Caramel apple pie takes everything you love about classic apple pie and adds rich, buttery caramel inside the filling and drizzled over the top. A golden lattice crust sprinkled with coarse sugar makes it look like it came from a bakery.
It is my go-to pie for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and it always gets compliments.
If you love these flavors, try my caramel apple pie bombs and these salted caramel apple pie bars. Short on time? Start with my homemade apple pie filling.
JUMP TO
- Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Pie
- What Is Caramel Apple Pie?
- Ingredients
- Kitchen Equipment
- Ingredient Tips
- How to Make Caramel Apple Pie
- Expert Tips for Perfect Caramel Apple Pie
- Delicious Variations
- What to Serve with Caramel Apple Pie
- Storage Instructions
- Can You Make It Ahead?
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Estimated Nutrition
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Pie
It is a classic pie with a gooey, caramel upgrade.
Caramel in Every Bite
Caramel is layered with the apples and drizzled on top.
Beautiful Lattice
It looks impressive but is easy with our tips.
Juicy, Sliceable Filling
Flour and cornstarch thicken the juices.
Flaky Crust
Homemade or store-bought both work.
Holiday Showstopper
The perfect centerpiece dessert.
What Is Caramel Apple Pie?
Caramel apple pie is a double-crust apple pie with caramel sauce added to the filling. The top crust is woven into a lattice, so the caramel and apple juices bubble up through the gaps.
A final caramel drizzle after baking adds shine and extra flavor.
Ingredients
Crust
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Unbaked 9-inch pie crusts (homemade or refrigerated) | 2 | Bottom crust and lattice |
| Large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon milk | 1 | Egg wash |
| Coarse sparkling sugar | 1 tablespoon | Crunchy finish |
Apple Filling
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Apples, peeled and sliced ¼ inch thick | 7 cups | Fruit base |
| Light brown sugar, packed | ½ cup | Sweetness |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup | Sweetness |
| All-purpose flour | 3 tablespoons | Thickener |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon | Thickener |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon | Brightness |
| Ground cinnamon | 1½ teaspoons | Spice |
| Ground nutmeg | ¼ teaspoon | Spice |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon | Balance |
Caramel
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Thick caramel sauce, divided | ½ cup | Layered in the filling |
| Caramel sauce, warmed | ¼ cup | Drizzle after baking |
Kitchen Equipment
- 9-inch deep-dish pie plate
- Rolling pin
- Pizza cutter or pastry wheel
- Large mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
- Rimmed baking sheet
Ingredient Tips
Mix Apple Varieties
Granny Smith plus Honeycrisp or Pink Lady gives balance.
Use Thick Caramel
Thin sauce makes the pie runny.
Keep Dough Cold
Cold dough makes a flaky crust and easier lattice.
Slice Apples Evenly
For even cooking.
Coarse Sugar Matters
It gives the sparkly, crunchy top.
How to Make Caramel Apple Pie
Step 1: Prep the Bottom Crust
Fit one crust into a deep-dish pie plate and refrigerate. Cut the second crust into 1-inch strips and chill them on a plate.
Step 2: Make the Filling
Heat the oven to 400°F with a rack in the lower third. Toss the apples with the sugars, flour, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 3: Layer With Caramel
Add half the apples to the crust and drizzle with ¼ cup caramel. Add the rest of the apples, mounding in the center, and drizzle with another ¼ cup caramel.
Step 4: Weave the Lattice
Lay half the strips across the pie. Fold back every other strip, place a strip crosswise, and unfold. Repeat to finish the lattice. Trim and crimp the edges.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Sugar
Brush the lattice with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Chill the pie 15 minutes.
Step 6: Bake
Bake on a baking sheet at 400°F for 20 minutes, then reduce to 375°F and bake 40 to 45 minutes, until golden and the juices bubble thickly. Tent with foil if needed.
