Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

If you're looking for the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and tart, look no further than this decadent Salted Caramel Apple Pie recipe. Packed with juicy apples, rich caramel, and a hint of sea salt, this dessert is a must-try for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving feasts, or just a cozy weekend treat. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible dessert. Keep reading to discover the full recipe and helpful tips for making the best salted caramel apple pie!

this Recipe

What is a Salted Caramel Apple Pie?

Salted Caramel Apple Pie is a delightful twist on the classic apple pie recipe. It combines the traditional flavors of sweet, spiced apples with gooey, buttery caramel, and a touch of sea salt to balance the sweetness. The result is a pie that's both familiar and indulgent, with layers of texture and flavor that will keep you coming back for more.

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Ingredients List for Salted Caramel Apple Pie

To make the ultimate Salted Caramel Apple Pie, you'll need the following ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

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

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are best), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Topping:

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Coarse sugar for sprinkling
• Flaky sea salt for finishing

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Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

There are plenty of ways to personalize your Salted Caramel Apple Pie. Here are some ideas to make the recipe your own:

1. Crust Substitution: If you're short on time, you can use a store-bought pie crust instead of making your own from scratch. While homemade crust has a richer flavor, pre-made options save time without sacrificing too much quality.
2. Apple Variations: Granny Smith apples are the go-to for most apple pies due to their tartness, which pairs perfectly with sweet caramel. However, you can also mix and match apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady to adjust the sweetness and texture.
3. Caramel Sauce Shortcut: Don’t have time to make homemade salted caramel? You can use a high-quality store-bought caramel sauce and simply stir in sea salt. This makes the recipe faster without compromising too much on taste.
4. Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the crust if you or your guests have dietary restrictions. Be sure to also double-check that your caramel sauce ingredients are gluten-free.
5. Add Nuts: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling or sprinkle them over the top of the pie before baking. This adds crunch and an extra layer of flavor.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get into the detailed process of making this Salted Caramel Apple Pie. Follow these steps for a foolproof dessert.

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
4. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour.

Step 2: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

1. Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat and add the granulated sugar. Stir continuously as the sugar melts into a smooth, amber-colored liquid.
2. Once fully melted, carefully add the butter and stir until combined.
3. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, continuing to stir. Be cautious as the mixture will bubble up.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Let the sauce cool while you prepare the apple filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated.
2. Let the apple mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out one of the chilled dough disks and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, leaving excess dough hanging over the edges.
3. Layer the apple filling into the crust, then drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over the apples.
4. Roll out the second dough disk and either lay it over the apples in one piece for a traditional top or cut it into strips for a lattice design. Seal the edges of the crust and trim any excess dough.
5. Brush the top of the pie with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

1. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
2. Halfway through baking, you can tent the edges of the pie with foil if they’re browning too quickly.
3. Once done, let the pie cool for at least an hour before serving.

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

1. Make the Crust: Prepare your buttery, flaky pie dough and refrigerate it to chill before rolling it out.
2. Cook the Caramel: Melt sugar, whisk in butter, cream, and salt to create a luscious caramel sauce.
3. Mix the Apples: Toss apple slices with spices and sugars, allowing them to marinate for a few minutes to enhance flavor.
4. Assemble the Pie: Layer the caramel-drizzled apple filling in a prepared pie crust, then top with either a solid crust or a lattice design.
5. Bake: Bake until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is tender and bubbling.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overworking the Pie Dough: Be careful when handling the dough, as overmixing will make it tough instead of tender and flaky.
2. Using the Wrong Apples: Avoid overly soft apples like Red Delicious; they’ll turn mushy in the oven. Stick with firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
3. Burning the Caramel: Watch the caramel closely as it cooks; sugar can go from perfectly melted to burnt in seconds.
4. Not Allowing the Pie to Cool: It’s tempting to dig right in, but cutting the pie too early will result in a runny filling. Let it cool for at least an hour.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

To make your Salted Caramel Apple Pie a show-stopping dessert, here are some presentation ideas and serving suggestions:

1. Top with Extra Caramel: Before serving, drizzle the remaining salted caramel sauce over the top of the pie.
2. Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with warm apple pie, especially when drizzled with more caramel sauce.
3. Whipped Cream: For a lighter option, top your pie with a dollop of homemade whipped cream.

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How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie

Salted Caramel Apple Pie can be served warm or at room temperature. It’s best served slightly warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream. The contrasting temperatures of warm pie and cold ice cream are a classic combination that elevates this dessert to the next level.

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Presentation Ideas for Salted Caramel Apple Pie

• Lattice Crust: A lattice design on the top crust not only looks elegant but allows some of the apples and caramel to peek through.
• Rustic Look: Embrace a rustic style by keeping the edges of the pie slightly uneven, and finishing with a sprinkle of sea salt before serving.
• Drizzle Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a generous amount of caramel over the pie just before serving for a glossy, gourmet finish.

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Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe Tips

1. Chill Your Dough: Always chill your pie dough before rolling it out. Cold dough creates a flakier crust.
2. Don’t Overfill the Pie: Apples will release juice as they bake, so be careful not to overfill your pie dish to avoid overflow.
3. Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to ensure the pie cooks evenly.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the pie a day ahead and store it at room temperature. Reheat it in the oven before serving for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover Salted Caramel Apple Pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven.

Q: Can I freeze the pie?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked pie for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Conclusion

There you have it—the perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie recipe! Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering or simply to satisfy a craving, this pie will surely impress. The balance of tart apples, rich caramel, and a touch of sea salt creates a unique dessert experience. With the tips, variations, and step-by-step instructions provided, you'll be ready to bake a pie that's as beautiful as it is delicious. So roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to this indulgent creation today!

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