Looking for a dessert that combines the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors? This Salted Caramel Apple Pie is the ultimate treat that promises to impress your family and friends. Packed with tender apples, drizzled with rich caramel, and topped off with a sprinkle of sea salt, this pie offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The buttery, flaky crust combined with the gooey caramel filling will have everyone reaching for a second slice. Stick around as we guide you through each step of the process, ensuring you bake a pie that’s both mouthwatering and picture-perfect. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the delicious world of salted caramel apple pie!
What is a Salted Caramel Apple Pie?
A salted caramel apple pie takes the classic apple pie to the next level by incorporating a layer of homemade salted caramel sauce. This addition elevates the flavor profile, bringing together the sweetness of caramel with the slight tartness of apples and the salty kick from sea salt. The pie is typically made with a flaky pastry crust, either in a traditional lattice pattern or as a full top crust, depending on preference. The apples used in the pie soften as they bake, creating a rich filling that pairs beautifully with the caramel. This pie offers a perfect balance of comfort and indulgence, making it ideal for holiday celebrations, family dinners, or a special weekend treat.
Ingredients List for Salted Caramel Apple Pie
- For the Pie Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup ice water (plus more if needed)
- For the Apple Filling:
- 6-8 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- For Assembly:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
- Optional: Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
Substitutions and Variations
- Apples: If Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples aren't available, feel free to use other varieties like Fuji or Pink Lady. For a sweeter flavor, opt for Golden Delicious apples.
- Gluten-Free Crust: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if you're making a gluten-free pie crust. Ensure the butter and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
- Vegan Caramel Sauce: To make the caramel sauce vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and the heavy cream with coconut cream.
- Spices: Adjust the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to suit your taste preferences. For an extra flavor twist, add a pinch of cardamom or ground cloves.
- Crust Options: Instead of a lattice crust, you can create a full double crust, or use decorative pastry cutters to create seasonal shapes like leaves or stars for the top layer.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Make the Pie Crust
- Step 1: In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 2: Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cornstarch. Toss well to coat the apples evenly. Set aside while you prepare the caramel sauce.
3. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns into a deep amber liquid.
- Step 2: Once melted, add the butter and stir until fully combined. Be careful, as the mixture will bubble up.
- Step 3: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while continuing to stir. Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Let the sauce cool slightly.
How to Cook Salted Caramel Apple Pie: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Assemble the Pie
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Roll out one disc of the pie dough on a floured surface and transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish. Trim the excess dough, leaving a slight overhang.
- Step 3: Add half of the apple filling into the crust, then drizzle with half of the salted caramel sauce. Add the remaining apples and drizzle with more caramel, reserving a little for later.
- Step 4: Roll out the second dough disc and either create a lattice top or cover the pie entirely, making sure to cut a few slits to allow steam to escape.
- Step 5: Brush the top crust with the beaten egg for a golden finish, and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.
2. Bake the Pie
- Step 1: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Step 2: Check halfway through the baking process. If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
3. Cool and Serve
- Step 1: Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the filling set and prevents it from running when cut.
- Step 2: Before serving, drizzle the remaining salted caramel sauce over the top for an extra indulgent finish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the Wrong Apples: Make sure to use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to avoid a mushy filling.
- Not Letting the Dough Chill: Always let your pie dough rest and chill in the fridge. Skipping this step can lead to a tough crust.
- Overfilling the Pie: Be cautious about overloading the pie with apples. Too much filling can cause the pie to bubble over and the crust to break.
- Skipping the Egg Wash: Don’t forget to brush the top crust with an egg wash for a beautiful golden-brown finish.
Serving and Presentation Tips
- How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie: This pie pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The coolness of the ice cream contrasts perfectly with the warm pie and gooey caramel sauce.
- Presentation Ideas for Salted Caramel Apple Pie: For a rustic yet elegant look, serve the pie on a wooden board with a side of caramel sauce for drizzling. You can also garnish each slice with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt for an added burst of flavor.
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe Tips
- Tip 1: Make your pie crust ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. This saves time and allows the dough to develop more flavor.
- Tip 2: If you're short on time, you can use store-bought caramel sauce, though homemade always tastes best.
- Tip 3: When making the caramel sauce, be patient. Stirring constantly is key to avoiding burned sugar and ensuring a smooth, rich caramel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time? A: Yes! You can prepare the pie a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Simply reheat in the oven for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Q: Can I freeze salted caramel apple pie? A: Absolutely! You can freeze the pie after assembling but before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Q: How long will the pie last? A: The pie will keep for 2-3 days at room temperature, or up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I make mini salted caramel apple pies? A: Yes! You can use muffin tins to make individual-sized pies. Simply adjust the baking time to around 25-30 minutes.
Conclusion
Salted Caramel Apple Pie is a must-try dessert that combines the comforting flavors of apple pie with the indulgence of salted caramel. The sweet apples, buttery crust, and rich caramel sauce all come together to create a dessert that's nothing short of spectacular. Whether you're making this pie for a special occasion or simply indulging in a weekend baking project, the end result is sure to impress. So grab your rolling pin, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the process of baking this delicious pie!
PrintSalted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe
This Salted Caramel Apple Pie recipe combines crisp apples, homemade caramel, and a flaky crust for a decadent fall dessert. The added salt enhances the rich caramel flavor, making this pie an irresistible treat. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, this pie delivers the perfect blend of sweet and salty.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 6 cups thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup salted caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp butter (cubed)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish.
- In a large bowl, combine apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, flour, lemon juice, and ¼ cup salted caramel sauce.
- Fill the pie crust with the apple mixture, dot with butter, and cover with the second pie crust.
- Cut slits on the top crust, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden and apples are tender.
- Let cool for at least 1 hour before drizzling extra caramel sauce and serving.
Notes
- For best results, use firm apples like Granny Smith.
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing to allow the filling to set.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for a perfect pairing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 240mg
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