Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

If you’re a fan of the classic apple pie and love the combination of sweet and salty flavors, this Salted Caramel Apple Pie recipe will quickly become your new favorite. The warm, spiced apples paired with rich, gooey caramel and a hint of sea salt create an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just craving a delicious homemade treat, follow along with this recipe to make a pie that everyone will love. So, grab your ingredients and read on to learn how to make the best Salted Caramel Apple Pie from scratch!

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What is a “Salted Caramel Apple Pie”?

A Salted Caramel Apple Pie takes the traditional apple pie to a new level by adding salted caramel into the filling and sometimes drizzling it on top. The balance between the tart apples, sweet caramel, and the savory touch of sea salt makes this pie stand out. The combination of flavors creates a gourmet dessert experience that’s perfect for autumn but delicious any time of year. If you’ve never made a pie like this before, don’t worry—this recipe will guide you step by step!

Ingredients List for Salted Caramel Apple Pie

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• ¼ to ½ cup ice water

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup heavy cream, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

For the Apple Filling:

• 6–7 large Granny Smith apples (or a mix of tart and sweet apples), peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Assembly and Topping:

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon water
• Extra sea salt flakes for garnish (optional)
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (for serving)

Substitutions and Variations

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie recipe is versatile, allowing you to make substitutions based on your dietary needs or ingredient availability. Here are some options:

• Pie Crust: You can use a store-bought pie crust if you’re short on time, but making your own is highly recommended for the best flavor and texture. If you're gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
• Apples: While Granny Smith apples are commonly used for their tartness, you can experiment with a combination of different apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady for a sweeter flavor.
• Salted Caramel Sauce: If making caramel from scratch seems daunting, you can use store-bought caramel sauce and mix in a bit of sea salt.
• Sugar Alternatives: For a slightly healthier option, you can substitute the granulated and brown sugars with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia, though the texture and flavor may vary.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, mix until the butter is broken down into pea-sized pieces.
3. Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. It should be slightly crumbly but hold its shape when pressed.
4. Divide the dough into two portions, shape them into discs, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

Step 2: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula. The sugar will first clump together, then melt into a thick, amber-colored liquid.
2. Once the sugar is fully melted, carefully stir in the butter until combined. Be careful, as the mixture will bubble.
3. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring, then add the sea salt. Allow the caramel to cook for another minute, then remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Place them in a large bowl and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
2. In a separate small bowl, combine the sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cornstarch. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and toss to coat evenly.
3. Add the vanilla extract and toss again to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Roll Out the Pie Dough

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Gently transfer the dough to the pie dish and press it into the corners.
2. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges, leaving about a 1-inch overhang. Roll out the second disc of dough for the pie top and set it aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

1. Spoon the apple filling into the pie crust, ensuring the apples are packed tightly and mounded slightly in the center.
2. Drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over the apples. Reserve the remaining caramel sauce for drizzling after baking.
3. Place the second rolled-out pie dough over the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges together to seal the pie.
4. Cut slits in the top of the pie to allow steam to escape, or create a lattice top for a beautiful presentation.

Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush the top of the pie with the egg wash for a golden crust.
2. Bake the pie for 50–60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the edges of the pie are browning too quickly, cover them with foil.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

1. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This allows the filling to set.
2. Before serving, drizzle the remaining salted caramel sauce over the pie. Optionally, sprinkle some sea salt flakes on top for added flavor.
3. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Chilling the Dough: Always chill your pie dough to prevent it from shrinking in the oven. Cold butter in the dough creates flakiness.
• Overfilling the Pie: Avoid overpacking the pie with apples, as the filling can overflow and make the crust soggy.
• Skipping the Caramel Drizzle: The salted caramel is a key element of the pie. Don’t forget to drizzle it both inside the filling and on top after baking for maximum flavor!

Serving and Presentation Tips

Salted Caramel Apple Pie is a show-stopping dessert that can be elevated even further with thoughtful serving and presentation. Here’s how to make your pie the star of the table:

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie

• Serve the pie slightly warm for the best texture. The warm caramel mixed with soft apples is heavenly.
• Offer a side of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the pie’s sweetness.
• For an extra touch, drizzle more caramel sauce over each slice right before serving.

Presentation Ideas for Salted Caramel Apple Pie

• Create a beautiful lattice crust using the second dough disc for an elegant, homemade look.
• Dust the top of the pie with powdered sugar for a simple but lovely presentation.
• Add a sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top just before serving to highlight the salted caramel flavor.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe Tips

• Use a Mix of Apples: Combining tart and sweet apples adds complexity to the flavor.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the pie dough and caramel sauce a day in advance to save time.
• Thicken the Filling: If your apples are extra juicy, adding a bit more flour or cornstarch helps prevent a watery filling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
   • Yes! You can make the pie a day in advance. Store it at room temperature and reheat it in the oven before serving.
2. Can I freeze Salted Caramel Apple Pie?
   • Absolutely. After baking, let the pie cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
3. How can I avoid a soggy crust?
   • To prevent a soggy bottom crust, you can blind-bake the crust for 10–15 minutes before adding the filling.
4. Can I use a premade caramel sauce?
   • Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works in a pinch. Just be sure to stir in some sea salt to replicate the salted caramel flavor.

Conclusion

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie combines everything we love about dessert—sweet, salty, buttery, and fruity—into one unforgettable pie. Whether you're making it for a holiday or just a special treat, the layers of flavor and texture are sure to impress. So why not give this recipe a try and bring a touch of gourmet to your next gathering? With the tips and step-by-step instructions provided, you’ll be on your way to baking a perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie that’s bound to become a household favorite.

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