Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love traditional apple pie, this upgraded version with a luscious caramel twist is a must-try. The rich, gooey caramel brings a decadent depth to the filling, while the mix of sweet and tart apples keeps the flavor balanced. The homemade crust is perfectly crisp and flaky, making each bite a delightful mix of textures and warm, spiced flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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 (or an extra tablespoon of iced water)
4–5 tablespoons iced water

For the Apples:

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

Finishing Touches:

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

Directions

1. Make the Pie Crust:

In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Rub in the cold butter until the mixture is coarse with pea-sized chunks of butter.
Add cider vinegar and iced water, mixing until a rough dough forms.
Divide the dough in half, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for 1 hour.

2. Prepare the Apples:

In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with cinnamon, salt, cornflour, and sugar until evenly coated.

3. Assemble the Pie:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
Roll out one half of the dough and line a 9-inch pie plate. Chill while preparing the filling.
Add the apple mixture to the crust and press down to remove air gaps.
Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples, keeping it away from the edges.

4. Top and Seal:

Brush the edge of the crust with beaten egg.
Roll out the second dough piece and place it over the apples.
Press and seal the edges. Trim any excess dough.
Brush the top with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.

5. Bake:

Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Let cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Drizzle with additional caramel sauce, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 slices
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

Spiced Apple Pie: Add nutmeg or cloves for extra autumn spice.
Caramel Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for texture.
Shortcut Version: Use a store-bought crust for a quicker prep.
Lattice Top: Use strips of dough to create a decorative lattice top instead of a full crust.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or warm the whole pie in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes.

FAQs

What are the best apples to use?

A mix of tart (like Granny Smith or Bramley) and sweet apples (like Gala or Braeburn) works best for flavor and texture.

Can I use store-bought crust?

Yes, store-bought pie dough can be used for convenience.

How can I keep the bottom crust from getting soggy?

Chilling the crust and preheating your oven help. You can also sprinkle a thin layer of flour or crushed cookies on the crust before adding the filling.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate the unbaked pie a day ahead. Bake just before serving.

Can I freeze the pie?

Yes, freeze the unbaked pie for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15–20 extra minutes.

Conclusion

This Caramel Apple Pie is the ultimate comfort dessert, marrying the coziness of spiced apples with the indulgence of caramel. With its flaky crust and luscious filling, it’s a perfect centerpiece for holidays or cozy weekends. Serve it warm, topped with a scoop of ice cream, and savor every rich, spiced bite.