Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious fall dessert that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and tangy flavors, then you’ve found it with this Salted Caramel Apple Pie recipe. This pie combines the rich, indulgent taste of caramel with the crisp and tart flavor of apples, all wrapped up in a buttery, flaky crust. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy family gathering or want to impress guests at your next dinner party, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Stick with me through this guide to learn how to make this irresistible dessert and pick up some helpful tips along the way.

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What is Salted Caramel Apple Pie?

Salted Caramel Apple Pie is a classic dessert with a gourmet twist. It consists of tender, spiced apple slices coated in a rich caramel sauce, all nestled in a buttery pie crust. What sets this pie apart is the addition of sea salt to the caramel, which enhances the sweetness of the dessert while providing a delightful contrast to the apples' natural tartness. The end result is a perfect blend of flavors that’s indulgent yet balanced, making it a crowd-pleaser at any occasion.

Ingredients List for Salted Caramel Apple Pie

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-7 medium Granny Smith apples (or other firm, tart apples), peeled, cored, and sliced thin
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

Substitutions and Variations

While the original recipe calls for Granny Smith apples, you can substitute them with other firm, tart varieties such as Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady. These alternatives will maintain the pie’s balance between sweet and tart. You can also experiment with the caramel sauce by adding a splash of bourbon or vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor. If you prefer a sweeter pie, opt for Golden Delicious or Fuji apples instead. Additionally, you can adjust the saltiness of the caramel to suit your personal taste by reducing or increasing the amount of sea salt. For a spiced twist, consider adding a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the apple filling.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the detailed steps to create your own Salted Caramel Apple Pie. Follow along for perfectly tender apples, decadent caramel, and a golden, flaky crust.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by making the pie crust. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to mix the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and continue mixing until the dough starts to come together. Divide the dough into two equal parts, shape them into discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce
In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly with a heat-resistant spatula. The sugar will begin to melt and clump together before turning into a smooth, amber-colored liquid. Be careful not to let the sugar burn. Once completely melted, add the butter and whisk until fully incorporated. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while continuing to whisk. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble up. Stir in the sea salt and let the sauce cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling
While the dough is chilling and the caramel is cooling, peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even slices. Toss the apple slices in a large bowl with lemon juice to prevent browning. In a separate small bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and flour. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and toss to coat.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out one disc of dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s large enough to fit into a 9-inch pie dish. Gently transfer the dough to the pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and sides. Pour half of the salted caramel sauce over the apple filling and toss to combine. Spoon the apple mixture into the pie crust, mounding the apples slightly in the center. Drizzle more caramel sauce on top, reserving some for serving later.

Step 5: Add the Top Crust
Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the apple filling. You can either lay it as a full top crust, sealing the edges with a fork or your fingers, or create a lattice pattern by cutting the dough into strips. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges for a decorative finish. Cut small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape if using a full crust. Brush the top with an egg wash (1 beaten egg with 1 tablespoon of water) for a golden finish.

Step 6: Bake the Pie
Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This cooling period helps the filling set.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not chilling the dough: Skipping the refrigeration step for the pie crust can result in a tough or overly crumbly crust. The cold butter is crucial for achieving a flaky texture.
2. Overcooking the caramel: It’s easy to accidentally burn the caramel, so keep a close eye on it. If the caramel becomes too dark, it will taste bitter.
3. Slicing apples too thick or thin: Unevenly sliced apples can lead to inconsistent textures, with some pieces overcooked and others undercooked.
4. Not letting the pie cool: Cutting into the pie too soon can result in a runny filling. Letting the pie cool for at least 2 hours will ensure the filling sets properly.

Serving and Presentation Tips

A Salted Caramel Apple Pie is already a showstopper, but how you serve and present it can take it to the next level. Serve warm slices with a drizzle of the reserved caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch. For a truly decadent dessert, add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top of each slice. The contrast between the warm pie and the cold ice cream is simply divine.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie

When serving, be sure to offer additional caramel sauce on the side. Some people might prefer a more intense caramel flavor. You can also serve it with lightly sweetened whipped cream for a lighter alternative to ice cream. Don’t forget to garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt to bring out the rich flavors in the caramel and apple filling.

Presentation Ideas for Salted Caramel Apple Pie

For a visually appealing presentation, consider using a lattice crust to show off the apple filling bubbling beneath the surface. You can also cut out small shapes like leaves or stars from extra pie dough and arrange them on top for a seasonal touch. Dust the finished pie lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle a delicate pattern of caramel sauce over the top for an elegant finish.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe Tips

• Use cold butter for the crust: This is key to achieving a flaky pie crust.
• Don’t overfill the pie: The apples will release juice as they bake, so overfilling can lead to a soggy bottom crust.
• Refrigerate before baking: Once the pie is assembled, chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before baking to help the crust maintain its shape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use store-bought pie crust?
A: Yes, you can use a store-bought crust for convenience, but making homemade dough adds a richer, flakier texture.

Q: Can I make this pie in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the pie up to a day ahead and store it at room temperature. You can also refrigerate it for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze the pie?
A: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pie for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add extra baking time.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave before serving.

Conclusion

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie recipe is the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and spiced flavors. Whether you’re enjoying it warm out of the oven or the next day, it’s a dessert that promises satisfaction with every bite. Follow these steps, tips, and tricks, and you’ll have a pie that not only tastes amazing but also looks spectacular. Now, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get baking! You’re just one pie away from dessert perfection.

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