If you crave a classic comfort dessert with a decadent twist, this Caramel Apple Pie is about to become your new favorite. Imagine a flaky, golden crust filled to the brim with tender apples — their tart-sweetness perfectly matched with swirls of rich caramel and warm spices. Finished with a buttery topping and a drizzle of extra caramel, this pie is pure magic, capturing everything you love about fall in every bite. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just want a cozy treat, this Caramel Apple Pie is the kind of dessert that draws everyone to the kitchen, fork in hand, for just one more slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here is simple on its own, but together, they create layers of flavor and texture that make this pie unforgettable. Don’t be surprised if your kitchen starts smelling incredible as soon as you start assembling everything!

Double pie crust: Whether you use store-bought or homemade, this is the foundation for that classic flaky bite.
6 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): These apples strike the perfect balance of tart and sweet, and hold their shape beautifully as they bake.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: A splash of acidity keeps the apples bright and prevents browning.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that juicy filling.
1/4 cup brown sugar: Brings in a lovely hint of molasses and extra depth.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the juices so your filling is luscious but not runny.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The essential spice for warmth and that unmistakable apple pie aroma.
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Just a pinch adds complexity without overpowering the apples.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances all the sweet flavors and makes everything pop.
1/2 cup thick caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling): This is the superstar ingredient, adding gooeyness and luxe caramel taste to every bite.
1 tablespoon butter (cut into small pieces): Dotting the filling with butter makes things extra rich and silky.
1 egg (beaten, for egg wash): A quick brush gives the crust its irresistible golden shine.
Coarse sugar (optional, for topping): Sprinkled on top for glimmering, crunchy finishing touch.

How to Make Caramel Apple Pie

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples into uniform wedges — not only does this help everything bake evenly, but it gives the pie that gorgeous layered look. Toss the apples immediately with lemon juice, which keeps them from browning and adds a bright note to balance the sweetness.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a separate bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt — this team of ingredients creates the pie’s signature filling: sweet, warmly spiced, and perfectly thickened. Pour the mixture over the apples and toss until every slice is coated. Now for the magic: Stir in the thick caramel sauce so every apple is swaddled in gooey luxury.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Roll out one crust and nestle it gently into your 9-inch pie dish, taking care to press it into all the corners. Pile in the caramel apple mixture, letting it mound up in the center. Dot the top with those little cubes of butter, which melt as the pie bakes for extra extra silkiness. Place the second crust on top — whether you go traditional or get fancy with a lattice, both look (and taste) amazing. Seal the edges, crimp as you like, and cut a few vents if you’re using a full top crust.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Brush the whole top of your pie with egg wash for that beautiful golden glow, and shower with coarse sugar if you want a crunchy, sparkly finish. Transfer the pie to a baking sheet (trust me, it’ll catch any sticky drips), and slide it into your preheated oven.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake your Caramel Apple Pie for 50 to 60 minutes. You’re looking for deeply golden crust and bubbling filling peeking through the vents or lattice — that’s your signal that everything inside is cooked and combined just right. Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours; this helps the filling set, so you get neat slices instead of a runny mess. Right before serving, don’t forget to drizzle with a little more caramel sauce for pure pie bliss.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Pie

Garnishes

A warm slice of Caramel Apple Pie is lovely on its own, but a few extra touches always make it feel special. Drizzle each piece with a little more caramel sauce and, for some extra indulgence, crown it with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.

Side Dishes

This pie shines as the star dessert, but if you want to turn it into a show-stopping spread, serve it alongside fresh berries or sliced pears for a refreshing contrast to the richness. A mug of coffee, spiced chai, or even a glass of cold milk is a classic pairing that makes every bite feel festive.

Creative Ways to Present

Want something a little unexpected? Try serving mini Caramel Apple Pie slices in mason jars at autumn gatherings or top each serving with toasted pecans for a nutty crunch. You can even transform leftovers into dreamy sundaes: just warm a slice and layer it in a bowl with ice cream, more caramel, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Caramel Apple Pie, simply cover the pie loosely with foil or plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, pop it in the fridge where it will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 more days.

Freezing

This pie freezes very well, so you can always have a slice of fall ready to go. Wrap the cooled pie or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Reheating

Want your Caramel Apple Pie to taste fresh-baked the next day? Reheat slices in a 300°F oven for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through and the crust crisps up again. You can microwave it for a quicker fix, but the oven really brings the texture back to life.

FAQs

What are the best apples for Caramel Apple Pie?

I recommend using a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp apples — they hold their shape and offer just the right balance to all that rich caramel flavor.

Can I make this pie with store-bought caramel sauce?

Absolutely! A thick, good-quality store-bought caramel sauce works beautifully, though homemade caramel always adds a special touch if you have the time.

Do I have to use a lattice crust?

Nope! Both a plain top crust (with a few steam vents cut in) and a lattice crust work perfectly. Lattice just looks extra lovely with all that caramel bubbling up.

How do I keep my pie crust from getting soggy?

Make sure to toss your apples with flour as the recipe states, which thickens the filling as it bakes and gives you a nice, crisp bottom crust. Also, letting the pie cool helps set everything properly.

Can I make Caramel Apple Pie ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the pie up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate it unbaked. Bake it the next day, adding a few additional minutes if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to celebrate the best flavors of the season in a crowd-pleasing way, Caramel Apple Pie is simply irresistible. Don’t wait for a holiday or special occasion—bake one up soon and treat your family and friends to a slice of pure, gooey, apple-caramel happiness!

Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 27 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes plus cooling
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of fall with this decadent Caramel Apple Pie. A classic dessert that combines sweet apples with gooey caramel in a flaky crust, this pie is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust:

1 double pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

Apple Filling:

6 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup thick caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces

Egg Wash and Topping:

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Coarse sugar (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare Apples: Toss the sliced apples with lemon juice in a large bowl.
Mix Sugar Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add to the apples and toss.
Add Caramel Sauce: Stir in the caramel sauce with the apple mixture.
Assemble Pie: Roll out one pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with apple mixture, dot with butter, and cover with second crust. Seal, crimp edges, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Bake: Place pie on a baking sheet and bake for 50–60 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Cool and Serve: Cool for 2 hours before slicing. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce before serving.