This Caramel Apple Pie is a warm, sweet treat that brings fall flavors to your table. Juicy apples and rich caramel come together in a flaky crust that just melts in your mouth.
Honestly, I can’t resist sneaking a slice while it’s still warm! Pair it with a scoop of ice cream, and it’s pure happiness on a plate. 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: For the best flavor, I recommend using Granny Smith apples for their tartness and a mix of sweeter apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji. If you can’t find those, use what you have; just make sure to combine tart and sweet for balance.
Pie Crust: Store-bought pie crusts are super convenient. However, if you prefer homemade, use a simple recipe with flour, butter, and water. You can even use a graham cracker crust for a unique twist!
Caramel Sauce: Homemade caramel sauce is great, but you can also use store-bought for convenience. If you need a dairy-free option, non-dairy caramel sauces are widely available now.
Spices: The combination of cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the apple flavor. If you’re out of nutmeg, just skip it; the cinnamon will still add a lovely warmth!
How Do I Create a Perfect Lattice Top for My Pie?
A lattice top gives your pie that lovely homemade touch! Here’s how to do it:
- Roll out the second pie crust and slice it into strips (about 1 inch wide).
- Start by laying half the strips parallel, about 1 inch apart, across the pie filled with apples.
- Take the remaining strips and weave them over and under the first set, alternating their pattern as you go.
- Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal. This helps keep the delicious filling inside!
Remember, if the strips break, it’s no big deal; just patch them together. It’s all covered with caramel and looks great in the end.
How to Make Caramel Apple Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 pre-made pie crusts (or homemade, enough for a 9-inch pie)
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (Granny Smith or a mix of tart and sweet apples)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade), plus extra for drizzling
For Finishing:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling on top (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and about 1 hour to bake. After baking, it’s best to let the pie cool for at least 2 hours so the filling sets nicely. So, plan for a total of about 3 hours from start to finish, depending on your cooling preference!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it’s heating, roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Don’t forget to trim the edges and chill the crust while you prepare the filling—this helps keep it flaky!
2. Make the Apple Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, toss your sliced apples with lemon juice to avoid browning. Then, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix everything well until the apples are nicely coated and juicy.
3. Assemble the Filling in Crust:
Pour half of the apple mixture directly into the bottom crust. Drizzle about half of the caramel sauce over the apples for that sweet touch. Next, add the remaining apple mixture on top, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Finally, dot the top with small pieces of butter; this will add a nice richness!
4. Create the Lattice Top:
Roll out the second pie crust and cut it into strips about 1 inch wide. Now, place the strips in a lattice pattern over the apples. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just create a nice criss-cross effect! Trim the edges and crimp to seal everything up.
5. Brush and Sugar:
For that golden finish, brush the lattice crust with the beaten egg wash. If you want an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle a little coarse sugar over the top.
6. Bake:
To catch any drips, place the pie on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the crust golden-brown and that lovely filling bubbling!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s baked, let your pie cool for at least 2 hours. This helps the filling set up nicely. Before serving, drizzle some extra caramel sauce on top for that lovely finishing touch. Enjoy your warm, flaky, and delicious Caramel Apple Pie!
It’s perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Pie?
Absolutely! A mix of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji creates a delicious balance. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!
Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pie up to the point of baking and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just cover it well with plastic wrap. Bake it when you’re ready, but add a few extra minutes to the baking time due to the chill from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat slices in the microwave or a warm oven until heated through. A dash of added caramel sauce can freshen it up!
How Can I Prevent My Pie Crust from Getting Soggy?
To keep your crust crisp, make sure to toss the sliced apples with sugar and let them sit in a colander for about 10 minutes to drain excess moisture before adding them to the pie. Also, baking it directly on a baking sheet helps circulate hot air, reducing sogginess.
