The smell of buttery caramel bubbling away, paired with the warm aroma of cinnamon-spiced apples, is pure magic. This irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Pie with Crumb Topping is the kind of dessert that turns any gathering into a celebration. Whether it’s a cozy fall dinner or a festive holiday party, this pie steals the show every single time.
I first discovered the beauty of combining salted caramel with apples when experimenting in the kitchen one autumn afternoon. The rich caramel sauce perfectly balances the tartness of the apples, and the crumb topping adds a buttery crunch that’s simply addictive. Trust me, once you’ve made this pie, you’ll find yourself craving it all year round.
This recipe is everything you love about classic apple pie, but with a contemporary twist. It’s indulgent yet surprisingly easy to pull together, making it a go-to dessert for both novice and seasoned bakers. And the best part? You don’t need any fancy ingredients or equipment—just simple pantry staples and a love for baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: The pie crust, filling, caramel sauce, and crumb topping come together effortlessly, even if you’re not an experienced baker.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The salted caramel sauce brings a rich, sweet-salty depth, while the apples provide a bright, tangy contrast.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a casual Sunday dinner, or even a potluck, this pie is guaranteed to impress.
- Customizable: You can tweak the topping, apples, or caramel sauce to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: This pie is always a hit with kids and adults alike. Don’t be surprised when people ask for seconds!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the components ahead of time, assemble, and bake when you’re ready to wow your guests.
What truly sets this recipe apart is the crumb topping. Instead of a traditional lattice crust, the buttery crumble creates a golden, crispy layer that pairs perfectly with the gooey salted caramel and tender apples. Honestly, it’s the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite.
What Ingredients You Will Need
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create bold flavors and textures. You likely already have most of these items in your kitchen!
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup (60ml) ice water
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (I recommend Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness)
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
- 2 tbsp (15g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp salt
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Feel free to substitute the pie crust with a store-bought option if you’re short on time. For a gluten-free version, use almond flour for the crumb topping and a gluten-free pie crust.
Equipment Needed
- Pie dish (9-inch)
- Mixing bowls (at least 3)
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- Peeler and corer for apples
- Pastry cutter or food processor (for pie crust)
- Small saucepan (for caramel sauce)
- Spatula
If you don’t have a rolling pin, you can use a bottle or jar as a substitute. A simple knife works well for slicing apples if you don’t have a corer.
Preparation Method
- Prepare the pie crust: In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add cold butter cubes and cut into the flour using a pastry cutter or food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the salted caramel sauce: In a small saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until melted and amber-colored. Add butter and stir until fully combined. Slowly pour in heavy cream, whisking continuously. Remove from heat and stir in sea salt. Allow to cool while preparing the filling.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly coated.
- Make the crumb topping: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble the pie: Roll out the pie crust on a floured surface and transfer to a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp edges. Pour the apple filling into the crust, drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over the apples, and top with crumb topping.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Cover edges with foil if they brown too quickly.
- Cool and serve: Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set. Drizzle remaining caramel sauce before serving.
Cooking Tips & Techniques
- Keep the butter cold: Cold butter is essential for a flaky crust. If your kitchen is warm, pop the butter in the freezer for 10 minutes before starting.
- Choose the right apples: A mix of tart and sweet apples works best for balanced flavor. Avoid overly soft varieties like Red Delicious.
- Watch the caramel closely: Caramel can burn quickly, so don’t walk away from the stove while making it.
- Prevent soggy crust: Dust the crust lightly with flour before adding the filling to absorb extra juices from the apples.
- Let the pie cool: It’s tempting to cut the pie right away, but letting it cool ensures clean slices and a set filling.
Variations & Adaptations
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pie crust and almond flour in the crumb topping.
- Dairy-Free: Replace butter with plant-based alternatives and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for the caramel sauce.
- Seasonal Swap: Substitute apples with pears for a fun twist or add cranberries for a tart kick.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the filling for extra warmth.
- Double the Caramel: Serve with additional homemade caramel sauce for an extra indulgent experience.
I once tried this recipe with peaches instead of apples in the summer, and it was equally delightful!
Serving & Storage Suggestions
This pie is best served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Pair it with a cup of coffee or spiced cider for a cozy treat.
To store leftovers, cover the pie tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the pie for up to 2 months. Reheat slices in the oven at 325°F (165°C) or in the microwave for a quick fix.
The flavors deepen over time, so don’t be surprised if the pie tastes even better the next day!
Nutritional Information & Benefits
Estimated per slice (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Protein: 4g
Apples are a great source of fiber and antioxidants, while the cinnamon adds anti-inflammatory benefits. If you opt for a homemade crust, you’ll avoid preservatives found in store-bought versions.
Conclusion
This Salted Caramel Apple Pie with Crumb Topping is the perfect mix of comfort and indulgence. The warm spiced apples, buttery crumb topping, and gooey salted caramel create a dessert that’s unforgettable. It’s a recipe that invites creativity, letting you tweak and adapt it to suit your preferences.
I can’t wait for you to try this pie—it’s truly a labor of love and a celebration of flavors. Be sure to share your thoughts, tweaks, and pictures in the comments below. Happy baking!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes! While homemade caramel sauce offers the best flavor, a good-quality store-bought version works in a pinch.
What’s the best way to peel and slice apples?
A vegetable peeler makes peeling quick and easy. For slicing, use a sharp knife or an apple corer/slicer for consistent thickness.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake the pie a day before and store it in the fridge. Reheat slices before serving for the best texture.
Can I freeze unbaked pie?
Yes, assemble the pie and freeze it unbaked. Wrap tightly, and bake straight from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
What’s the best way to prevent pie crust from shrinking?
Chill the crust for at least 30 minutes before rolling and again before baking to keep it from shrinking.
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