Caramel Apple Pie with Lattice Crust and Caramel Drizzle

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.

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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

IngredientAmountPurpose
Unbaked 9-inch pie crusts (homemade or refrigerated)2Bottom crust and lattice
Large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon milk1Egg wash
Coarse sparkling sugar1 tablespoonCrunchy finish

Apple Filling

IngredientAmountPurpose
Apples, peeled and sliced ¼ inch thick7 cupsFruit base
Light brown sugar, packed½ cupSweetness
Granulated sugar¼ cupSweetness
All-purpose flour3 tablespoonsThickener
Cornstarch1 tablespoonThickener
Lemon juice1 tablespoonBrightness
Ground cinnamon1½ teaspoonsSpice
Ground nutmeg¼ teaspoonSpice
Salt¼ teaspoonBalance

Caramel

IngredientAmountPurpose
Thick caramel sauce, divided½ cupLayered in the filling
Caramel sauce, warmed¼ cupDrizzle 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 MethodHow LongBest Practice
Room Temperature2 daysLoosely covered
Refrigerator5 daysCovered
Freezer3 monthsBaked 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

NutrientAmount Per Serving
Calories450
Carbohydrates72g
Protein4g
Fat17g
Saturated Fat7g
Fiber4g
Sugar42g
Sodium330mg
Cholesterol30mg

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.

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Caramel Apple Pie with Lattice Crust and Caramel Drizzle

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Juicy cinnamon apples layered with caramel under a golden, sugar-sprinkled lattice crust and finished with a warm caramel drizzle.

  • Author: Emily
  • 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

Scale

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

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