Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

Indulge in the perfect combination of sweet and salty with this Salted Caramel Apple Pie! Juicy, spiced apples meet gooey homemade salted caramel sauce, all wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust. This pie brings a delightful twist to the traditional apple pie by adding a rich layer of salted caramel that elevates the flavor to a whole new level. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or simply craving something comforting, this pie will impress your guests with its irresistible taste. Let’s dive into the step-by-step recipe for making this show-stopping dessert!

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What is Salted Caramel Apple Pie?

Salted caramel apple pie is a delicious twist on the classic apple pie, featuring a rich layer of salted caramel sauce that complements the tartness of the apples. The sweet-salty flavor profile of the caramel balances the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples, creating a perfectly balanced dessert. The salted caramel can be homemade or store-bought, and it’s drizzled over the apple filling before the pie is baked to golden perfection. The result is a decadent, gooey filling in a buttery crust, with just the right amount of sweetness and saltiness in every bite.

Ingredients List for Salted Caramel Apple Pie

Before you begin, gather all of your ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need for the crust, filling, and salted caramel sauce:

For the Pie Crust (Store-bought or Homemade):

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

Alternatively, you can use a store-bought double pie crust to save time.

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning)

For the Salted Caramel Sauce (Homemade or Store-bought):

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water or milk
• Optional: Coarse sugar for sprinkling on the crust

Ingredients List for Salted Caramel Apple Pie (Double Check)

Let’s double-check the ingredients to ensure everything is ready:

For the Pie Crust:

• You can make the pie crust from scratch, or use store-bought to save time.
• Cold butter and ice water are essential for creating a flaky, tender pie crust.

For the Apple Filling:

• Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, but you can mix in sweeter apples like Honeycrisp for added flavor.
• Flour is used to thicken the apple juices as they bake, preventing the filling from becoming too runny.

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• You can either make your own salted caramel sauce (recipe included below) or use store-bought caramel sauce. Just make sure to add sea salt if using a store-bought version to achieve the perfect balance of sweet and salty.

Substitutions and Variations

This salted caramel apple pie recipe is flexible, allowing for various substitutions and fun twists. Here are some ideas to try:

1. Crust Variations:

• Gluten-Free Crust: Use a gluten-free pie crust recipe or a pre-made gluten-free crust.
• Puff Pastry Crust: For a flakier, lighter crust, use puff pastry dough as an alternative to traditional pie dough.

1. Apple Varieties:

• All Sweet Apples: If you prefer a sweeter pie, you can use only sweet apples like Fuji or Gala.
• Pears: For a unique twist, mix in sliced pears with the apples for a different flavor profile.

1. Caramel Sauce Alternatives:

• Store-Bought Caramel Sauce: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought caramel sauce. Just remember to add a pinch of sea salt to achieve that salted caramel flavor.
• Dulce de Leche: Swap the caramel sauce with dulce de leche for a creamier, milkier flavor.

1. Vegan or Dairy-Free Options:

• Vegan Butter: Use plant-based butter in both the pie crust and salted caramel sauce to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
• Coconut Cream: Replace the heavy cream in the caramel sauce with full-fat coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the perfect salted caramel apple pie from scratch, including the crust, filling, and homemade salted caramel sauce.

1. Prepare the Pie Crust

• Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
• Cut in the butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
• Add ice water: Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together. It should be slightly shaggy but hold together when pressed.
• Form and chill the dough: Divide the dough into two equal discs. Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

• Melt the sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar while stirring constantly with a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon. It will first clump, then melt into a deep amber liquid.
• Add the butter: Once the sugar is fully melted, carefully add the butter. The mixture will bubble rapidly, so be cautious. Stir until the butter is fully incorporated.
• Add the cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while continuing to stir. The mixture will bubble again, so pour slowly. Stir until smooth.
• Add the salt: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the salt. Let the caramel sauce cool slightly before using.

3. Roll Out the Dough

• Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Roll the bottom crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 12 inches in diameter and ⅛-inch thick. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, trimming any excess dough hanging over the edges.
• Chill the crust: Place the pie dish with the bottom crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.

4. Prepare the Apple Filling

• Slice the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into ¼-inch thick slices.
• Toss with sugar and spices: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
• Add caramel: Drizzle about ½ cup of the salted caramel sauce over the apples and toss again to combine.

