Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

Love the classic taste of apple pie? Take it up a notch with the addition of gooey salted caramel! This Salted Caramel Apple Pie is the ultimate fall dessert, perfect for cozy gatherings or holiday celebrations. The combination of tart apples, buttery crust, and rich salted caramel creates a flavor explosion you won’t be able to resist. Read on to learn how to make this show-stopping dessert, and impress everyone with a pie that tastes as good as it looks!

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What is a “Salted Caramel Apple Pie”?

Salted Caramel Apple Pie is a delightful twist on the traditional apple pie, combining the classic flavors of apples, cinnamon, and buttery pie crust with a luscious homemade salted caramel sauce. The result is a sweet, salty, and indulgent treat that captures the essence of fall. By using tart apples like Granny Smith and adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, this pie has a perfectly balanced flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more.

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Ingredients List for Salted Caramel Apple Pie

To create a perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ½ cup ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced tart apples (Granny Smith works best)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature and cut into pieces
• ½ cup heavy cream, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

For the Pie Topping:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

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Ingredient Notes and Variations

Pie Crust Variations: If you're short on time, a store-bought pie crust will work just fine, but making a homemade crust is well worth the effort. For a flakier crust, consider using a mixture of shortening and butter.

Apple Variations: While Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and firm texture, you can also mix in other apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji to add sweetness and complexity to the flavor.

Caramel Sauce Options: If making caramel from scratch seems intimidating, you can use store-bought salted caramel sauce instead. Just ensure it’s high-quality, as it’ll impact the overall taste of your pie.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pie Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter, and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Slowly add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together.
3. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce

1. In a saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring continuously until it melts into a golden-brown liquid.
2. Carefully add the butter, stirring until fully combined. Slowly pour in the cream and continue stirring until the sauce is smooth.
3. Remove from heat, add sea salt, and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Make the Apple Filling

1. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice.
2. Set the filling aside and allow it to sit for 10 minutes so the flavors can meld.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out one of the dough discs and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate.
3. Layer half of the apple mixture in the crust, drizzle with half of the salted caramel sauce, and repeat with the remaining apples and caramel.
4. Roll out the second dough disc, place it over the pie, and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits on top to allow steam to escape.
5. Brush the top crust with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar, if desired.

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

1. Bake the Pie: Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
2. Cool the Pie: Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set. This will help prevent a soggy bottom crust.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Chilling Time: Chilling the dough is crucial for a flaky crust. Don’t skip this step!
• Overfilling the Pie: Adding too much filling can lead to overflow and soggy crust. Stick to the recommended amount.
• Not Letting the Pie Cool: Cutting the pie too soon can cause the filling to spill out, so give it time to set.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Salted Caramel Apple Pie is best served warm, allowing the caramel to remain gooey and luscious. For an indulgent touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top or a dollop of whipped cream. Drizzle a little extra salted caramel sauce over each slice for added sweetness and presentation.

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How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie

1. Slice the Pie Carefully: Use a sharp knife to cut the pie cleanly. Each slice will reveal a beautiful, caramel-coated apple filling.
2. Add Extra Caramel Drizzle: For a gourmet touch, drizzle extra salted caramel sauce over each slice just before serving.

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Presentation Ideas for Salted Caramel Apple Pie

• Rustic Style: Let the pie cool slightly and serve it directly from the pie dish with minimal garnish. This rustic style adds to the homey feel of apple pie.
• Garnished with Apple Slices: Add a few thin apple slices or a sprig of fresh rosemary on top for a beautiful garnish.
• Serve on Wooden Boards: For a fall-themed presentation, serve the pie slices on wooden boards or plates with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

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Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe Tips

• Choose Firm Apples: Using firm, tart apples helps the filling hold its shape and adds a nice contrast to the caramel.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing leads to tough crust. Work quickly and handle the dough as little as possible.
• Store Leftovers Properly: Cover the pie with foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make the caramel sauce in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the caramel sauce up to 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before using in the pie.

Q: What type of apples work best in this pie?
A: Granny Smith apples are ideal because of their tart flavor and firm texture. You can also mix them with Honeycrisp or Braeburn for added sweetness and variety.

Q: Can I freeze this pie?
A: Yes, you can freeze the pie before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When ready to bake, just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.

Q: How can I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
A: Blind-baking the crust is one way, but for this recipe, simply cooling the pie completely before cutting helps. You can also sprinkle a thin layer of flour or crushed cookies on the bottom crust before adding the filling.

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Conclusion

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie is a must-try dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its flaky crust, spiced apple filling, and gooey salted caramel, it’s sure to become a family favorite. From the careful choice of apples to the homemade caramel sauce, each element adds depth and flavor to this incredible pie. Follow the steps above, avoid common mistakes, and get ready to enjoy a slice of caramel heaven. Don’t forget to serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and extra caramel drizzle for the ultimate dessert experience!

Ready to make this Salted Caramel Apple Pie? Gather your ingredients, and let’s start baking this unforgettable treat!

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