Salted Caramel Apple Pie

Introduction

A delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors, this salted caramel apple pie features tender apples, rich caramel, and a perfectly flaky crust. It’s the ultimate dessert for any occasion!

Ingredients

250g all-purpose flour
150g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
50ml ice water
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp granulated sugar
5 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
100g granulated sugar
50g brown sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
20g cornstarch
100ml heavy cream
100g caramel sauce
1 tsp sea salt flakes
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tbsp milk

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar. Add chilled butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water gradually, mixing until a dough forms. Divide into two, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
2. Preheat oven to 180°C. Roll out one portion of dough and fit into a 22cm pie pan. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
3. In a large bowl, combine apple slices, sugars, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside.
4. Pour half of the caramel sauce over the apple mixture and stir to combine.
5. Fill the prepared pie crust with the apple mixture, spreading evenly. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the apples and sprinkle with sea salt flakes.
6. Roll out the second dough portion and place it over the filling. Seal edges and cut slits for steam vents.
7. Mix egg and milk for egg wash and brush over the pie crust.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before serving.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, salt, and granulated sugar. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until a dough forms. Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 3: Roll Out the Bottom Crust

Take one portion of the chilled dough out of the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll it out into a circle that is large enough to fit into a 22cm pie pan. Place the rolled dough into the pie pan, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides. Refrigerate the crust while you prepare the filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and cornstarch. Mix well to ensure the apples are evenly coated, then set aside.

Step 5: Add Caramel Sauce

Pour half of the caramel sauce over the apple mixture and stir to combine.

Step 6: Fill the Pie Crust

Spoon the prepared apple mixture into the chilled pie crust, spreading it evenly. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the apples and sprinkle with sea salt flakes.

Step 7: Roll Out the Top Crust

Take the second portion of the dough and roll it out into a circle that is slightly larger than the pie filling. Place this rolled dough over the filled pie, sealing the edges by crimping or pressing together with your fingers. Cut slits in the top crust for steam vents.

Step 8: Apply Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the top crust of the pie to give it a golden finish while baking.

Step 9: Bake the Pie

Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Storage

The pie can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.

Apple Selection

For best results, use a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.

Caramel Sauce

Store-bought caramel sauce works well, or you can make your own for a richer flavor.

Customizations

Feel free to add nuts, such as chopped pecans or walnuts, to the apple filling for added texture.

Storage Instructions

Cooling Down

Allow the pie to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent sogginess in the crust.

Refrigeration

Store the cooled salted caramel apple pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of the salted caramel apple pie warm or at room temperature. For an extra indulgent experience, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top, and garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt flakes for a beautiful presentation.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 8 servings):
– Calories: 350
– Total Fat: 18g
– Saturated Fat: 10g
– Cholesterol: 60mg
– Sodium: 150mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 45g
– Dietary Fiber: 2g
– Sugars: 20g
– Protein: 2g

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)

Ingredient Substitutions

Flour

For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Butter

Use coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.

Heavy Cream

Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.

Granulated Sugar

You can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute, such as stevia or erythritol, for a lower-calorie version.

Apples

Any variety of tart apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, can be swapped for a different flavor profile.

Cook Techniques

Making the Pie Crust

To achieve a flaky crust, use cold butter and handle the dough minimally. Mix flour, salt, and sugar, then incorporate the butter until crumbly. Add ice water gradually until the dough holds together.

Preparing the Apple Filling

Select a mix of tart and sweet apples for depth of flavor. Toss the apple slices with sugars, lemon juice, spices, and cornstarch to ensure even coating. Let the mixture sit to allow the flavors to meld.

Assembling the Pie

Layer the apple filling in the crust, drizzle with caramel sauce, and sprinkle with sea salt. Use a second layer of crust to cover and create vents for steam to escape, ensuring even baking.

Baking the Pie

Bake at 180°C (350°F) until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning; if necessary, cover the edges with foil.

Cooling the Pie

Allow the pie to cool before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes for neater pieces.

FAQ

Can I use a pre-made pie crust?

Yes, a store-bought pie crust can save time, but homemade offers a fresher taste and texture.

What apples are best for pie?

A combination of Granny Smith for tartness and Fuji or Honeycrisp for sweetness works well.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Ensure the crust is fully baked before adding the filling or brush it with a thin layer of melted butter before adding the apples.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie and refrigerate before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a non-dairy substitute like coconut cream, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly.

Conclusion

The salted caramel apple pie is a perfect blend of sweet and salty, elevating the classic apple pie experience to new heights. The layers of tender apples, decadent caramel, and a flaky crust create a delightful dessert that is sure to impress at any gathering. Whether for a holiday celebration or a simple family dinner, this pie will always be a crowd-pleaser, leaving everyone wanting more.

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