If you’re craving a dessert that wraps up the perfect harmony of sweet, tart, and buttery all in one slice, this Caramel Apple Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. This classic favorite brings juicy, cinnamon-spiced apples together with luscious caramel and a flaky, golden crust that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a special occasion, this pie delivers comfort and indulgence in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Caramel Apple Pie Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a vital role: the flour and butter create that irresistible flaky crust, the apples offer natural sweetness and texture, and the caramel adds a rich, silky touch that makes this pie truly unforgettable.

2 cups plain (all-purpose) flour: The foundation for a tender and flaky crust.
1 teaspoon fine salt: Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
1 tablespoon white sugar: Slight sweetness to complement the crust.
6 oz (175g) very cold butter, diced: Essential for creating that perfect flaky texture in the pastry.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: A secret ingredient that tenderizes the dough without affecting taste.
4–5 tablespoons iced water: Helps bring the dough together while keeping it cold.
850g apples, peeled, cored, and sliced: The star of the pie, crisp and juicy for that sweet-tart bite.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Warm spice flavor that complements the apples perfectly.
½ teaspoon fine salt: Balances the sweetness in the apple filling.
2 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch): Thickens the apple juices for a perfect filling consistency.
½ cup soft light brown sugar: Adds depth and caramel notes to the filling.
⅓ cup store-bought caramel sauce: Infuses the apples with that luscious caramel flavor.
1 beaten egg (for sealing and glazing): Helps seal the pie and gives the crust a beautiful golden sheen.
1 tablespoon demerara or caster sugar: Adds crunch and sparkle to the top crust.
Extra caramel sauce for drizzling (optional): For an irresistible finishing touch.

How to Make Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Make the Pie Dough

Start by whisking together the flour, salt, and white sugar in a large bowl. The texture here is important because it sets the stage for a flaky crust. Rub in the very cold, diced butter with your fingertips until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs—this is what creates those wonderful flaky layers in the baked crust.

Step 2: Bring the Dough Together

Add the apple cider vinegar and iced water gradually, mixing just until a rough dough forms. Handling the dough gently ensures it stays tender. Divide the dough into two equal parts, wrap each in plastic wrap tightly, and pop them into the fridge to chill for at least one hour. This step lets the gluten relax and helps maintain the dough’s cool temperature for better flakiness.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

While the dough chills, toss your peeled, cored, and sliced apples with cinnamon, salt, cornflour, and the soft light brown sugar in a large bowl. The cinnamon bursts with warmth, while the cornflour thickens the juicy apples as they bake so the filling isn’t runny.

Step 4: Preheat and Roll Out the Base

Set your oven to 350°F (180°C). Take one portion of the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Transfer the dough carefully into the pie plate, gently pressing into the shape. Place it back in the fridge while you prepare the filling to keep that dough firm and flaky.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie Filling

Pour the spiced apple mixture into the chilled crust. Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the apples to infuse every bite with that rich, buttery sweetness.

Step 6: Top and Seal the Pie

Brush the edges of the pie crust with the beaten egg—it acts as a glue so the top crust sticks perfectly. Roll out the second dough piece and place it over the apples, sealing the edges tightly by pinching or crimping. Trim any excess dough for a neat finish.

Step 7: Finish the Crust

Brush the top crust generously with the remaining beaten egg to create that glossy, golden look once baked. Sprinkle the surface with demerara or caster sugar for a delightful crunch and sparkle.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake your pie for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is beautifully golden and the filling is bubbling up with that caramel apple goodness. Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes to set before slicing. For an extra indulgence, drizzle some additional caramel sauce on top just before serving.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

Garnishes

A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a timeless companion to this pie, melting delightfully into every warm slice. Fresh whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped pecans can also elevate the experience, adding creaminess or a satisfying crunch that complements the soft apples and sticky caramel.

