Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

Apple pie is a classic dessert that has graced tables for centuries, but when you combine it with rich, salted caramel, you take this beloved recipe to a whole new level. This salted caramel apple pie is the perfect blend of sweet and salty, with tender apples, buttery crust, and a luxurious homemade caramel sauce. Whether you're baking for the holidays, a special occasion, or just want to indulge in a decadent treat, this recipe is sure to impress. Read on for step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks to make the perfect salted caramel apple pie.

What is a Salted Caramel Apple Pie?

Salted caramel apple pie is a twist on the traditional apple pie, made extra special by the addition of a gooey salted caramel sauce. It features layers of juicy apples, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, encased in a flaky pie crust, and drizzled with a homemade salted caramel sauce. The sweet apples and salty caramel create a heavenly balance of flavors, while the buttery pie crust provides the perfect texture to tie everything together.

Ingredients List for Salted Caramel Apple Pie

To make this mouth-watering salted caramel apple pie, you’ll need a handful of ingredients. These include fresh apples, basic pantry items, and a few key ingredients for the caramel sauce. Here’s everything you’ll need for the pie filling, pie crust, and caramel sauce.

For the Pie Crust:

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

For the Apple Pie Filling:

• 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
• 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)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Substitutions and Variations

While this recipe provides the traditional base for a salted caramel apple pie, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can make to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs:

1. Apple Variety: If you prefer a sweeter apple pie, you can use Fuji, Gala, or Golden Delicious apples instead of the tart Granny Smith apples. Mixing different apple varieties also gives the pie more complexity in flavor.
2. Gluten-Free Crust: Swap out regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free crust. Be sure to use a 1:1 substitution for best results.
3. Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and replace the heavy cream in the caramel with coconut cream to make a vegan version of the salted caramel sauce.
4. Spices: Add a pinch of cardamom or ground ginger to the apple pie filling for a slightly more exotic flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making a salted caramel apple pie involves three major steps: preparing the pie crust, making the apple filling, and creating the caramel sauce. The following instructions will walk you through each step to ensure you get a pie that’s perfectly golden, flaky, and bursting with flavor.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients, and using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some larger pieces of butter scattered throughout.
3. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough starts to come together. You should be able to pinch the dough, and it should hold its shape.
4. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

1. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples.
2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the apples with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice. Set aside and allow the apples to release their juices while you prepare the caramel.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar melts into a smooth, amber-colored liquid.
2. Once melted, add the butter and stir until fully combined. Be careful as the mixture may bubble up.
3. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. The mixture will bubble vigorously, but keep stirring until it becomes a smooth sauce.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the sea salt. Let the caramel sauce cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface to fit your pie dish. Gently press it into the dish, leaving the edges overhanging slightly.
3. Add half of the apple mixture to the pie crust. Drizzle with about half of the salted caramel sauce. Top with the remaining apples and drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce over them.
4. Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the apples. Trim and crimp the edges to seal the pie. Cut a few small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

1. Bake the pie at 400°F for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
2. If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
3. Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to let the caramel set.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Warm Butter in the Crust: Always use cold butter to create a flaky crust. Warm butter can lead to a dense, chewy texture.
2. Not Letting the Pie Cool: Cutting into the pie too soon will result in a runny filling. Give the pie time to cool and set before serving.
3. Overcrowding the Apples: Don’t overload the pie with too many apples, as this can cause the crust to become soggy and the pie to overflow while baking.

Serving and Presentation Tips

A salted caramel apple pie is visually stunning, but you can elevate the presentation even more with a few finishing touches. Consider dusting the top with powdered sugar or brushing the crust with a light egg wash for an extra golden finish. Serve each slice with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the pie’s sweetness and salty notes.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie

• For a classic presentation, serve warm slices of the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• You can also drizzle additional salted caramel sauce over the pie slices for an extra indulgent treat.

Presentation Ideas for Salted Caramel Apple Pie

1. Lattice Top: Instead of a full top crust, try weaving a lattice crust for a rustic, charming look.
2. Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top of the pie before serving for a mouthwatering, sticky finish.
3. Sugared Crust: Sprinkle coarse sugar on the top crust before baking to add sparkle and crunch.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe Tips

• Chill the Pie Crust: If the dough becomes too soft while handling, pop it back into the fridge for 10 minutes before continuing.
• Prevent a Soggy Bottom: Blind bake the bottom crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling to avoid sogginess.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the pie dough and caramel sauce up to 2 days ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making my own?
A: Yes, if you're short on time, you can use store-bought caramel sauce. Just make sure to choose a high-quality one for the best results.

Q: How do I store leftover salted caramel apple pie?
A: Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven before serving.

Q: Can I freeze salted caramel apple pie?
A: Yes, you can freeze the pie for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

Salted caramel apple pie is a delightful twist on the classic apple pie, bringing together sweet, tart, and salty flavors in a beautiful medley. With its buttery crust, tender apple filling, and luscious caramel sauce, this pie is sure to become a favorite at your family gatherings or holiday feasts. Follow these simple steps and tips to create the perfect pie, and don't forget to serve it with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel for an unforgettable dessert experience.

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