Caramel apple pie is one of those classic desserts that never goes out of style. This dessert pairs tart, crisp apples with luscious, buttery caramel, all wrapped in a flaky, golden crust. Whether it’s for a holiday table or a cozy weekend dessert, this caramel apple pie recipe delivers layers of flavor and nostalgia in every bite. In this article, we’ll break down how to make a perfect caramel apple pie from scratch, what ingredients give it that irresistible flavor, tips to get that perfect lattice crust, and more.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Looking for inspiration? Try our Spiced Caramelized Peaches recipe if you love cozy fall desserts.
Let’s dive into this indulgent delight step-by-step.
Why Caramel Apple Pie is a Must-Try Dessert
A Delicious Twist on a Classic
Traditional apple pie is already a fan favorite. But when you add homemade caramel sauce, it becomes a whole new level of indulgence. The caramel brings out the natural sweetness of the apples, while also adding depth, richness, and a luxurious mouthfeel. It’s like combining the best of fall desserts in a single dish.
When to Serve Caramel Apple Pie
Caramel apple pie isn’t just for Thanksgiving or holidays—it’s perfect year-round. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream at a summer BBQ, offer it as a comforting fall dessert, or pair it with hot cider during winter. It’s versatile, comforting, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Choosing the Best Apples for Caramel Apple Pie
The Best Apple Varieties for Pie
When it comes to baking, some apple varieties perform better than others. You’ll want varieties that hold their shape and offer a balance of tartness and sweetness. Some top choices include:
| Apple Variety | Flavor Profile | Texture When Baked |
|---|---|---|
| Granny Smith | Tart, crisp | Holds shape well |
| Honeycrisp | Sweet-tart, juicy | Slightly soft but flavorful |
| Braeburn | Spicy-sweet | Firm and perfect for baking |
| Jonagold | Sweet, mildly tart | Soft but rich in flavor |
For the best pie, use a combination of tart and sweet apples to create complexity in flavor.
Prepping Apples to Avoid a Watery Filling
One of the biggest mistakes in apple pies is soggy crusts and watery fillings. To avoid this:
- Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples uniformly.
- Toss with sugar and let them sit for 20 minutes.
- Drain the excess juice before adding to the pie to avoid extra moisture.
- Add a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour to thicken the filling naturally.
Try delicious creations like Peach Pie Cruffins for a fun twist on fruity desserts.
Making Homemade Caramel Sauce from Scratch
Ingredients for the Perfect Caramel Sauce
A silky caramel sauce is the heart of this pie, and making it from scratch ensures a rich, deep flavor that you just can’t get from store-bought options. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | For a classic caramel base |
| Unsalted butter | 6 tbsp | Adds richness and silkiness |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup | Essential for creamy texture |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Balances the sweetness |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Optional, adds warmth |
These pantry staples come together in less than 10 minutes to create a dreamy, pourable caramel that thickens as it cools.
Step-by-Step Caramel Cooking Instructions
- Melt the sugar: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar slowly, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heat-proof spatula until it turns golden brown.
- Add butter: Once fully melted, carefully add butter. The mixture will bubble vigorously—don’t panic.
- Add cream: Slowly pour in the cream and stir until smooth. Let it boil for 1 minute.
- Finish with salt and vanilla: Stir in salt and vanilla extract. Let the caramel cool before using.
Don’t miss our Pumpkin S’mores Cookies if you love warm, cozy desserts like this one!
Crafting a Buttery, Flaky Pie Crust
Ingredients for a Homemade Pie Crust
Making your pie crust from scratch might seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple—and the result is leagues better than pre-made dough. You’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups | Base of the crust |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (cold) | Cut into cubes, very cold |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Enhances flavor |
| Ice water | 6-8 tbsp | Add slowly to bring dough together |
Using a food processor or a pastry cutter, blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Tips for Rolling and Latticing Your Crust
- Keep everything cold: Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. Cold butter = flaky crust.
- Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin to keep the dough from sticking.
- Create the lattice: Cut strips of dough and weave them over the pie for a classic look. Tuck in the edges and crimp with a fork or your fingers.
- Egg wash it: Brush the crust with a mixture of egg yolk and milk for a golden, shiny finish.
Learn more about flaky baked crusts in our Easy No-Knead Blender Bread Recipe that’s just as rewarding to make.
Assembling and Baking Your Caramel Apple Pie to Perfection
How to Layer the Apples and Caramel
Now that you have your prepped apples, homemade caramel, and crust ready—it’s time to bring everything together. Follow these layering steps to ensure a flavorful, well-baked pie:
- Roll out the bottom crust and lay it in a 9-inch pie dish, letting the excess hang over the edge.
