Chef John's Caramel Apple Pie
+6 photos

Chef John's Caramel Apple Pie

8 servings
This gorgeous caramel apple pie gets a generous amount of homemade caramel sauce poured over the crust for more caramelization and a richer flavor.

Ingredients

  • white sugar
    ½ c
  • brown sugar
    ½ c
  • unsalted butter
    6 tbsp
  • water
    ¼ c
  • cinnamon
    ¼ tsp
  • salt
    1 pinch
  • package pastry for a double-crust pie

    9-inch

    1
  • apples - peeled

    cored and sliced

    5

Directions

  1. 1

    Gather all ingredients.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

  3. 3

    Combine white sugar, brown sugar, butter, water, cinnamon, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, and set aside.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Line the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie plate with one pie crust. Fill with apple slices.

    Step 4
  5. 5

    Roll out top crust into a 10-inch circle. Cut into 8 (1-inch-wide) strips using a sharp paring knife or pastry wheel

    Step 5
  6. 6

    Weave the pastry strips, one at a time, into a lattice pattern. Fold the ends of the lattice strips under the edge of the bottom crust and crimp to seal.

    Step 6
  7. 7

    Pour butter-sugar mixture evenly over the lattice, letting any excess drizzle into the filling.

    Step 7
  8. 8

    Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and continue baking until the crust is golden brown, the caramel is set, and the apple filling is bubbling, 35 to 40 minutes more. Allow to cool completely before slicing.

    Step 8
Chef John's Caramel Apple Pie
+6

Chef John's Caramel Apple Pie

100 min8 servings336 cal

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About this Recipe

Imagine the aroma of warm, spiced apples mingling with rich caramel, all baked into a flaky pie crust. Chef John's Caramel Apple Pie isn't just a dessert; it's an experience designed to bring pure comfort and joy to your table.

What elevates this pie above the rest is Chef John's signature touch: a generous amount of homemade caramel sauce poured over the crust before baking. This ingenious technique ensures more caramelization throughout the pie, infusing every bite with an unparalleled depth of flavor and a rich, golden hue you won't find in ordinary apple pies. It's the secret to a truly unforgettable apple pie experience.

Prepare your senses for a symphony of textures and tastes. You'll bite into a tender, buttery pie crust that gives way to a luscious filling of perfectly cooked apples, softened just enough but still holding their shape. Each apple slice is coated in that decadent, rich caramel sauce, brightened by a hint of warm cinnamon and balanced by a pinch of salt. It's wonderfully sweet, deeply satisfying, and pure autumnal bliss in every forkful. This dessert is a true labor of love, delivering restaurant-quality indulgence right from your kitchen.

While this recipe is perfect as written, you can tailor your apple choices to your preference. For a classic balance of sweet and tart, consider using a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples. If you prefer a sweeter pie, opt for all Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. You can also experiment with different heirloom apple varieties to discover unique flavor profiles that complement the rich caramel.

This magnificent Caramel Apple Pie is the ideal centerpiece for any special occasion, from holiday gatherings to cozy family dinners. Serve it warm on its own, or with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra layer of indulgence.

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