Description
A decadent twist on the classic apple pie, featuring tender cinnamon-spiced apples drizzled with rich homemade salted caramel. This comforting dessert combines the perfect balance of tart and sweet apples with a buttery flaky crust, ideal for holidays or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Crust (or use 2 store-bought pie crusts):
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6–8 tbsp ice water
For the Filling:
- 6 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp recommended)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Salted Caramel:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, stirring until the dough just begins to come together. Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Make the caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar without stirring until it turns a deep amber color. Remove from heat and whisk in the cubed butter until melted. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously. Stir in the flaky sea salt. Let the caramel cool slightly before using.
- Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until evenly coated.
- Assemble the pie: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disc to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer it to the dish and trim excess edges. Pour the apple filling into the crust and drizzle ½ cup of the salted caramel over the apples, reserving some caramel for serving.
- Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filling. You can cover completely or create a lattice design. Seal the edges by pinching them together and cut a few slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape. For a golden finish, optionally brush the top with an egg wash.
- Bake the pie: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the pie for 20 minutes, then lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35–40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and serve: Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours to let the filling set. Before serving, drizzle with the reserved salted caramel for extra richness.
Notes
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
- The salted caramel can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated; warm slightly before drizzling.
- This pie can be baked a day in advance; its flavors deepen overnight, making it ideal for entertaining.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
