If you adore the cozy, comforting flavors of classic apple pie but want to take it up a notch, this Caramel Apple Pie Recipe is exactly what you’ve been dreaming of. Imagine tender, spiced apples baked to perfection inside a golden, flaky crust that’s beautifully complemented by a luscious salted caramel drizzle. It’s the kind of dessert that wraps you in warmth and sweetness with every bite, making it a perfect centerpiece for any gathering or a special treat to savor at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with several ingredients neatly arranged. At the top left, there is a clear glass bowl filled with white flour. To the right, a white plate holds many small, pale yellow cubes of butter. Below the flour, there are six whole apples in green and red tones, with two red apples in the middle and green apples mixed at the edges. A whole yellow lemon sits slightly right of the apples. Below the lemon, there is a silver bowl filled with white granulated sugar. On the right side in small white bowls, there is white granulated sugar, small white granules (probably salt), a dark brown liquid (likely vanilla), white coarse salt, and in the bottom small bowl, a mix of ground spices in brown and orange shades. A single brown egg stands on the far right side. At the bottom left, two glass containers hold clear water and a white liquid, possibly cream. The setup is clean and well-organized, ready for baking. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients for this pie is incredibly straightforward, yet each one plays a key role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish unforgettable. From the apples providing natural sweetness and balance, to the caramel adding that irresistible gooey touch, every element is essential.

5–6 apples, peeled and sliced: Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples for a complex, well-rounded flavor.
¾ cup sugar: Sweetens the apples and helps create a deliciously thick filling.
2 tbsp flour: Acts as a thickener to keep the juices from becoming too runny.
1 tsp cinnamon: Brings warm spice notes that highlight the apples beautifully.
¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
1 tbsp lemon juice: Keeps the apples bright and prevents browning.
½ cup caramel sauce: The star of the show—adds richness and a salty-sweet contrast.
2 pie crusts (top and bottom): Flaky and buttery, essential for that perfect pie texture.
1 egg (for egg wash): Gives the crust a gorgeous golden shine.
Flaky sea salt for topping: Adds a sophisticated touch that enhances the caramel.

How to Make Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the crust turns golden and the apples cook evenly, allowing their natural sugars to caramelize slightly as they bake.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, toss the peeled and sliced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, and lemon juice. This mixture combines to create a filling that’s bursting with flavor and perfectly spiced while keeping the apples tender but not mushy.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Lay one pie crust into your pie dish, making sure it fits snugly. Pour the apple mixture in, then drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the top to infuse the apples with that irresistible caramel richness right from the start.

Step 4: Seal and Prep for Baking

Cover with the second pie crust, carefully trimming and sealing the edges to lock in all those delicious juices. Brush the top crust with beaten egg to encourage a beautiful golden-brown finish that’s both glossy and inviting.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Place your pie in the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. You’re looking for a crust that’s golden and flaky, with bubbly filling visible through any vents or edges. That bubbling is a sign your pie is perfectly cooked inside.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

Once out of the oven, drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the pie and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. This final touch adds an addictive salty contrast that elevates the caramel flavor to new heights.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

Two stacked square apple crumble bars sit on a crinkled piece of parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each bar has four visible layers: a bottom golden crust, a thick layer of thinly sliced light yellow apples, a crumbly oat and brown sugar topping with a rough texture, and a generous drizzle of shiny golden caramel sauce that drips down the sides and pools around the bottom. Small crumbs and bits of the crumble topping are scattered around the base, adding to the rustic look. In the blurred background, a red apple can be seen. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream pairs beautifully with the pie’s warm, gooey texture. For a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top—it adds an unexpected delight that harmonizes wonderfully with the salted caramel.

Side Dishes

This pie shines alongside a cup of rich coffee or a spicy chai tea, which complement the cinnamon and caramel notes. For an indulgent feast, serve it after a comforting meal like roasted pork or glazed ham, where the sweet finish rounds out the whole experience beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving individual slices with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce around the plate and a pinch of sea salt on top. You can also make miniature hand pies using this recipe, perfect for parties or grab-and-go desserts. The combination of rustic charm and elegant caramel drizzle always makes for stunning presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Caramel Apple Pie Recipe wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days and can be enjoyed cold or reheated.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked pie for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. For baked leftovers, freezing is also possible—just thaw in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Warm leftover slices in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10-15 minutes to revive the crust’s crispiness and melt the caramel slightly. Avoid microwaving, which can make the crust soggy and affect the texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce for this pie?

Absolutely! Using store-bought caramel sauce is a convenient and delicious option that saves time, and it works perfectly with this recipe’s flavors.

What types of apples work best for Caramel Apple Pie Recipe?

A mix of sweet apples like Gala or Fuji combined with tart apples like Granny Smith gives the best balance of flavor and texture by balancing sweetness with acidity.

Is it okay to make this pie dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute your pie crust and caramel sauce with dairy-free versions. Coconut oil or vegan butter works well in the crust, and there are recipes or store-bought versions of vegan caramel sauce to use.

How can I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Using flour in the filling helps absorb excess moisture, and pre-baking (blind baking) the bottom crust slightly can also keep it flaky if you’re concerned about sogginess.

Can I prepare the pie a day in advance?

Definitely. You can assemble the pie a day ahead and keep it refrigerated, then bake it fresh when you’re ready. This helps meld the flavors beautifully and saves time on serving day.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Apple Pie Recipe isn’t just dessert—it’s a celebration of fall’s finest flavors in a dish that’s as stunning to look at as it is to eat. Whether you’re treating family or impressing guests, this recipe invites you to cozy up with a timeless classic elevated by luscious caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt. Go ahead and make it your own favorite soon—it’s sure to become a beloved tradition!