This Caramel Apple Pie is a warm treat filled with sweet, spiced apples and topped with a golden crust. The gooey caramel drizzle makes it extra special and hard to resist!
Baking this pie fills the house with a lovely smell that makes everyone excited for dessert. I love enjoying a slice with a scoop of ice cream on top. It’s the best combo! 🍏🥧
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I love using a mix of Granny Smith and Red Delicious. The tartness of Granny Smith balances the sweetness of Red Delicious. If you can’t find these, any firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji work great too!
Pie Crust: You can use store-bought crusts for convenience. For a homemade touch, make your own with flour, butter, and a bit of salt. If you’re gluten-free, try a gluten-free pie crust from the store or make one from almond or coconut flour.
Caramel Sauce: Store-bought caramel sauce is easy, but homemade caramel is worth the effort! You can make it by cooking sugar till golden, then adding cream and butter. If you want to lighten things up, use a drizzle of honey instead.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth. Feel free to omit nutmeg if you’re not a fan. A sprinkle of allspice can be substituted too, if you have it.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Apples for Pie?
Preparing the apples is a key step for a pie bursting with flavor and the right texture. Start by peeling and slicing the apples evenly for consistent cooking. To keep them from browning, toss them in lemon juice right after cutting. This not only preserves their color but adds a touch of acidity that enhances the flavor!
- Mix the sugars, spices, flour, and salt in a bowl to balance sweetness and thickness.
- Gently coat the apple slices with this mixture, ensuring each slice is well-covered.
- Let the apple mixture sit for about 10 minutes before putting it in the pie. This will help release some juice, making for a nice filling.
These tips will help ensure your Caramel Apple Pie turns out perfectly sweet and delicious! Enjoy baking! 🍏🥧
Caramel Apple Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pie:
- 2 pre-made pie crusts (or homemade, enough for top and bottom crust)
- 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Red Delicious for tart and sweet balance)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Caramel Apple Pie takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 45-50 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let it cool for at least 2 hours before serving, allowing the filling to set up nicely. So, you’re looking at a total of around 3 hours before you can dig in, but it’s totally worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This is important for achieving a golden, crispy crust!
2. Prepare the Apples:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice. This helps prevent them from browning and adds a nice zing to the flavor.
3. Mix Your Filling:
Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, all-purpose flour, and salt to the apples. Mix everything gently until the apple slices are evenly coated and look delicious.
4. Assemble the Pie:
Next, place one of the pie crusts into a 9-inch pie pan. Press it down gently, so it fits perfectly.
Now, pour half of the caramel sauce over the bottom of the crust. This adds a sweet surprise at the base!
5. Fill with Apples:
Carefully fill the pie crust with your apple mixture, arranging the slices evenly. Make sure they look nice and full—no one likes a sad-looking pie!
Dot the top of the apples with small pieces of butter to add richness. Finally, pour the remaining caramel sauce over the apples for that gooey goodness.
6. Top and Seal:
Cover the pie with the second crust. You can either cut slits for a classic look or get creative with a lattice pattern. Remember, those slits help steam escape!
Seal the edges by crimping with your fingers or using a fork to give it a nice design.
7. Egg Wash:
Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the top crust. This gives your pie a beautiful golden color when baked.
8. Bake the Pie:
Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. You want the crust to be golden and the filling to be bubbling—so mouth-watering!
If the edges start browning too much, don’t hesitate to cover them with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours. This will help the filling set so you can slice it perfectly.
When you’re ready to serve, slice a piece and top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce on top for an indulgent touch!
Now, enjoy your warm, flaky Caramel Apple Pie! Each bite should be a delightful balance of sweet, tart apples and rich caramel. Happy baking! 🍏🥧
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Red Delicious provide a nice balance of tart and sweet, you can use any firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn for great results. Just aim for a mix of flavors to keep it interesting!
How Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the pie a day in advance! Assemble it completely and refrigerate it until it’s time to bake. Just add an extra 10 minutes of baking time if baking directly from the fridge to ensure it cooks thoroughly.
What Should I Do If the Crust Browns Too Quickly?
If you notice the edges of your pie crust browning too fast, cover them with strips of aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking. This will protect the crust while allowing the filling to bubble up and cook perfectly!
How Should I Store Leftover Pie?
Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, pop individual slices in the microwave or in a 350°F (175°C) oven just until warm. Enjoy!