Caramel Apple Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of sweet caramel with tart Granny Smith apples. With its beautiful lattice top and gooey filling, this pie is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy evenings at home. It’s a comforting choice that brings together the classic flavors of apple pie with a luxurious caramel twist.
Why Make This Recipe
Creating Caramel Apple Pie is a rewarding experience. This dessert not only tastes incredible, but it also fills your home with the warm, inviting scent of baking apples and caramel. Making this pie from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and tailor it to your preferences. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress friends and family with your baking skills!
How to Make Caramel Apple Pie
Ingredients
- 2 homemade pie crust (or pre-made pie crust; one for the bottom crust and one for the lattice top)
- 8 large Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, sliced)
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Dash of salt
- 1 Egg yolk plus 2 tbsp water for egg wash
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup salted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Prepare the caramel sauce and set it aside.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Press the bottom crust into a 9-inch pie pan and trim the excess dough with a sharp knife. Place the pie crust in the fridge until the filling is ready.
- In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a medium bowl, toss the sliced apples with the spiced sugar mixture and the lemon juice.
- Pour the apple mixture into the chilled pie shell.
- Generously drizzle about half of the caramel sauce over the apples, then top with the lattice crust.
- Brush the top crust with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any spills and bake for 50 minutes, or until the filling bubbles and the crust turns golden brown.
- Allow the pie to cool on a rack for 20-30 minutes before drizzling more caramel sauce over the top.
Salted Caramel Sauce
- Combine heavy cream, sugar, corn syrup, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook until the sugar melts and the mixture begins to simmer.
- Add the butter and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth.
- Allow it to cool slightly before using.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Pie
Serve your Caramel Apple Pie warm or at room temperature. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side adds a wonderful creamy contrast to the sweet and tangy pie. Drizzling additional caramel sauce over each slice elevates the dessert even further.
How to Store Caramel Apple Pie
To store your Caramel Apple Pie, keep it covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store it longer, place it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy the warm flavors again.
Tips to Make Caramel Apple Pie
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of flavor with the sweet caramel.
- Make sure to cool the pie before serving to let the filling set.
- Experiment with adding nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch.
Variation
You can add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling for added texture. Additionally, try using different apple varieties for a unique flavor profile!
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-made caramel sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce if you want to save time. Just warm it up slightly before using.
2. Is it necessary to use Granny Smith apples?
No, but using Granny Smith apples provides a perfect balance between sweet and tart, which complements the caramel wonderfully.
3. How can I prevent the crust from burning?
To prevent the crust from burning, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil during baking or place the pie on a lower rack in the oven.
Now you are ready to make a delicious Caramel Apple Pie that will delight everyone who tries it! Enjoy baking and sharing this sweet treat!
Caramel Apple Pie
Ingredients
For the pie crust
- 2 pieces homemade pie crust (or pre-made pie crust; one for the bottom crust and one for the lattice top) Use store-bought or homemade, based on preference.
For the filling
- 8 large Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, sliced) These apples provide a nice tartness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Prevents browning of the apples.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch Helps to thicken the filling.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 dash salt Enhances flavor.
- 1 egg yolk plus 2 tbsp water for egg wash Gives crust a nice glaze.
For the caramel sauce
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup salted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare the caramel sauce and set it aside.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Press the bottom crust into a 9-inch pie pan and trim the excess dough with a sharp knife. Place the pie crust in the fridge until the filling is ready.
Filling preparation
- In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a medium bowl, toss the sliced apples with the spiced sugar mixture and the lemon juice.
- Pour the apple mixture into the chilled pie shell.
- Generously drizzle about half of the caramel sauce over the apples, then top with the lattice crust.
- Brush the top crust with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Baking
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any spills and bake for 50 minutes, or until the filling bubbles and the crust turns golden brown.
- Allow the pie to cool on a rack for 20-30 minutes before drizzling more caramel sauce over the top.
