Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe with Fresh Apples – Easy Homemade Apple Dessert Everyone Loves
If there are apples on the counter and dessert is needed fast, this salted caramel apple pie is a solid choice. It is a classic apple dessert that feels cozy, rich, and satisfying without being complicated. Among apple dessert recipes, this one stands out for its balance of sweet apples and gooey caramel. It fits perfectly into apple desserts easy enough for busy days and apple desserts with fresh apples that deliver real flavor. When thinking about what to do with apples, recipes like this are always reliable.
This pie is ideal for anyone who loves apple recipes and apple recipes dessert ideas that feel familiar and comforting. It works well for apple recipes easy enough for beginners, while still landing in the category of best apple desserts. If you are looking for easy apple desserts, easy apple desserts with fresh apples, quick apple desserts, or simple apple desserts to add to your collection of apple treats, this recipe belongs on your list of things to make with apples.
Ingredients
For the pie
- 1 double pie crust, homemade or store-bought
- 6 to 7 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the salted caramel sauce
- 1 cup white sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the caramel sauce
Add the sugar to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir slowly as it melts. It will clump first and look wrong, just keep going. Once it turns golden brown, add the butter and stir until melted. Slowly pour in the cream while stirring. It will bubble up a lot, do not panic. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Set aside to cool a little.
Step 2: Prep the apples
Place the sliced apples in a large bowl. Add white sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, vanilla, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated. This is where it already starts smelling really good.
Step 3: Prepare the crust
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Roll out the bottom pie crust and place it into a pie dish. Gently press it in, no need to be perfect.
Step 4: Fill the pie
Add half of the apple mixture into the crust. Drizzle some of the caramel sauce over the apples. Add the remaining apples, then drizzle more caramel on top.
Step 5: Add the top crust
Place the top crust over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges. Cut a few slits on top so steam can escape. If you want, brush with egg wash for a golden finish.
Step 6: Bake the pie
Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes. Reduce the heat to 375°F and bake for another 35 to 40 minutes. The crust should be golden and the filling should be bubbling.
Step 7: Let it cool
Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. I know it is hard. Cutting too soon makes it runny and also burns your mouth, trust me on this one.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apples for this pie?
You can, but some apples work better than others. I usually use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp because they hold their shape and do not turn mushy. If you mix a tart apple with a sweeter one, the flavor is even better. I have used whatever apples I had before and it still turned out fine.
Do I have to make the caramel sauce from scratch?
Nope. You can use store bought caramel if that is what you have. I do it sometimes when time is not on my side. Just add a pinch of salt to it so you still get that salted caramel flavor.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, and I actually like it better that way. You can bake it the day before and store it covered at room temperature. Warm it slightly before serving if you want. It still tastes amazing the next day, maybe even better.
How do I store leftovers?
Cover the pie and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. We usually grab slices straight from the fridge. No plate, no shame.
Can I freeze salted caramel apple pie?
Yes. You can freeze it baked or unbaked. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. If baked, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven. If unbaked, bake straight from frozen and add extra time.
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe Card
Salted Caramel Apple Pie
Ingredients
Method
- Add the sugar to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir slowly as it melts. It will clump first and look wrong, just keep going. Once it turns golden brown, add the butter and stir until melted. Slowly pour in the cream while stirring. It will bubble up a lot, do not panic. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Set aside to cool a little.
- Place the sliced apples in a large bowl. Add white sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, vanilla, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated. This is where it already starts smelling really good.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Roll out the bottom pie crust and place it into a pie dish. Gently press it in, no need to be perfect. Perfection left the building when kids arrived.
- Add half of the apple mixture into the crust. Drizzle some of the caramel sauce over the apples. Add the remaining apples, then drizzle more caramel on top. I usually add extra because no one has ever complained about too much caramel.
- Place the top crust over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges. Cut a few slits on top so steam can escape. If you want, brush with egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes. Reduce the heat to 375°F and bake for another 35 to 40 minutes. The crust should be golden and the filling should be bubbling.
- Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. I know it is hard. Cutting too soon makes it runny and also burns your mouth, trust me on this one.
Notes
Serving Tips
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and extra caramel sauce.
- Cold leftovers straight from the fridge are also valid.
- This pie pairs well with compliments and zero crumbs left behind.
This salted caramel apple pie is a go-to apple dessert when something classic and comforting is needed. It brings together everything people love about apple dessert recipes, from soft baked apples to rich caramel and a flaky crust. As far as apple desserts go, this one fits right in with apple desserts easy enough for any occasion and apple desserts with fresh apples that never disappoint. It is a reliable choice when thinking about what to do with apples and wanting a dessert that feels familiar but still special.
Whether you are collecting apple recipes, apple recipes dessert ideas, or searching for apple recipes easy to follow, this pie covers it all. It belongs on any list of best apple desserts and works perfectly for easy apple desserts, easy apple desserts with fresh apples, quick apple desserts, and simple apple desserts. If you are ever stuck wondering about things to make with apples, this recipe is a dependable option that delivers every time.