- Layer the apples tightly and evenly to avoid gaps. Sprinkle in a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch between layers to absorb juices.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce over each apple layer. Save some caramel for serving later!
- Top with a lattice crust or full top crust. Seal the edges and crimp for a rustic look.
Baking Tips for a Golden Finish
To make sure your caramel apple pie bakes up perfectly:
| Baking Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Oven Temperature | 400°F (204°C) for the first 20 minutes |
| Lower Heat | Reduce to 350°F (177°C) for 35–40 minutes |
| Pie Shield Tip | Use foil or a pie shield to prevent burning edges |
| Final Check | Look for bubbling caramel and golden crust |
| Cooling Time | Let it cool at least 3 hours before slicing |
Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing, so the filling can set and stay in place.
Check out our Vintage Blueberry Cream Cake Recipe if you want to explore another old-fashioned favorite dessert!
Recap
By now, you’ve mastered every step of making a caramel apple pie from scratch—selecting the right apples, crafting the perfect caramel sauce, making a flaky crust, and baking it to golden perfection. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday or just because, this pie will leave a lasting impression.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Apple Pie
What’s the best way to keep the bottom crust from getting soggy?
To prevent a soggy bottom crust, blind bake it before adding the filling. You can also brush the crust with egg white or melted butter to create a moisture barrier. Another trick is to pre-cook the apples slightly to reduce excess juice, and don’t forget to drain the macerated apple juices before assembly.
Can I make caramel apple pie ahead of time?
Yes, caramel apple pie is a great make-ahead dessert. You can fully bake it a day in advance and store it at room temperature (covered) for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, refrigerate the pie and reheat in the oven before serving to re-crisp the crust and warm the filling.
What apples are best for caramel apple pie?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are top choices due to their firm texture and balanced flavor. Granny Smith adds tartness while Honeycrisp brings natural sweetness. Mixing both provides a more complex flavor. Other good options include Braeburn, Fuji, and Jonagold.
How do I store leftover caramel apple pie?
Store leftover caramel apple pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, use the oven instead of the microwave to preserve the crust’s texture. Warm it at 300°F for 10–15 minutes for best results.
Can I freeze caramel apple pie?
Absolutely! You can freeze the fully baked pie or the unbaked assembled pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. For unbaked pies, bake directly from frozen—just add 15–20 extra minutes of baking time. For baked pies, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of homemade?
Yes, store-bought caramel can be used for convenience, but homemade caramel offers a richer, deeper flavor. If using store-bought, choose a high-quality brand with minimal ingredients and no artificial flavoring for best results.
Conclusion: Bake the Perfect Caramel Apple Pie Today
A well-made caramel apple pie isn’t just dessert—it’s a memory, a tradition, and a guaranteed way to impress guests at any gathering. From selecting the right apples to making silky homemade caramel and mastering the flaky crust, every step brings you closer to pie perfection. Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, a birthday, or a cozy weekend at home, this recipe will always hit the sweet spot.
So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and start baking. The aroma of warm apples, buttery crust, and bubbling caramel will fill your kitchen—and hearts—with joy.
Looking for more homestyle dessert comfort? Don’t miss our Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes for a creamy, spiced treat you can enjoy alongside your slice of pie.
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Caramel Apple Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 9-inch pie (8 slices)
Description
This Caramel Apple Pie combines buttery homemade crust, perfectly spiced apples, and rich caramel sauce for the ultimate cozy dessert. Ideal for holidays, special gatherings, or any day you crave a taste of fall. Flaky, golden, and irresistibly gooey—this pie is a showstopper.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 tsp salt
- 6–8 tbsp ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith & Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch or flour
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Assembly:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
Instructions
Make the Pie Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or food processor until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water gradually until dough comes together. Divide in two, flatten into disks, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
Make the Caramel Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar while stirring constantly until it turns golden brown.
- Add the butter (careful—it will bubble) and stir until melted.
- Slowly add cream, stir until smooth, then add salt and vanilla. Let cool.
Prepare the Apple Filling:
- Toss sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Let sit for 15–20 minutes. Drain excess liquid.
Assemble the Pie:
- Roll out one dough disk and place in a 9-inch pie plate. Fill with apple mixture, layering and drizzling caramel between.
- Roll out the second dough disk and cut into strips for a lattice crust. Weave on top and seal edges.
- Brush top with egg wash (egg + milk).
Bake the Pie:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Bake for 20 minutes.
- Lower heat to 350°F (177°C) and continue baking for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
- Cool for at least 3 hours before slicing.
Notes
- You can use store-bought caramel in a pinch, but homemade delivers better flavor.
- Mix apple varieties for depth of flavor.
- Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for a salted twist.
- For crispier bottom crust, blind bake for 10 minutes before filling.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
