If you are searching for a dessert that embraces the warmth of autumn and the allure of sweet and salty flavors, this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. It takes the beloved classic apple pie to new heights, combining tender cinnamon-spiced apples with a luscious salted caramel drizzle that perfectly balances richness and zest. Whether you’re aiming to impress at a holiday gathering or just craving a cozy treat, this recipe delivers comfort and decadence in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Gathering simple, straightforward ingredients is the first step to crafting this unforgettable pie. Each one plays an important role—from the crisp apples that form the heart of the filling to the buttery crust that provides the perfect flaky base, and the homemade caramel that ties it all together with a touch of salted sweetness.

All-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender, flaky crust as well as a thickener in the filling.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust, filling, and caramel sauce.
Unsalted butter: Essential for a rich crust and silky caramel; cold butter helps create that perfect flaky texture in the dough.
Ice water: Keeps the dough cool and workable while helping it bind together.
Apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp): A mix of tart and sweet apples provides depth and texture.
Brown sugar: Brings warmth and moisture to the apple filling.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic spices that infuse the filling with cozy flavors.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness that prevents the apples from browning and balances sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the aroma and overall flavor complexity.
Heavy cream: Adds creaminess to the salted caramel sauce.
Flaky sea salt: The key ingredient that gives the caramel its signature salty-sweet delight.
Egg wash (optional): For a beautifully golden crust finish.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by mixing the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Cut the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture until you reach a coarse crumb texture. Slowly add ice water, just enough for the dough to come together without getting sticky. Divide the dough in half, wrap each portion in plastic, and chill for at least an hour. This rest time lets the gluten relax and the fats firm up, ensuring a tender, flaky crust.

Step 2: Make the Salted Caramel

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar until it turns a beautiful amber color—this takes patience, but the flavor is worth it. Carefully whisk in the cubed butter until melted, then slowly add heavy cream while continuing to whisk. Finally, stir in the flaky sea salt for that perfect balance of sweet and savory. Let it cool slightly before using it in your pie.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced apples with both sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. This combination ensures the apples remain tender with just the right amount of sweet-spice harmony and helps thicken the juices during baking so the filling won’t be runny.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Roll out one disc of chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Press the crust gently into place, then spoon the apple filling inside. Drizzle about half a cup of your salted caramel over the apples, reserving the rest for serving. Next, roll out the second dough disc and either cover the filling fully or create a lovely lattice top. Pinch edges to seal and cut small slits for steam to escape. Brush with egg wash if you want that golden, glossy finish.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for the first 20 minutes to set the crust and jump-start the caramelization. Then lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 35 to 40 minutes until the crust is beautifully golden and the filling is bubbling. Let the pie cool completely—at least two hours—so the flavors settle and the caramel thickens before slicing and drizzling with extra caramel sauce.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

A round pie with a golden brown lattice crust, partially sliced, sits in a clear glass pie dish on a white marbled surface. The lattice crust has a rough sugar sprinkle and a shiny caramel glaze drizzled over the top. Inside, visible through the lattice, are pieces of cooked apple filling that is warm brown in color. Next to the pie dish is a brown jar with caramel sauce and a spoon inside. There is also a red apple and a green apple placed on the marbled surface near the pie. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes a classic pairing, melting over the warm pie and adding creamy richness. For a little extra crunch, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the caramel drizzle for contrast and texture.

Side Dishes

This pie shines on its own, but if you’re serving it as part of a larger spread, consider light, refreshing sides like a crisp green salad dressed with citrus vinaigrette. A hot cup of spiced cider or a bold black coffee can also complement the sweet and salty notes beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your pie into mini servings by baking it in individual tart pans or ramekins. Experiment with lattice work on the crust or decorative cutouts to make the presentation festive – perfect for holiday tables or dinner parties. Drizzling salted caramel just before serving keeps it glossy and irresistible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust may soften a little, but the flavors will become even more concentrated, making it a great treat to enjoy later.

Freezing

You can freeze the fully baked pie by wrapping it carefully in plastic wrap and then foil. For best quality, consume within one month. To freeze unbaked, assemble the pie as instructed, wrap well, and freeze before baking, which allows baking fresh pie right from the freezer with a slightly longer bake time.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes to warm through and crisp the crust again. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the texture flaky and the caramel luscious.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples in this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are recommended for their balance of tartness and sweetness, feel free to experiment with Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will vary slightly based on your choice.

Is it necessary to make salted caramel from scratch?

Making salted caramel elevates this pie, giving it that rich, buttery flavor that store-bought sauces often miss. But if you’re short on time, good-quality caramel sauce with a pinch of sea salt can work as a shortcut.

Can I prepare the pie crust ahead of time?

Yes! The pie dough can be made and chilled for up to two days before baking. This makes it perfect for prepping ahead for busy holiday cooking. Just bring it back to a workable temperature before rolling out.

How do I prevent the pie crust edges from burning?

Use a foil or pie shield to cover the edges after about 25 minutes of baking. This protects the crust edges from over-browning while the filling continues to cook perfectly.

Can I use store-bought pie crust for this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe?

Definitely! Store-bought crust can save time and still produce great results, especially if you choose a high-quality brand. Just make sure to adjust baking times slightly and keep an eye to avoid over-baking.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the way the sweet and tart apples marry with the golden, rich salted caramel in this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe. Whether you’re a passionate baker or trying your hand at something new, this recipe brings comfort, elegance, and joy to your kitchen. Whip one up and enjoy the delightful smiles it’s sure to bring around your table!