Caramel Apple Pie

What happens when you take a classic apple pie and give it a gooey, golden caramel upgrade? Pure dessert magic. This Caramel Apple Pie is everything you love about fall in one buttery, flaky, sweet-and-tangy slice. With soft cinnamon-spiced apples nestled in rich caramel sauce and wrapped in a golden crust, it’s like your favorite childhood memory got an irresistible glow-up. And yes, it totally lives up to the hype.

Why You’ll Fall for This Pie

There’s pie, and then there’s caramel apple pie. It’s warm, comforting, and dangerously delicious. Perfect for family holidays, dinner parties, or cozy nights when you’re just craving something sweet and nostalgic—but with a twist.

• Sweet meets tart: Apples and caramel were meant for each other.
• Beautifully balanced: Buttery crust, gooey filling, and hints of cinnamon and vanilla.
• Classic with a twist: Traditional enough to feel comforting, but unique enough to impress.
• Ultimate crowd-pleaser: It disappears quickly. Consider making two!

Ingredients in Caramel Apple Pie

For the filling

Apples – Choose tart ones like Granny Smith or a mix for depth.
Caramel sauce – Store-bought or homemade for that golden, gooey goodness.
Brown sugar – Richer and deeper than white sugar, it complements the caramel.
Cinnamon – Warm and cozy. A must.
Nutmeg (optional) – Just a pinch for a subtle kick.
Flour or cornstarch – To thicken all that juicy filling.
Vanilla extract – Adds that special “something.”
Lemon juice – Keeps the apples bright and balances the sweetness.

For the crust

Pie dough – Use your favorite homemade recipe or store-bought for ease.
Butter (optional) – Dotting the filling with butter makes it extra rich.
Egg wash – For that golden, shiny finish.

Directions

Prepare the crust

Roll out your pie dough and fit one round into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and chill while you make the filling.

Make the filling

Peel and slice apples thinly. Toss them with lemon juice, caramel sauce, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Let them sit for 10–15 minutes so the flavors can mingle.

Assemble the pie

Pour the apple mixture into the prepared crust. Dot with butter if you like. Add the top crust—lattice or solid—and crimp the edges. Cut steam vents if using a solid crust. Brush with egg wash.

Bake to golden perfection

Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch drips. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 50–60 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles up around the edges.

Cool, slice, and serve

Let the pie rest for at least 2 hours so the filling can set. Serve warm with ice cream or more caramel sauce.

Servings & Timing

Servings: 8 slices
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (plus cooling)

Variations

• Salted caramel: Add flaky sea salt to the top after baking.
• Dutch topping: Swap the top crust for a cinnamon-oat crumb topping.
• Mini pies: Use muffin tins to make adorable mini versions.
• Bourbon boost: Stir a tablespoon of bourbon into the filling for grown-up flair.

Storage & Reheating

• Room temp: Keep covered at room temp for 1 day.
• Fridge: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm slices in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes or zap in the microwave for 30 seconds.

10 FAQs About Caramel Apple Pie

1. What are the best apples to use?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn are all great options.

2. Can I use premade caramel?
Yes! Store-bought caramel sauce works beautifully.

3. Should I blind bake the crust?
No need. This pie bakes long enough to cook both crust and filling perfectly.

4. Can I freeze the pie?
Yes—freeze the unbaked pie and bake straight from frozen, adding 15–20 mins.

5. How do I prevent a soggy bottom?
Place the pie on a preheated baking sheet to help crisp the bottom.

6. Can I make this ahead of time?
Totally. It actually slices better after sitting overnight.

7. Should I peel the apples?
Yes—for the best texture.

8. Can I use puff pastry instead of pie dough?
You can! Just keep an eye on the bake time and temperature.

9. Can I make it vegan?
Use vegan butter, dairy-free caramel, and a vegan pie crust.

10. How do I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free pie crust and swap the flour for cornstarch or GF flour blend.

Final Thoughts

Caramel Apple Pie is a classic apple pie with a sweet twist that just hits different. With its golden crust, cinnamon-kissed apples, and rivers of warm caramel, it’s a dessert that practically demands a second slice. Whether you’re a seasoned pie maker or a beginner baker, this one’s a guaranteed showstopper.

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