This Caramel Glazed Apple Pie is the kind of dessert that feels like autumn wrapped in pastry. It’s warm, fragrant, and deeply nostalgic—filled with tender apple chunks that have been gently cooked in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until they glisten like amber. The crust is flaky and golden, offering a delicate crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, syrupy filling.
Unlike traditional apple pies that rely solely on sugar and spice, this version introduces a homemade caramel glaze that coats the apples and seeps into the crust as it bakes. The result is a pie that’s rich without being heavy, sweet without being cloying, and comforting without compromise. Whether served warm with whipped cream, chilled with ice cream, or simply on its own, each slice is a celebration of texture and flavor.
🧂 INGREDIENTS:
For the crust:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6–8 tbsp ice water
For the filling:
- 5 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and chopped
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the caramel glaze:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
Optional topping:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
🥣 INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Make the Crust
In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough holds together. Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and vanilla. Cook for 8–10 minutes until apples are tender and the mixture is thick and glossy. Let cool slightly.
3. Roll and Assemble
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Roll out one dough disc and fit into a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with the cooled apple mixture. Roll out the second disc and place over the filling, crimping the edges. Cut slits in the top for steam to escape.
4. Make the Caramel Glaze
In a small saucepan, melt butter and stir in brown sugar and cream. Cook over low heat until smooth and slightly thickened—about 3 minutes. Pour evenly over the pie, letting it seep into the slits and edges.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles. If the crust browns too quickly, cover edges with foil. Let cool for 30 minutes before slicing.
🍽 SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
- Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish.
- Pair with spiced chai or cinnamon coffee.
- Enjoy chilled for a firmer texture and deeper caramel flavor.
🧠 TIPS & VARIATIONS:
- For extra crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.
- For a shortcut: Use store-bought pie crust and pre-made caramel sauce.
- For a tart twist: Use a mix of Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples.
- Sugar-free version: Substitute coconut sugar and use a sugar-free caramel glaze.
