The Best Apple Pie – A Classic Dessert!

To create the Ultimate Caramel Apple Pie, it's essential to understand the key components that come together to make this dessert a true masterpiece. Each element plays a significant role in contributing to the overall flavor and texture. From the flaky pie crust to the luscious apple filling and rich caramel sauce, every ingredient is carefully selected to ensure a delightful experience.

The Best Apple Pie – A Classic Dessert!

Experience the warmth of fall with the Ultimate Caramel Apple Pie, a beloved classic that brings comfort and nostalgia to any gathering. This delightful dessert features a flaky crust filled with tart Granny Smith apples and drizzled with rich caramel sauce. Perfect for seasonal celebrations, its mouthwatering combination of flavors will surely impress. Whether it's a holiday feast or a cozy evening, this pie is meant to be shared and savored with loved ones. Enjoy the joy of baking and creating cherished memories with each delicious slice.

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Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp granulated sugar

1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)

6-8 tbsp ice water

For the Apple Filling:

6 cups Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)

¾ cup brown sugar

½ cup granulated sugar

2 tbsp lemon juice

2 tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp ground nutmeg

¼ cup all-purpose flour

1 tbsp butter (cut into small pieces)

For the Caramel Sauce:

1 cup granulated sugar

6 tbsp unsalted butter (cubed)

½ cup heavy cream

1 tsp vanilla extract

A pinch of sea salt

For Topping:

1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

1 tbsp coarse sugar (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Pie Crust:

- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of flour, 1 tsp of salt, and 1 tbsp of sugar.

- Add the cold, cubed butter and mix with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

- Stir in ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together. Split the dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Make the Caramel Sauce:

- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar until it turns golden and has a caramel color.

- Once melted, carefully add the cubed butter, stirring until it’s completely melted.

- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring (be cautious, as the caramel may bubble). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt. Let it cool.

Prepare the Apple Filling:

- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Toss until apples are well coated.

Assemble the Pie:

- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

- Roll out one of the chilled dough disks on a floured surface to fit your pie pan. Place it into the pan and fill with the apple mixture. Drizzle half of the cooled caramel sauce over the apples, then dot with butter pieces.

- Roll out the second dough disk and place over the filled pie. Trim and crimp the edges. Make several slits in the top crust for steam to escape. Brush the top with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.

Bake the Pie:

- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 40-45 minutes until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.

- If the edges start to brown too quickly, you can cover them with aluminum foil.

Cool and Serve:

- Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours. Serve warm or at room temperature, drizzled with the remaining caramel sauce. Enjoy with vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 1 hour | 2 hours 15 minutes | 8 servings