Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

Dreamy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe for Sweet Moments

Sweet memories of autumn bloom when this salted caramel apple pie recipe lands on your kitchen counter.

Crisp apples mingle with golden caramel, creating a dessert that whispers comfort and nostalgia.

Layers of buttery pastry cradle tender fruit kissed by rich, amber sauce.

Subtle salt crystals dance across the surface, offering unexpected depth to each delectable bite.

Baking becomes an art form with this irresistible combination of classic flavors and modern sophistication.

Cinnamon and nutmeg weave their magic, promising a slice of pure happiness.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Ingredients

Pie Crust:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for a flaky and tender pie base.
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates a tender, flaky texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pie crust.
  • Ice Water: Helps bind the dough without developing gluten.
Apple Filling:
  • Apples: The star ingredient that provides a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a syrupy texture.
  • Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds a bright, tangy note.
  • Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the apple's natural sweetness.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the apple filling and create a cohesive texture.
Topping and Finishing:
  • Caramel Sauce: Adds a rich, buttery sweetness to the pie.
  • Egg, Water: Creates a golden, glossy egg wash for the pie crust.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides a sparkling, sweet crunch on top of the crust.
  • Sea Salt: Enhances the caramel flavor and adds a subtle savory contrast.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven and Craft the Crust

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Gently roll out your pie dough and nestle it into a 9-inch pie dish, creating a beautiful base for your delectable dessert.

Crimp the edges with love and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

Grab your crisp apples and transform them into thin, delicate slices.

Toss the apples with:
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Granulated sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Warming nutmeg
  • All-purpose flour

Ensure each apple slice is beautifully coated and ready to shine.

Step 3: Build Your Pie Masterpiece

Layer the spiced apple mixture into your prepared crust.

Drizzle rivers of golden caramel sauce between the layers, creating pockets of sweet, gooey goodness.

Cover with the second pie crust, sealing the edges with a playful crimp.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

Brush the top crust with a silky egg wash, then sprinkle with a dusting of sparkling sugar.

Cut a few whimsical vents to let steam escape and flavors mingle.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pie into the preheated oven.

Bake for 45-50 minutes until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown and the filling bubbles with excitement.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Let the pie cool for 15-20 minutes.

When ready to serve, drizzle with extra caramel and sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt.

Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure joy.

Pro Tips for Salted Caramel Apple Pie

  • Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balanced flavor and texture that hold their shape during baking.
  • Toss sliced apples immediately with lemon juice to maintain fresh color and prevent oxidation while preparing the pie.
  • Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce at room temperature for easier spreading and more even coverage throughout the pie.
  • Chill pie dough before rolling and use cold butter to ensure a tender, crisp crust that doesn't become tough or dense.
  • Sprinkle high-quality sea salt flakes on top after baking to enhance the caramel's depth and create a sophisticated flavor profile.

Variations of Salted Caramel Apple Pie

  • Vegan Apple Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil, use vegan pie crust, swap caramel with dairy-free caramel made from coconut milk and maple syrup.
  • Gluten-Free Apple Treat: Substitute regular flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, use gluten-free pie crust, keep other ingredients the same.
  • Low-Sugar Apple Classic: Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener, reduce caramel amount, use tart apples like Granny Smith for natural sweetness.
  • Spiced Autumn Version: Add cardamom and ginger to the spice mix, use brown butter instead of regular butter for deeper flavor profile.

Serving Salted Caramel Apple Pie

  • Festive Family Dessert Plate: Serve warm slices alongside vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent contrast of temperatures and flavors.
  • Caramel Drizzle Delight: Generously pour extra salted caramel sauce over each slice, creating a luxurious and indulgent presentation that enhances the pie's sweetness.
  • Cozy Autumn Pairing: Complement the pie with a steaming mug of spiced chai tea or hot apple cider to elevate the seasonal experience and bring warmth to the table.
  • Garnish Elegance: Sprinkle additional flaky sea salt and chopped toasted pecans on top for a gourmet touch that adds crunch and depth to the dessert.

Storing Salted Caramel Apple Pie

  • Store leftover pie in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the pie at a consistent temperature to maintain its texture and flavor.
  • Wrap the entire pie or individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Place in the freezer flat to prevent structural damage.
  • Keep the pie at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon. Cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Warm individual slices in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. For crispy crust, place on a baking sheet and cover edges with foil to prevent burning. Microwave works in a pinch but may soften the crust.

FAQs

  • What kind of apples work best for this pie?

Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These varieties hold their shape during baking and provide a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.

  • How do I prevent my pie crust from getting soggy?

Pre-bake the bottom crust for 10 minutes before adding the apple filling, and sprinkle a thin layer of flour or breadcrumbs to create a barrier between the crust and juicy apple mixture.

  • Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance and refrigerate it unbaked. When ready to serve, brush with egg wash and bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Why Salted Caramel Apple Pie Is Irresistible

  • Elevate Family Dessert Time: This salted caramel apple pie transforms an ordinary gathering into a delightful culinary experience that brings everyone together around a warm, delicious treat.
  • Master Seasonal Baking Skills: The recipe offers a perfect opportunity to practice pie-making techniques while working with classic autumn ingredients like fresh apples and rich caramel.
  • Create Bakery-Quality Dessert at Home: Impress your guests with a professional-looking pie that combines sweet caramel, tender apples, and a beautifully golden crust, all made from scratch in your own kitchen.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adjusting spices, trying different apple varieties, or experimenting with homemade caramel sauce to make it uniquely yours.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Homemade salted caramel apple pie delivers classic comfort with a modern twist of sweet-salty elegance. Buttery crust and warm spices create a delightful dessert that will transport you to cozy autumn memories.


Ingredients

Scale

Pie Ingredients:

  • 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)
  • 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

Filling Spices and Flavors:

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375°F and roll out the pie dough into a 9-inch pie dish, creating a smooth bottom layer.
  2. Carefully peel and cut apples into thin, uniform slices, immediately coating with fresh lemon juice to prevent browning.
  3. Combine apple slices with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, granulated sugar, and flour, ensuring each slice is evenly coated with the aromatic mixture.
  4. Arrange the seasoned apple slices in overlapping layers within the prepared pie crust, creating a slightly mounded center.
  5. Generously drizzle rich caramel sauce between the apple layers, allowing it to seep into the crevices and enhance the pie’s depth of flavor.
  6. Cover the filled pie with the remaining pie crust, crimping the edges to seal and create a decorative border.
  7. Brush the entire top crust with beaten egg, which will create a golden, glossy finish when baked.
  8. Sprinkle coarse sugar over the egg-washed surface for added texture and subtle sweetness.
  9. Cut several small vents into the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
  10. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the crust turns a deep golden brown and the filling becomes bubbling and fragrant.
  11. Remove from oven and let cool for 30 minutes to allow the caramel and filling to set.
  12. Before serving, drizzle additional caramel sauce and sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top for a sophisticated flavor contrast.

Notes

  • Select firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and texture in your pie.
  • Avoid watery apple varieties that can make the filling soggy and compromise the pie’s structural integrity.
  • Create a gluten-free version by using alternative pie crust made from almond flour or gluten-free flour blend.
  • Enhance caramel flavor by using high-quality sea salt flakes and slightly burning the caramel for deeper, more complex notes.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star