Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe
Some desserts feel nice. Others feel like warm autumn comfort wrapped in buttery crust and dripping caramel—and that’s exactly what this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe delivers. You get tender cinnamon apples, flaky golden pastry, rich homemade caramel, and that perfect sweet-salty finish in every bite.
I baked this pie the first time during a cool evening when plain apple pie felt… a little predictable. One drizzle of salted caramel later, the entire kitchen smelled like a cozy bakery. Ever taste something so good you immediately plan to make it again next weekend? Yeah, this pie does that.
Why Salted Caramel Apple Pie Is So Irresistible
Classic apple pie already tastes amazing, but salted caramel pushes it into next-level dessert territory. The caramel adds deep buttery sweetness, while the salt sharpens every flavor so nothing tastes flat.
The Flavor Balance That Makes It Special
Great desserts rely on contrast. This pie layers:
- Sweet caramel richness
- Tart baked apples
- Warm cinnamon spice
- Flaky buttery crust
- Light salt finish that brightens everything
That final salt sprinkle changes everything. IMO, sweet desserts always taste better with a tiny salty edge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You can make this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe with simple grocery staples. Nothing fancy—just smart combinations.
For the Pie Crust
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 6–8 tbsp ice water
For the Apple Filling
- 6 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp flour or cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Salted Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp sea salt
Store-bought caramel works in a pinch, but homemade tastes dramatically richer. Totally worth the few extra minutes.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Let’s keep this relaxed and foolproof—because pie should feel comforting, not stressful.
1. Prepare the Pie Dough
Mix flour, salt, and sugar, then cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add ice water slowly until dough forms.
Divide into two disks, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour. Cold dough creates flaky layers, which makes all the difference.
2. Cook the Salted Caramel
Heat sugar in a saucepan until it melts into golden amber liquid. Stir in butter, then slowly pour in cream.
Finish with sea salt and let the sauce cool slightly. Try not to eat it straight from the spoon… extremely difficult 🙂
3. Make the Apple Filling
Toss sliced apples with:
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Cinnamon & nutmeg
- Flour or cornstarch
- Lemon juice & vanilla
This mixture creates a thick, glossy filling instead of a watery pie. Nobody wants soggy crust.
4. Assemble the Pie
Roll out one dough disk and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Add the apple filling, then drizzle half the salted caramel over the apples.
Top with second crust or lattice design. Seal edges and cut small vents for steam.
Brush with egg wash for golden shine.
5. Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, then reduce to 375°F (190°C) and bake 30–35 minutes more.
Look for:
- Deep golden crust
- Bubbling filling at edges
- Rich caramel aroma fills the kitchen
Cool at least 2 hours before slicing so the filling sets properly. Waiting feels painful, but clean slices reward patience.
Tips for the Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie
Small details turn a good pie into an unforgettable pie.
Apple Selection Matters
- Granny Smith → tart, firm, classic
- Honeycrisp → sweet-tart balance
- Mixing both → best flavor depth
Blended apples create a more complex taste than one variety alone.
Crust Success Secrets
- Keep butter very cold
- Avoid overworking the dough
- Chill before baking
Flaky crust always starts with cold ingredients. Always.
Easy Variations to Try
This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe adapts beautifully.
1. Crumb-Topped Version
Swap the top crust for a buttery streusel topping. You’ll get extra crunch and bakery-style texture.
2. Bourbon Salted Caramel Pie
Add 1–2 tbsp bourbon to the caramel for warm depth. Subtle, cozy, and slightly fancy.
3. Mini Hand Pies
Turn filling into portable pies using pastry circles. Perfect for parties—or portion control that never actually works.
What to Serve With Salted Caramel Apple Pie
This pie shines alone, but a few extras make it unforgettable:
- Vanilla ice cream melting into warm caramel
- Fresh whipped cream for light contrast
- Extra caramel drizzle because obviously
- Hot coffee or chai tea for cozy balance
Warm pie plus ice cream might solve half of life’s problems. Just saying.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Good news—this pie stores beautifully.
Storage
- Room temperature for 1 day
- Refrigerate up to 4 days
- Freeze slices up to 2 months
Reheating
- Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes
- The microwave works, but the crust softens slightly
Oven reheating keeps that fresh-baked texture alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What apples work best for salted caramel apple pie?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith hold shape during baking and balance the sweet caramel. Mixing sweet and tart apples creates a deeper flavor and better texture.
Q2. Can I use store-bought crust?
Yes, and it saves time. Homemade crust tastes flakier and richer, but store-bought still creates a delicious pie when you feel short on energy.
Q3. Why is my apple pie watery?
Too little thickener or slicing while hot causes excess juice. Use flour or cornstarch and cool the pie fully before cutting for clean slices.
Q4. How do I keep the crust from burning?
Cover edges with foil or a pie shield during the last part of baking. This keeps the crust golden instead of overly dark.
Q5. Can I make salted caramel ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store caramel in the fridge for up to 2 weeks and warm gently before using. Homemade caramel actually improves after resting.
Q6. Is salted caramel apple pie very sweet?
The sea salt balances sweetness, so the flavor feels rich but not overwhelming. That balance makes the pie appealing even to people who avoid sugary desserts.
Final Thoughts
This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe delivers everything a cozy dessert should offer—tender spiced apples, flaky buttery crust, silky caramel, and perfect sweet-salty balance. It feels nostalgic, comforting, and just a little indulgent in the best way.
Next time you want a dessert that truly impresses without complicated techniques, bake this pie. Because honestly… few things in life beat warm apple pie dripping with salted caramel on a quiet evening.
