Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

I absolutely love how this Caramel Apple Pie Recipe brings together the best of fall flavors in one beautiful, comforting dessert. There’s something magical about the way the tart apples mingle with the rich, buttery crust and that luscious caramel drizzle that keeps my family coming back for seconds—and usually thirds! If you’re looking for a pie that feels like a warm hug on a crisp autumn afternoon or a special centerpiece for holiday gatherings, this recipe is your answer.

When I first tried this Caramel Apple Pie Recipe, I was blown away by how the homemade crust and cooked apple filling with cinnamon and vanilla made such a difference. The secret is cooking the apples beforehand so the filling is perfectly tender and not soggy. Plus, the lattice crust topped with caramel is a showstopper for guests. Trust me, after you nail this down, it becomes your go-to pie that’s as impressive as it is delicious.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting your ingredients right is half the battle done, especially for a caramel apple pie where the crust and filling have to shine together. I like to use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a more complex flavor, and fresh lemon juice lifts the filling perfectly.

• Unsalted Butter: Use chilled butter for that flaky crust texture—it’s the secret to a tender pie shell.
• All-purpose Flour: This provides just the right structure for the pie crust and dusting surfaces.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the crust slightly and helps with browning.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances all the other flavors both in the dough and filling.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a subtle tang and tightens up the dough for easier handling.
• Ice Water: Keeps the dough cool, preventing the butter from melting before baking.
• Apples: I like a mix—Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, and Gala for aroma.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Its molasses notes deepen the caramel flavor of the filling.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Balances the sweetness and prevents apples from browning.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it’s not runny after baking.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth that’s essential for classic apple pie flavor.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Brings depth and enhances the sweetness of the caramel.
• Store-bought or Homemade Caramel: You’ll want a smooth, pourable caramel to drizzle over the filling and pie after baking.
• Egg Wash (Egg + Water): Gives the crust a beautiful golden shine and helps the sugar stick.
• Coarse Sugar: Adds a sparkly, crunchy topping that’s a lovely textural touch.

Variations

While I stick to the classic apple-carved pie most times, I’ve discovered a few variations that you might love to try too—mixing things up can make this Caramel Apple Pie Recipe your signature with a twist.

• Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg and allspice elevates the warmth and layers of flavor, perfect for cozy fall nights.
• Pear & Apple Mix: Swapping half the apples with pears brings a subtle floral sweetness that’s delightful.
• Gluten-Free: I once tried this with a gluten-free flour blend in the crust, and while it needed a bit more water, it turned out beautifully flaky.
• Salted Caramel: Using a salted caramel drizzle instead of regular caramel adds a lovely balance between sweet and salty that my family adores.

How to Make Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Chill the Butter for Buttery Crust Magic

Pop your butter into the freezer for about 30 minutes before starting. This keeps it cold and helps create those flaky layers everyone loves in a pie crust. Trust me, skipping this step will make your crust tough and dense, and you don’t want that!

Step 2: Make the Crust Dough with a Perfect Balance

In a large bowl, whisk your flour, sugar, and salt. Then cut in your chilled butter using your hands or a pastry cutter until you get pea-sized pieces and some larger butter chunks. I like using my fingers because it’s easier to feel when it’s right, but tools work too. Add apple cider vinegar and ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough easily holds when squeezed but isn’t sticky. It’ll look crumbly—don’t worry, that’s good! Form into two disks on a floured surface, wrap, and chill for at least two hours or overnight.

Step 3: Cook the Filling for Tender Apples and Thick Sauce

This is the trick I learned that sets this caramel apple pie apart: cooking the apple filling before baking makes the texture perfectly tender. Toss your sliced apples with brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, cornstarch, and salt in a skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the apples soften but still hold shape—about 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool before filling the crust.

Step 4: Roll, Fill, and Create the Perfect Lattice Top

Roll out one dough disk on a floured surface to a 12-inch circle and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges with a one-inch overhang for a neat finish. Pour your cooled apple mixture into the crust and drizzle with half a cup of caramel for that extra indulgence. For the top crust, roll out the second disk and cut into strips to weave a classic lattice pattern over the filling. Don’t be intimidated—you can fold strips back and forth, it’s easier than it looks. Freeze the assembled pie for about 15 minutes to keep the crust firm before baking.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F and place a baking sheet on the center rack—this catches drips and helps with even heat. Brush the pie crust with your egg wash and sprinkle coarse sugar on top for a sparkly crisp finish. Place the pie on the hot baking sheet and bake for about 50 minutes, loosely covering with foil if the crust browns too fast. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is deeply golden and the filling bubbles up around the edges. Cool it completely for at least two hours so the filling sets nicely.

Step 6: Drizzle More Caramel and Serve!

Just before serving, drizzle more warm caramel over each slice for that ultimate sweet finish. It’s such a simple step but makes every bite feel extra special—believe me, this caramel apple pie recipe shines when you take the time for this final flourish.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

Garnishes

I like to serve my caramel apple pie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream—that contrast of warm pie and cold ice cream is unbeatable. Sometimes, I sprinkle extra coarse sugar on the crust just before baking for that perfect sparkle and crunch, and a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a little extra elegance.

Side Dishes

This pie is a dessert star, but pairing it with a hot cup of spiced cider or a creamy chai latte makes it even cozier. If you want to turn it into a full autumn-themed feast, a charcuterie board with sharp cheeses and nuts complements the sweet richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, I sometimes serve mini versions of this pie in individual ramekins with small lattice tops—perfect for parties or special occasions. You can also brush the crust with maple syrup before baking for a subtle sweet flavor and deeper color. Adding edible gold leaf or cinnamon sticks alongside for garnish really makes a statement when you’re serving guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools completely, I cover any leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh and delicious for up to four days—though in my house, it rarely lasts that long! Just make sure to store it airtight so the crust doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

This pie freezes beautifully—just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. I’ve found freezing the unbaked pie after assembling the lattice crust works well too, so you can pop it straight into the oven when you’re ready.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I warm slices in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to revive the crust’s crispiness and warm the filling without making it soggy or dry. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that classic oven-baked texture; it tends to turn the crust rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Apple Pie Recipe has truly earned a special place in my kitchen and my heart. It’s that perfect balance of comforting, sweet, and just a little bit fancy that makes me excited to bake it anytime there’s a chill in the air. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see how easy it is to create a pie that feels handmade with love and fills your home with the scent of fall. Once you taste it, I have a feeling it’ll become your family’s favorite too!

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