Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

There’s something truly magical about the combination of sweet and salty flavors, and nothing embodies this better than a Salted Caramel Apple Pie. This mouthwatering dessert combines the tartness of apples with the rich, buttery flavor of homemade caramel and just a hint of sea salt to create a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner looking to impress, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites. Stick around for this ultimate Salted Caramel Apple Pie recipe guide as we cover every detail to make the perfect pie, and offer tips to elevate your baking game.

What Is Salted Caramel Apple Pie?

Salted Caramel Apple Pie is a classic American dessert that combines all the flavors of fall. At its core, it’s a traditional apple pie with an added layer of salted caramel sauce. The interplay of textures—from the flaky crust to the soft, tender apples and the gooey caramel—makes it a unique twist on the usual apple pie. The touch of salt in the caramel enhances the sweetness of the apples, creating a perfectly balanced dessert. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need!

Ingredients List for Salted Caramel Apple Pie

Before you can get baking, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. Here’s a comprehensive list of everything you'll need to make your Salted Caramel Apple Pie.

For the Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into small cubes)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6–7 medium-sized tart apples (such as Granny Smith, peeled and sliced)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

For Topping:

• 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing the crust)
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling)

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to get started on the variations and substitutions that can make this pie your own.

Substitutions and Variations

Not every kitchen is stocked with the exact ingredients, but don’t worry! There are plenty of substitutions and variations you can make to this Salted Caramel Apple Pie to suit your dietary needs or personal preferences.

• Apples: While Granny Smith apples are the go-to for their tartness, you can substitute them with Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji apples for a sweeter pie. A mix of two types of apples can add depth to the flavor.
• Butter Substitutes: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use vegan butter or margarine in both the crust and the caramel sauce. Coconut oil can also work in the crust, though it may change the flavor slightly.
• Flour Alternatives: For a gluten-free crust, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for elasticity.
• Caramel Variations: Not feeling up to making your own caramel? You can use store-bought caramel sauce, but make sure to add a pinch of sea salt to get that perfect salted caramel flavor.
• Spice Mix: In addition to cinnamon and nutmeg, feel free to add a pinch of allspice or ginger for a more robust spice profile.

Once you've decided on any substitutions, it’s time to move on to the actual cooking process. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through each stage of the pie-making process to ensure your Salted Caramel Apple Pie turns out perfect.

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Form the Dough: Split the dough into two equal portions. Shape each into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

1. Melt Sugar: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly as the sugar melts and turns a deep amber color.
2. Add Butter: Carefully add the butter and whisk until it melts and combines with the sugar.
3. Stir in Cream: Slowly add the heavy cream while stirring. The mixture will bubble vigorously, so be cautious.
4. Add Salt: Once the mixture is smooth, stir in the sea salt. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Slice the Apples: Peel and slice your apples, ensuring the slices are thin and even.
2. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice.
3. Coat the Apples: Let the apples sit for 10 minutes to release their juices, then toss again to ensure they’re fully coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Roll Out the Dough: Roll out one dough disc on a floured surface to fit your pie dish. Place it in the dish and trim the excess dough around the edges.
2. Layer the Apples: Add the apple filling, arranging the slices evenly.
3. Pour the Caramel: Drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over the apple filling.
4. Top with the Crust: Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the pie. Crimp the edges and cut slits on top to allow steam to escape.

Step 5: Bake

1. Brush the Crust: Lightly brush the top crust with milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
2. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the pie for 50–60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

How to Cook Salted Caramel Apple Pie: A Step-by-Step Guide

To get your pie just right, here’s a quick summary of the steps:

1. Make the pie crust and chill it for 1 hour.
2. Prepare the caramel sauce and let it cool.
3. Mix the apple filling and let it sit for a few minutes.
4. Roll out the dough and assemble the pie.
5. Bake for 50–60 minutes, then let the pie cool before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned bakers can run into issues when making Salted Caramel Apple Pie. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Overworking the Dough: Handle the dough as little as possible to keep it flaky.
• Soggy Bottom Crust: To prevent a soggy bottom, pre-bake the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling.
• Burnt Caramel: Caramel can burn quickly, so keep a close eye on it as it melts and stir continuously.
• Runny Filling: Avoid watery filling by using enough flour to thicken the apple juices.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your pie has cooled, it’s time to serve it up. Here are some tips for presenting and serving your Salted Caramel Apple Pie.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie

• Serve Warm: This pie is best served warm, either straight from the oven or reheated. The caramel will be gooey, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
• Add Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect pairing for a warm slice of pie. The cold creaminess contrasts with the warm, salty-sweet pie.

Presentation Ideas for Salted Caramel Apple Pie

• Drizzle Extra Caramel: Before serving, drizzle extra salted caramel sauce over the pie for a professional finish.
• Garnish with Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on each slice can enhance the flavors and make your presentation pop.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe Tips

• Prep in Advance: You can make the pie dough and caramel sauce a day ahead to save time.
• Use Cold Ingredients: For a flakier crust, make sure your butter and water are cold before mixing them into the dough.
• Chill the Pie: Let the pie cool for at least an hour before slicing, allowing the filling to set properly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze Salted Caramel Apple Pie?

Yes! You can freeze the unbaked pie for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crust’s crispness.

Can I use store-bought crust?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a pre-made pie crust works well, though the homemade version will always taste better.

Conclusion

There you have it! A full breakdown of how to create the perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie—from the buttery crust to the rich, salted caramel and spiced apple filling. Whether you're a pie-making pro or a novice, this guide will ensure your pie turns out delicious every time. So gather your ingredients, and enjoy the process of baking this fall-inspired dessert. Don’t forget to share your results with friends and family—they’ll thank you later!

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