Step 7: Cool and Drizzle
Cool at least 3 hours. Drizzle with warm caramel before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Caramel Apple Pie
Chill Before Baking
Cold lattice holds its shape.
Look for Thick Bubbles
The filling is done when the bubbling juices look syrupy.
Lower Rack
Helps the bottom crust bake through.
Shield the Edges
Use a foil ring after 30 minutes.
Add Flaky Salt
A pinch over the drizzle makes it salted caramel apple pie.
Delicious Variations
Crumb Top
Use a streusel instead of the lattice.
Salted Caramel
Use salted caramel and finish with flaky sea salt.
Pecan Caramel
Sprinkle chopped pecans between the apple layers.
Full Top Crust
Cut vents in a solid top crust.
Cinnamon Sugar Lattice
Use cinnamon sugar instead of coarse sugar.
What to Serve with Caramel Apple Pie
Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream and an extra drizzle of caramel.
It is a perfect partner to coffee after a holiday dinner.
Storage Instructions
| Storage Method | How Long | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 2 days | Loosely covered |
| Refrigerator | 5 days | Covered |
| Freezer | 3 months | Baked pie, wrapped well |
Rewarm slices at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes.
Add fresh caramel drizzle after reheating.
Can You Make It Ahead?
Bake the pie a day ahead; it slices best once completely cool.
You can also assemble the pie and freeze it unbaked; bake from frozen at 400°F, adding 20 to 25 minutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Runny Pie
Cut too soon or underbaked.
Pale Crust
Skipping egg wash or baking too high.
Burnt Edges
No foil shield.
Soggy Bottom
Bake on the lower rack.
Torn Lattice
Dough too warm; chill strips first.
Estimated Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Carbohydrates | 72g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 17g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 42g |
| Sodium | 330mg |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
Estimate per slice, based on 8 slices without ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought caramel for caramel apple pie?
Yes. A thick jarred caramel sauce works well.
What apples are best?
A mix of tart Granny Smith with sweet, firm apples like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady.
Why is my caramel apple pie runny?
It was sliced warm or did not bake until the juices bubbled.
Can I use store-bought crust?
Yes. Refrigerated pie crusts work great for the lattice.
How do I store caramel apple pie?
Keep it covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
Conclusion
Caramel apple pie is cozy, gooey, and gorgeous. With a golden lattice and caramel drizzle, it is the pie everyone will remember.
Bake it for the holidays and serve with ice cream.
PrintCaramel Apple Pie with Lattice Crust and Caramel Drizzle
Juicy cinnamon apples layered with caramel under a golden, sugar-sprinkled lattice crust and finished with a warm caramel drizzle.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours (includes chilling and cooling)
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Crust
2 unbaked 9-inch pie crusts (homemade or refrigerated)
1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon coarse sparkling sugar
Apple Filling
7 cups apples, peeled and sliced ¼ inch thick
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
¼ cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
Caramel
½ cup thick caramel sauce, divided
¼ cup caramel sauce, warmed
Instructions
Fit one crust into a deep-dish pie plate and refrigerate. Cut the second crust into 1-inch strips and chill them on a plate.
Heat the oven to 400°F with a rack in the lower third. Toss the apples with the sugars, flour, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Add half the apples to the crust and drizzle with ¼ cup caramel. Add the rest of the apples, mounding in the center, and drizzle with another ¼ cup caramel.
Lay half the strips across the pie. Fold back every other strip, place a strip crosswise, and unfold. Repeat to finish the lattice. Trim and crimp the edges.
Brush the lattice with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Chill the pie 15 minutes.
Bake on a baking sheet at 400°F for 20 minutes, then reduce to 375°F and bake 40 to 45 minutes, until golden and the juices bubble thickly. Tent with foil if needed.
Cool at least 3 hours. Drizzle with warm caramel before serving.
Notes
Use thick caramel sauce.
Chill the lattice before baking.
Bake until the juices bubble thickly.
Cool 3 hours before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 72g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg




