Delicious caramel apple pie with caramel drizzle and fresh apple slices on top

Chef John’s Caramel Apple Pie

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Chef John’s Caramel Apple Pie is a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of apple pie with a rich, sweet caramel topping. It’s perfect for special occasions or just a family dessert night. The combination of tender apples, a flaky crust, and gooey caramel makes each slice a heavenly bite that will please everyone.

how to make Chef John’s Caramel Apple Pie

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 pastry for double-crust pie
  • 5 apples – peeled, cored, and sliced

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.
  2. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
  3. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine white sugar, brown sugar, butter, water, cinnamon, and salt.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove it from heat and set aside.
  5. Roll out half the pastry to fit a 9-inch pie plate.
  6. Place the bottom crust in the pie plate and pour in the apple slices.
  7. Roll out the top crust into a 10-inch circle. Cut it into 8 strips that are 1-inch wide using a sharp paring knife or pastry wheel.
  8. Weave the pastry strips into a lattice pattern over the apple filling.
  9. Fold the ends of the lattice strips under the edge of the bottom crust and crimp to seal.
  10. Pour the butter-sugar mixture over the top of the pie, coating the lattice, and allow any remaining sauce to drizzle through the crust.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
  12. Reduce the heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and bake until the crust is golden brown, the caramel on the top crust is set, and the apple filling is bubbling, about 35 to 40 more minutes.
  13. Allow to cool completely before slicing.

how to serve Chef John’s Caramel Apple Pie

Serve slices of Chef John’s Caramel Apple Pie warm or at room temperature. You can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra sweetness and creaminess.

how to store Chef John’s Caramel Apple Pie

To store any leftovers, keep the pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, transfer it to the refrigerator, where it can last for about 5 to 7 days. Be sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out.

tips to make Chef John’s Caramel Apple Pie

  • Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp or Fuji work well together.
  • Make sure the apples are sliced evenly for uniform cooking.
  • If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
  • Let the pie cool completely before slicing to allow the filling to set properly.

variation

You can add nuts like pecans or walnuts to the apple filling for some extra crunch. Alternatively, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a few tablespoons of caramel sauce to the apple mixture for added flavor.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use store-bought pastry?
Yes, you can use store-bought pastry for convenience. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for rolling out and baking.

Q2: What type of apples are best for pie?
For the best taste and texture, use a mix of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp.

Q3: Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, you can freeze the pie before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, you can bake it from frozen; just increase the baking time slightly.