Side Dishes

Pair your Caramel Apple Pie Recipe with a hot cup of coffee or a smoothly spiced chai latte for a cozy fall-inspired treat. If you want to keep it classic, a glass of cold milk is just the thing to balance the sweetness and make every bite feel like a little moment of joy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, serve individual mini versions of this pie in ramekins, topped with a drizzle of caramel and a sprig of rosemary for a pretty presentation. Another fun idea is to accompany slices with caramel dipping sauce on the side so everyone can customize their caramel load.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your leftover Caramel Apple Pie Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. This way, you can enjoy a slice or two without worrying about it drying out or losing its lovely texture.

Freezing

If you want to prepare the pie in advance, it freezes wonderfully. Wrap it firmly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and crisp it up in the oven before serving for that fresh-baked magic.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes to revive that flaky crust and melty filling. Avoid microwaving if you can, because while it’s fast, it tends to make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this pie?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice contrast, you can mix in sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a balanced flavor and texture.

Is store-bought caramel sauce okay to use?

Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly for this recipe and helps save time without sacrificing flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade caramel is a lovely upgrade.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Definitely. You can prepare the dough up to two days ahead and keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge, or freeze it for longer storage. Just bring it back to chill before rolling out for best results.

How can I prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy?

Using cornflour in the filling helps thicken the apple juices which minimizes sogginess. Also, chilling the crust before adding the filling and baking it immediately ensures a crisp base.

What if I don’t have demarara sugar for the topping?

No worries! Granulated sugar or caster sugar will work just fine for sprinkling over the crust to create that sweet, crunchy finish.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so wonderfully comforting and nostalgic about a freshly baked slice of this Caramel Apple Pie Recipe. It’s the kind of dessert that effortlessly brings people together and brightens any occasion. I truly hope you give this recipe a try—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that fills your kitchen with fantastic aromas and your heart with joy.

Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

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3.8 from 73 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This classic Caramel Apple Pie combines a buttery, flaky homemade crust with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and a luscious caramel drizzle, creating a perfect dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. Ideal for fall or anytime you crave a sweet, fruity treat with a rich caramel twist.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pie Crust

2 cups plain (all-purpose) flour
1 teaspoon fine salt
1 tablespoon white sugar
6 oz (175g) very cold butter, diced
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
4–5 tablespoons iced water

For the Filling

850g apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon fine salt
2 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch)
½ cup soft light brown sugar
⅓ cup store-bought caramel sauce

For Assembly and Topping

1 beaten egg (for sealing and glazing)
1 tablespoon demerara or caster sugar
Extra caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)

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Instructions

Make the Pie Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and white sugar. Rub in the cold diced butter using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring a flaky crust.
Form the Dough: Add the apple cider vinegar and iced water gradually, mixing gently until a rough dough forms. Divide the dough into two halves, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour to firm up.
Prepare the Apple Filling: In another bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and sliced apples with cinnamon, salt, cornflour, and soft light brown sugar until all slices are evenly coated for a flavorful and thickened filling.
Preheat Oven & Roll Out Base Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Take one half of the chilled dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Line the pie plate with this dough and keep it chilled while you prepare the filling.
Assemble the Pie Filling: Spoon the apple mixture evenly into the crust-lined pie plate. Drizzle the ⅓ cup of store-bought caramel sauce over the apples for added richness.
Top Crust Preparation: Brush the edges of the base crust with beaten egg to help seal the pie. Roll out the second half of the dough and place it over the filling, pressing and sealing the edges tightly. Trim any excess dough for a neat finish.
Glaze and Sugar the Top: Brush the entire top crust with beaten egg to achieve a golden color when baked, then sprinkle with the demerara or caster sugar for a sparkling, slightly crunchy surface.
Bake the Pie: Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, and the filling is bubbling through the vents.
Cooling and Serving: Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes to let the filling set completely. Before serving, drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top if desired to enhance the caramel flavor and presentation.

Notes

Use very cold butter and iced water to ensure a flaky pie crust.
Chilling the dough helps reduce shrinking during baking.
The cornflour thickens the apple juices so the filling isn’t runny.
For best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn for balance against the sweetness.
Allow the pie to cool properly to avoid a runny filling when sliced.
This pie can be served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Store any leftovers covered in the fridge and consume within 3 days.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American