half and carefully lay it over your apple filling. Press the edges together to seal and trim any excess dough for a neat finish. Then give the entire top crust a generous egg wash and sprinkle with your sugar of choice. This final step ensures a golden, glossy crust topped with a lovely crunch.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake your pie for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling with caramel-kissed juices. Let it cool at least 30 minutes before serving so the filling sets beautifully. For a show-stopping touch, drizzle some extra caramel sauce over the top just before serving—it’s pure magic.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your pie from delicious to unforgettable. A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or a sprinkle of toasted pecans complement the warm spices and caramel beautifully. The contrast in textures and temperature is pure delight.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad or a citrusy fruit salad to balance the richness. For something heartier, serve alongside a comforting cup of spiced chai or a glass of cold milk—classic childhood flavor combos never fail.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in mini tart pans for an elegant twist at gatherings, or use caramel drizzle patterns on the plates for an eye-catching presentation. Garnishing with a cinnamon stick or a fresh mint leaf adds that special touch that makes guests say “wow”.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover pie tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, perfect for a quick indulgence the next day without losing its flaky, tender charm.
Freezing
To freeze your Caramel Apple Pie Recipe, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in a microwave for about 30 seconds or place the whole pie in a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for 15–20 minutes until warmed through. This revives the crisp crust and melty caramel filling beautifully, just like fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples in this recipe?
Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are great for tartness and firm texture, but you can mix in sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a more complex flavor. Just make sure your apples are firm enough to hold their shape while baking.
Is it possible to make the crust ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pie dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. This actually helps the dough relax and makes rolling it out much easier.
How can I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
One trick is to chill the bottom crust before adding the filling. You can also lightly brush it with a beaten egg white before filling to create a moisture barrier that keeps your crust crisp.
Can I make homemade caramel sauce for this pie?
Definitely! Homemade caramel sauce adds a lovely personal touch and richness to your pie. Just be sure to let it cool slightly before drizzling it over the apple filling to prevent it from soaking through too much.
What’s the best way to serve leftover pie?
Leftover pie is fantastic served slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream. It brings out all those comforting, cozy flavors wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Pie Recipe is one of those timeless treats that brings everyone together around the table. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, it promises rich layers of flavor, texture, and nostalgia. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dessert to cherish for years to come.
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Caramel Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Caramel Apple Pie combines a flaky homemade crust with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and a luscious caramel drizzle, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for cozy fall evenings or as a delightful dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 2 cups plain (all-purpose) flour
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 6 oz (175g) very cold butter, diced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 4–5 tablespoons iced water
Filling
- 850g apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- 2 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch)
- ½ cup soft light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup store-bought caramel sauce
Topping
- 1 beaten egg (for sealing and glazing)
- 1 tablespoon demerara or caster sugar
- Extra caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and white sugar. Rub in the cold diced butter using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring small pea-sized butter pieces remain for a flaky crust.
- Form and Chill the Dough: Add the apple cider vinegar and iced water gradually, mixing gently until a rough dough forms. Divide the dough into two equal parts, wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour to firm up.
- Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and sliced apples with ground cinnamon, salt, cornflour, and soft light brown sugar until the apples are evenly coated for a flavorful and thickened filling.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Base Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Roll out one portion of the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Transfer the dough carefully to line the plate, then chill it again while you prepare the filling to ensure the crust stays firm.
- Assemble the Pie: Spoon the apple filling evenly into the chilled crust. Drizzle the ⅓ cup of store-bought caramel sauce over the apples for added sweetness and richness.
- Seal with Top Crust: Brush the edges of the base crust with the beaten egg to help seal the pie. Roll out the second dough portion and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough and press the edges together to seal tightly.
- Glaze and Sugar the Top: Brush the entire top crust with the beaten egg for a golden finish and sprinkle with demerara or caster sugar to add crunch and sweetness.
- Bake: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling hot. This ensures the apples are tender and the crust is perfectly cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes to set the filling. Optionally, drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top before slicing and serving to enhance the caramel flavor.
Notes
- Use very cold butter to ensure a flaky pie crust.
- Chilling the dough before rolling helps prevent shrinking during baking.
- If apples are very juicy, you can sprinkle a little extra cornflour to prevent a runny filling.
- Store any leftover pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- For an extra crisp topping, use demerara sugar instead of caster sugar.
