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Caramel Apple Pie with Easy Brown Butter Crust

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This caramel apple pie features a nutty, golden brown butter crust and a gooey caramel apple filling, making it the ultimate cozy fall dessert. It’s easy enough for a weeknight bake but impressive enough for Thanksgiving or any holiday gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, cubed
  • 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) ice water, plus more as needed
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) water
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream, room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 6–7 cups (about 900g) peeled, cored, and sliced apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp recommended)
  • 2/3 cup (133g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Butter for the Crust: Place 1 cup unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently as it melts, foams, and turns golden brown with nutty bits at the bottom (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat, pour into a bowl, and cool completely (about 20 minutes in the fridge).
  2. Mix the Crust Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add cooled brown butter and mix with a pastry cutter or forks until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in 1/3 cup ice water and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Mix just until dough comes together, adding more water if needed. Divide dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate at least 1 hour (up to 2 days).
  3. Make the Caramel Sauce: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water. Stir gently over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium-high; cook without stirring until deep golden (about 7-9 minutes). Remove from heat and carefully whisk in 6 tablespoons butter, then 1/2 cup cream. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (if using) and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Cool to room temperature.
  4. Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss 6-7 cups apples with 2/3 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon allspice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons lemon juice. Pour in half the cooled caramel and toss to coat. Reserve the rest for serving.
  5. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disk to a 12-inch round. Gently lift into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing to fit. Trim excess, leaving a 1/2-inch overhang. Pour in apple filling and spread evenly.
  6. Add the Top Crust: Roll the second dough disk into a 12-inch circle. Cut into strips for a lattice or keep whole for a classic look (cut vents if whole). Drape over apples, trim edges, and fold under with the bottom crust. Crimp edges.
  7. Egg Wash and Sugar: Brush the top with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
  8. Bake: Place pie on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°F and bake another 40-50 minutes, until juices bubble and crust is deep golden. Cover edges with foil if browning too quickly.
  9. Cool and Serve: Cool pie on a rack at least 3 hours before slicing. Warm remaining caramel and drizzle over each slice when serving.

Notes

For best results, use a mix of tart and sweet apples. Keep all crust ingredients cold for flakiness. Let the pie cool completely before slicing for clean cuts. The caramel sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated. For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and plant-based butter/cream. Store leftovers covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple pie, brown butter crust, fall dessert, Thanksgiving pie, easy apple pie, homemade caramel, autumn baking, holiday dessert

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/caramel-apple-pie-recipe-easy-brown-butter-crust-for-fall/