5. Assemble the Pie

• Transfer the filling: Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
• Roll out the top crust: Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the apple filling. You can also cut the dough into strips and create a lattice pattern for a more decorative top.
• Seal and crimp the edges: Trim any excess dough from the top crust, leaving about ½ inch of overhang. Fold the top and bottom crusts together and crimp the edges to seal.
• Cut vents: If using a full top crust, cut a few slits in the center to allow steam to escape.

6. Brush with Egg Wash

• Make the egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water (or milk).
• Brush the crust: Lightly brush the top crust with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar for extra crunch and sparkle.

7. Bake the Pie

• Bake the pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
• Cool: Let the pie cool for at least 2-3 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set.

8. Drizzle with Extra Caramel

• Add more caramel: Just before serving, drizzle additional salted caramel sauce over each slice of pie for a decadent finish.

How to Cook Salted Caramel Apple Pie: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick summary of the steps to make salted caramel apple pie:

1. Crust: Make or prepare the pie crust, then chill before rolling out.
2. Caramel Sauce: Make the salted caramel sauce by melting sugar and adding butter, cream, and salt.
   3

. Filling: Slice the apples and toss with sugar, spices, and a generous drizzle of salted caramel.

4. Assemble: Fill the pie crust with the apple mixture, top with the second crust, and crimp the edges.
5. Egg Wash: Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar for a golden, shiny crust.
6. Bake: Bake until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling, then cool before serving.
7. Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top just before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Letting the Pie Cool: Be sure to let the pie cool for at least 2-3 hours before slicing. Cutting into the pie too soon can cause the filling to be too runny.
• Overfilling the Pie: Avoid overfilling the pie with apples, as the filling expands during baking and can overflow.
• Skipping the Thickener: Don’t forget the flour or cornstarch in the filling—it thickens the apple juices as they bake, ensuring the filling isn’t too runny.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Here are some tips to serve and present your salted caramel apple pie beautifully:

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie

• Serve Warm or Room Temperature: Salted caramel apple pie is best served slightly warm or at room temperature. Reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired.
• Add Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: For the ultimate indulgence, serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of cold ice cream with the warm, gooey caramel pie is heavenly.

Presentation Ideas for Salted Caramel Apple Pie

• Lattice Crust: Create a lattice top crust for a decorative, classic look.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle extra salted caramel sauce over the top of the pie before serving for added richness.
• Garnish with Sea Salt: Sprinkle a tiny bit of flaky sea salt on top of the pie before serving for an extra pop of salty flavor.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe Tips

• Chill the Dough: For the best pie crust, make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out. This prevents the butter from melting too soon and ensures a flaky texture.
• Use a Variety of Apples: Mixing tart apples (like Granny Smith) with sweeter varieties (like Honeycrisp) gives the pie a more balanced flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can make the pie dough and caramel sauce ahead of time. Store the dough in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make salted caramel apple pie in advance?
Yes! You can make the pie a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature, and reheat slices in the oven or microwave before serving. You can also make the pie dough and caramel sauce ahead of time and store them in the fridge.

2. How long does salted caramel apple pie last?
The pie will last up to 2 days at room temperature or 4-5 days in the refrigerator. To store, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

3. Can I freeze salted caramel apple pie?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked or baked pie. To freeze the unbaked pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, pop it into the oven directly from the freezer, adding about 10-15 minutes to the bake time. For baked pie, allow it to cool completely, wrap it well, and freeze for up to 3 months.

4. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce to save time. Just be sure to add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for that signature salted caramel flavor.

5. What apples are best for salted caramel apple pie?
Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness, but you can also use a combination of apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Golden Delicious to add sweetness and complexity to the filling.

Conclusion

Salted caramel apple pie is a delicious twist on a classic dessert, combining the sweet-tart flavors of spiced apples with a rich, gooey layer of salted caramel. With a buttery, flaky crust and the perfect balance of sweet and salty, this pie is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you make everything from scratch or use a few shortcuts, this dessert will impress anyone you serve it to. So roll up your sleeves, make that salted caramel, and enjoy the incredible flavors of this show-stopping salted caramel apple pie!

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