Name: Caramel Apple Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: PT-490513H14M33S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 double pie crust; 6-7 large apples, peeled and sliced (about 8-10 cups); 1/4 cup (31g) all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar; 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 teaspoons lemon zest; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 cup caramel sauce, divided; 1 egg, beaten; 1 Tablespoon water; Coarse sugar for topping

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 67 reviews

If there’s one dessert that perfectly captures the cozy spirit of Fall, it’s this Caramel Apple Pie Recipe. With its flaky, buttery crust enveloping tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and a luscious drizzle of rich caramel sauce, this pie is truly the heartwarming treat you didn’t know you needed. Whether you’re making it to celebrate apple picking season or just craving a slice of homemade comfort, this recipe balances sweet, tart, and spice in a way that feels like a big warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with two wrapped pale beige dough rounds placed at the bottom center. Above and to the right of the dough are a metal measuring cup filled with white flour and three green apples along with two yellow apples and one red apple scattered around them. To the left of the apples is a yellow lemon, a small white bowl filled with white granulated sugar, and a small white bowl with four different spices in brown and orange shades. At the bottom left corner is a small glass jar filled with cinnamon powder. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Caramel Apple Pie Recipe comes down to a handful of simple ingredients that come together to build a symphony of flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role, from the crisp apples providing body and brightness, to the caramel adding indulgent sweetness, and the spices giving it that signature autumn charm.

1 double pie crust: Use a quality crust for a flaky, buttery foundation that holds all the delicious filling perfectly.
6-7 large apples peeled and sliced (about 8-10 cups): Tart and crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
1/4 cup (31g) all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling so it’s beautifully set and not runny.
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the apples and caramelizes nicely during baking.
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Adds a fresh tang that brightens the apple mixture and prevents browning.
2 teaspoons lemon zest: Boosts the citrus aroma for an extra layer of flavorful complexity.
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The quintessential apple pie spice to bring warmth and depth.
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Adds subtle, fragrant notes that pair incredibly with cinnamon and apples.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Another essential spice for a gentle hint of nuttiness and warmth.
1 cup caramel sauce divided: Half goes into the filling and the rest is for drizzling—feel free to use salted caramel for contrast.
1 egg beaten: For brushing the crust to get that gorgeous golden shine.
1 tablespoon water: Mixed with egg to make a smooth egg wash.
Coarse sugar for topping: Adds a delightful crunch and sparkle to the top crust.

How to Make Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Crust and Oven

Start with making your double pie crust recipe or using a good-quality store-bought one, then chill it in the fridge while you prep everything else. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready to bake the pie just at the right temperature.

Step 2: Roll Out and Chill the Bottom Crust

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the bottom crust and transfer it into a 9-inch pie plate. Pop it back into the refrigerator to keep that buttery dough cold while you make the applesauce layer; cold crust helps achieve a flaky texture and crisp edges.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel and slice those apples to about 1/4-inch thickness, then toss them in a large bowl with flour, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. This coating ensures every bite bursts with balanced flavors and the perfect spiced sweetness—you can almost smell the pie filling coming to life already!

Step 4: Assemble the Filling with Caramel

Carefully mound the coated apple slices into the chilled bottom crust, shaping them slightly higher in the center as they’ll cook down. Drizzle half of your caramel sauce over the apples, which will melt into the filling as the pie bakes, adding an irresistible gooey richness.

Step 5: Prepare and Place the Top Crust

Roll out the top crust to cover your pie. You can either make a traditional solid crust with slits for steam to escape or get creative by weaving a lattice crust. For an extra special touch, a streusel topping can be added to create a Dutch-style Caramel Apple Pie. Whichever you choose, this is where you can make the pie uniquely yours.

Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash and Sprinkle Sugar

Mix the beaten egg with a tablespoon of water and gently brush this over the top crust. This step is key for a shiny, golden-brown finish. Finish by sprinkling coarse sugar on top, giving an appealing crunch and sparkle that only a homemade pie can deliver.

Step 7: Baking the Pie to Perfection

Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, then reduce the heat to 375 degrees and continue baking for 40-50 more minutes. Your pie should have a golden crust with bubbling, fragrant filling. If the edges darken too fast, cover them with foil or a pie shield — patience here rewards you with a perfect pie.

Step 8: Cooling Time is Crucial

Once out of the oven, allow your caramel apple pie to cool for at least 4 hours. This resting period lets the filling set up beautifully so you’re slicing neat, luscious pieces rather than runaway goo. Freshly baked is heavenly, but patience makes it unforgettable.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

A slice of apple pie sits on a white speckled plate with a thick, golden-brown crust on the top and edges, showing soft, cooked apple pieces inside. The pie filling is light tan with visible apple slices layered closely together. Rich caramel sauce drips over the top and pools on the plate below, adding a shiny amber glaze. In the blurred background, a pie dish with more apple pie and a plate of green apples are visible on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your pie slices with a generous drizzle of the remaining caramel sauce for that extra indulgence, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the warm spices and buttery crust. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a dollop of whipped cream also brings out new textures and flavors to savor.

Side Dishes

This pie is a dessert star all on its own, but serving it alongside a cup of hot spiced apple cider, a dash of cinnamon tea, or a creamy latte can turn your gathering into a cozy autumn ritual. These pairings enhance the caramel and spice notes for a harmonious flavor experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Make it fun by serving mini individual caramel apple pies in ramekins or using festive fall-themed plates. Try laying down a bed of fresh apple slices or edible flower petals on the serving platter for visual delight, or create a caramel drizzle pattern on the plate for swoon-worthy presentations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover caramel apple pie tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for about 3-4 days. Keeping it chilled helps maintain the texture of the apples and prevents the crust from becoming soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze your baked and cooled pie by wrapping it thoroughly in plastic and then foil to protect it from freezer burn. It’s best enjoyed within 1-2 months of freezing. Thaw the pie overnight in the fridge before reheating for a near-fresh taste.

Reheating

To reheat, place individual pie slices or the whole pie in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes or until warm. This method revives the crisp crust and melty filling far better than a microwave, preserving that delightful homemade texture.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal for their tartness and firmness, feel free to mix in sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala to create a balanced sweetness and texture in your Caramel Apple Pie Recipe.

How do I prevent the crust edges from burning?

Cover the edges with aluminum foil or use a pie crust shield partway through baking. This protects the delicate crust edges while allowing the rest of the pie to brown beautifully.

Can I make the caramel sauce from scratch?

Definitely! Homemade caramel sauce adds wonderful depth and freshness to your pie. Just be sure to allow it to cool slightly before drizzling over the filling so it doesn’t run too much.

Is it okay to skip the lemon juice and zest?

While you could, the lemon juice and zest brighten the flavors and help prevent the apples from turning brown. They add a subtle zing that really lifts this classic Caramel Apple Pie Recipe, so we recommend keeping them!

What if I want to make this pie ahead of time?

You can assemble the pie the day before, then refrigerate it uncovered. When ready to bake, pop it directly into a preheated oven for that fresh-from-the-oven taste. Just be sure to add the egg wash right before baking for that golden finish.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Apple Pie Recipe is truly one of those desserts that feels like home in every bite. With its perfect blend of crisp apples, warm spices, buttery crust, and silky caramel, it’s a classic worth making again and again. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to pie for apple season and beyond. So roll up those sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to share some heartfelt pie joy with your friends and family!