This Caramel Apple Pie is the ultimate fall dessert! With layers of sweet caramel, tender apples, and a flaky crust, it’s the perfect blend of cozy and delicious. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, so you can enjoy that homemade pie magic without the fuss!
I love pie and have the best pie recipes right here on the site! Be sure to check out some of my other favorites like my Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie, Mexican Chocolate Pie, and Cranberry Meringue Pie!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Balanced sweetness: Perfectly sweet, without overpowering the tartness of the apples. It’s all about balance.
- Customizable crust options: Whether someone loves a homemade buttery crust or prefers a store-bought shortcut, your recipe works for both.
- Tested and true: You’ve crafted recipes for years, so readers know they can trust this to be a hit!
caramel apple pie
Today we are going to talk about PIE. It has made an appearance on the website a couple of times but never like this. While regular ol’ pie varieties are always welcome in my home (and belly) I want to get out of the box this year!
I am starting with all of the classics and giving them a face lift! Apple seemed like a good place to start since the produce is in-season and what better way to compliment the flavor than with caramel??
Looking for something a little different? Try these Apple Hand Pies.
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Ingredient You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Caramel Apple Pie brings out the cozy fall flavors we all love. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need, along with some tips to help you get the best out of each one.
- Apples: I like to use tart apples or a mix like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a sweet-tart balance. Peel them to avoid any tough texture in the filling.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and keeps apples from browning. Fresh-squeezed works best for flavor.
- Vanilla: Enhances sweetness and warmth.
- Cream: Helps create a rich caramel sauce. Use heavy cream for a smooth, indulgent filling.
- Sugars (brown & granulated): Brown sugar adds depth, granulated balances sweetness. Light brown sugar is perfect, or swap for dark if you want more richness.
- Flour: Thickens the filling so it’s not runny. Mix evenly with spices to avoid clumps.
- Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, salt): Classic apple pie flavors. A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and spices.
- Butter: Adds richness and creaminess to the caramel. Use cold, diced butter for best results.
- Toffee Bits: Adds crunch and extra caramel flavor. Sprinkle them in just before baking to keep the crunch.
- Pie Crust: A buttery, flaky crust ties it all together. Brush with egg wash and sugar for a golden, crispy finish.
Caramel Apple Pie Recipe
Never made a pie before? This apple and caramel pie is the perfect place to start. It’s simple to whip up, especially if you opt for store bought pie crust, and is truly a show stopping dessert.
- Prep The Crust: Roll out half of your pie crust and place it in a pie plate. Preheat the oven to 450°F. In a large bowl, mix the apples, lemon juice, cream, vanilla, sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Make The Caramel Apples: Cook the apple mixture in melted butter for 10 minutes, then pour it into the crust. Combine sugar, flour, butter, and toffee bits for the topping and sprinkle over the apples.
- Bake and Enjoy: Roll out the top crust, place it over the pie, cut slits, and brush with egg wash. Bake at 450°F for 10 minutes, then reduce to 350°F for 40 minutes.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
To store your Caramel Apple Dessert, allow it to cool completely before covering it with foil or plastic wrap. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm the entire pie in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
If you’re making it ahead, prepare the pie and cover it tightly before baking. You can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours or freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, if frozen, let the pie thaw in the fridge overnight before following the baking instructions.
Expert Recipe Tips:
Partially cook the apples: Softening the apples in butter before baking ensures they’re perfectly tender without getting mushy.
Egg wash for shine: Brushing the top crust with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water) gives the pie a beautiful golden finish.
Keep an eye on the crust: To prevent over-browning, cover the edges with foil or a pie shield after the first 10 minutes of baking.
Let it cool: Resist the urge to slice right away! Letting the pie cool completely allows the filling to set properly, making for cleaner slices.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, peeling the apples ensures a smoother texture in the filling. The peel can become tough and chewy when baked.
Your pie is ready when the crust is golden brown, and the filling is bubbling through the slits on top. It usually takes about 40 minutes at 350°F.
Pre-cooking the apples helps, but also make sure your oven is fully preheated, and bake the pie on a lower rack to help the bottom crust crisp up.
If the edges are browning too quickly, cover them with foil or use a pie shield during the last 20-30 minutes of baking.
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Caramel Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 cups apples peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 4 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup + 3 tablespoons sugar
- 3/4 cup flour divided
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons butter divided
- 3/4 cup toffee bits
- Doubled batch of the Perfect Pie Crust recipe
Instructions
- Take your pie crust and split it into two equal parts. Roll out one half into a circle about 10-12 inches wide, and place it into a pie dish. Trim off any extra dough hanging over the edges. Set it aside.
- Set your oven to 450°F so it’s ready when you are.
- In a large bowl, mix together the apples, lemon juice, heavy cream, vanilla, brown sugar, ½ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a medium pan over medium heat. Add the apple mixture and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft. Once done, pour the apple filling into the pie crust you’ve prepared.
- While the apples are cooking, mix 3 tablespoons of sugar and ¼ cup of flour in a small bowl. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and stir it into the flour mixture. Add the toffee bits and sprinkle this topping evenly over the apple filling.
- Roll out the other half of your pie crust and carefully lay it over the filling. Trim any excess dough, then use a knife to cut small slits in the top to let steam escape while baking. Brush the top with a beaten egg (optional) and sprinkle with a little sugar for a nice golden finish.
- Place your pie in the oven and bake for 10 minutes at 450°F. Then reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake for another 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Equipment
Nutrition
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