Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

Craving the perfect fall dessert? Look no further than this Salted Caramel Apple Pie recipe! Combining the tartness of fresh apples, the buttery crunch of a flaky pie crust, and the rich, deep flavor of homemade salted caramel, this pie is a showstopper at any gathering. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just looking to impress your guests with a delightful dessert, this guide has everything you need. So, grab your apron, keep reading, and get ready to bake the pie that will have everyone asking for seconds!

this Recipe

What is Salted Caramel Apple Pie?

Salted Caramel Apple Pie is a delicious variation of the traditional apple pie that takes it to the next level by adding a layer of rich, salted caramel sauce. The sweet and salty combination, paired with the tartness of the apples and the flakiness of the pie crust, creates a perfect balance of flavors. This pie has become a favorite in many households, particularly during the fall when apple season is in full swing.

Ingredients List for Salted Caramel Apple Pie

For the Crust:

1. All-purpose flour – 2 ½ cups (for a perfectly flaky crust)
2. Unsalted butter – 1 cup, chilled and cut into small cubes
3. Salt – 1 tsp
4. Sugar – 1 tbsp
5. Ice-cold water – 6-8 tbsp

For the Apple Filling:

1. Apples – 6 medium, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal for their tartness)
2. Granulated sugar – ¾ cup
3. Brown sugar – ¼ cup
4. Ground cinnamon – 1 tsp
5. Ground nutmeg – ¼ tsp
6. All-purpose flour – 3 tablespoon (to help thicken the filling)
7. Fresh lemon juice – 1 tablespoon (to keep apples from browning)
8. Vanilla extract – 1 tsp

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

1. Granulated sugar – 1 cup
2. Unsalted butter – 6 tbsp, cut into cubes
3. Heavy cream – ½ cup, room temperature
4. Sea salt – 1 teaspoon (for that perfect salty kick)

For the Egg Wash:

1. Egg – 1, beaten
2. Milk – 1 tablespoon (for a golden, glossy crust)

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about this Salted Caramel Apple Pie is its versatility. Here are some substitutions and variations to make it fit your preferences or dietary needs:

• Apples: If you don't have Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, try using Golden Delicious or Fuji apples for a sweeter flavor. Mixing different apple varieties can also add depth to the filling.
• Butter: Swap out regular butter for vegan butter to make the pie dairy-free.
• Flour: Use gluten-free flour to accommodate a gluten-free diet. Just ensure it's a 1-to-1 replacement to keep the texture intact.
• Salt: Adjust the amount of sea salt in the caramel to your taste. You can also experiment with flavored salts like smoked sea salt for a unique twist.
• Add-ins: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the apple filling for extra crunch and flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients, let's dive into making the perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie. Follow these steps carefully, and you'll be rewarded with a pie that tastes as good as it looks.

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Mix until combined.
2. Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough starts to come together.
4. Divide the dough in half, shape each portion into a disc, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color. This should take about 6-8 minutes.
2. Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the butter until fully melted.
3. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Add the sea salt and stir until combined. Let the caramel cool slightly before using it in the pie.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. While the caramel sauce cools, prepare the apple filling. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and vanilla extract. Make sure the apples are well-coated.
2. Let the apple mixture sit for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides.
3. Pour half of the salted caramel sauce over the apple filling, making sure it's evenly distributed.
4. Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the apple filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal.
5. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

1. Brush the top crust with the egg wash for a golden finish.
2. 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.
3. If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
4. Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to set.

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

Cooking Salted Caramel Apple Pie involves a few essential steps: making the crust, preparing the apple filling, creating the salted caramel sauce, and assembling everything together. Here’s a more streamlined look at how to cook it:

1. Make the pie crust: Mix flour, sugar, and salt, cut in the butter, and add water to form the dough. Chill for an hour.
2. Create the caramel sauce: Melt sugar, stir in butter and cream, then season with sea salt.
3. Prepare the apple filling: Toss apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour.
4. Assemble the pie: Roll out the dough, add the filling, drizzle caramel, and cover with a second dough layer.
5. Bake: Brush with egg wash, bake at 375°F for 50-60 minutes, and let cool.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the dough: Overworking the pie dough can make it tough instead of flaky. Mix until the dough just comes together.
2. Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can result in a crust that shrinks or becomes soggy during baking.
3. Undercooking the caramel: If you don’t cook the sugar long enough when making caramel, it won’t develop its rich, deep flavor.
4. Cutting the pie too soon: Let the pie cool completely before slicing to prevent a runny filling.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation plays a big role in impressing your guests. Here are some tips to elevate your Salted Caramel Apple Pie to the next level.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie

• Serve the pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
• Drizzle extra salted caramel sauce on top for added richness.
• Dust a light layer of powdered sugar on the crust for a decorative touch.

Presentation Ideas for Salted Caramel Apple Pie

• Lattice the top crust for a beautiful, rustic look.
• Sprinkle a few sea salt flakes over the pie before serving to highlight the salted caramel flavor.
• Garnish each slice with a small mint leaf or a cinnamon stick for a pop of color.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe Tips

• Make the dough ahead: You can make the pie dough a day or two in advance and keep it refrigerated. This helps save time on the day of baking.
• Use a pie shield: If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, cover them with a pie shield or foil to prevent burning.
• Reheat leftovers carefully: Warm leftover pie slices in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes to keep the crust flaky and the filling gooey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce, but homemade salted caramel adds a richer flavor and is surprisingly easy to make.

Q: Can I freeze the pie?
A: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pie. Assemble it, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Q: What type of apples are best?
A: Granny Smith apples are ideal because their tartness balances the sweetness of the caramel. Honeycrisp or a mix of tart and sweet apples also work well.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Cover and store leftover pie at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to four days.

Conclusion

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie recipe is a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and tart flavors that’s sure to impress at any gathering. With its golden, flaky crust, luscious apple filling, and rich salted caramel sauce, this pie is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. Whether you're making it for a holiday dinner, a cozy family get-together, or simply to treat yourself, follow this guide to ensure pie perfection every time. So go ahead, give it a try, and let the compliments roll in!

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