The Best Caramel Apple Pie for Cozy Fall Gatherings

Caramel Apple Pie—just saying the name makes your mouth water, doesn’t it? There’s something magical about the combination of crisp, tart apples wrapped in buttery, flaky pastry and topped with a homemade caramel sauce. It’s one of those desserts that instantly brings to mind cozy fall nights, a crackling fire, and a good book. This pie isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience. While the classic apple pie is beloved for a reason, adding caramel takes it to a whole new level. The richness of the caramel melds beautifully with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, making every bite a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery goodness. I used A Spice Affair Apple Pie Spice for this recipe. It’s the perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom!

Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, a fall family dinner, or simply want to impress your friends at a potluck, this Caramel Apple Pie is a showstopper that’s sure to disappear in minutes (trust me, no one’s going to pass up a second slice). But before you roll out that dough, let’s walk through a few tips and tricks to ensure your pie is as stunning as it is delicious.

Tips & Tricks for a Perfect Caramel Apple Pie

1. Keep the Butter Cold – Seriously, Frostbite Cold!
Let’s start with the crust. A good pie is all about the crust. You want it to be flaky, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth buttery. The key? Keeping your butter and water ice-cold. Think “Arctic expedition” cold. I’m talking butter straight from the freezer if you can. When the butter melts too soon, the dough becomes dense and loses that beautiful flakiness we crave. So, chill your butter, chill your water, and if it’s a hot day, chill yourself (or crank up the AC).

2. Don’t Overwork the Dough.
You might be tempted to knead and squeeze that dough like it’s a stress ball, but restraint is key. Overworking your dough will develop gluten, making your crust tough instead of tender. Aim for a dough that just comes together—pea-sized butter bits are a good sign. The less you fuss, the flakier it’ll be. Remember: imperfection in dough is perfection in the pie.

3. Use a Blend of Apples for Maximum Flavor.
One of the biggest secrets to a standout apple pie is mixing apple varieties. Each type brings its own flavor profile and texture, resulting in a more complex filling. Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well during baking, while Honeycrisp is sweet with a great texture. If you want to mix it up even more, try adding a few slices of Pink Lady or Braeburn apples for a sweeter finish. Just don’t use all soft apples like McIntosh, or you’ll end up with applesauce in a crust!

4. Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice.
Lemon juice in apple pie? It might seem counterintuitive, but a splash of citrus prevents your apples from browning and brightens up the entire filling. It cuts through the sweetness and makes the spices pop. So, while it’s tempting to skip, trust me—it’s a small addition that makes a big difference.

5. Make the Caramel Sauce in Advance.
Caramel sauce can be tricky, especially if you’re new to making it. You want that gorgeous golden hue without burning it (been there, done that, and cried over it). The trick is to measure out your ingredients before you start melting the sugar, and stay focused—no multitasking allowed! Once it’s ready, let the sauce cool before adding it to your pie to avoid a runny filling. Make sure to use a wooden spoon or a metal one with a plastic handle so you don’t burn your hands. Also, a pot with taller sides is essential! When you add the heavy whipping cream, it will bubble up so quickly and intensely. Take it from someone who has had to scrub burnt sugar off their stove; a deep pot is a must!

6. Let the Pie Cool Before Cutting—Yes, Really.
This might be the hardest tip to follow, but resist the urge to dig in as soon as your pie is out of the oven. Why? Because hot pie equals a runny mess. Let it cool for at least 2-3 hours to allow the filling to set up. I know, it’s a Herculean task, but patience will reward you with perfect slices and ooey-gooey caramel that stays where it’s supposed to.

Fall Pairings to Elevate Your Caramel Apple Pie

What pairs well with a slice of warm, caramel-infused apple pie? Glad you asked! Whether you want to go classic or adventurous, here are a few pairing ideas that’ll take your dessert to the next level:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream (Because, of Course)
A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is a match made in heaven for Caramel Apple Pie. The cold ice cream melting over the warm pie creates a blissful contrast that’s nothing short of divine. Bonus points if you add a little caramel drizzle over the top—decadent, but worth every calorie.

2. Cheddar Cheese—Trust Me!
This one might sound strange, but if you’re from the Northeast, you’re probably nodding enthusiastically. Serving a slice of sharp cheddar alongside apple pie is a tradition that dates back centuries. The savory cheese pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart apples and caramel, creating a flavor combination that’s surprising and delicious. Try it just once, and you might never go back.

3. Spiced Whipped Cream for an Extra Kick
Want to fancy up your whipped cream? Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of vanilla extract for a spiced whipped cream that’ll complement the warm spices in the pie. It’s like apple pie à la mode but with a little extra pizzazz.

4. Caramel Latte or Mulled Cider
For a comforting fall drink pairing, look no further than a homemade caramel latte or a steaming mug of mulled cider. The warm spices and caramel notes in both beverages echo the flavors of the pie, creating a harmonious flavor profile. Plus, they make the perfect companion for a cozy fall afternoon.

5. Maple Bourbon for the Bold
Feeling adventurous? Pour yourself a glass of maple bourbon to sip alongside your pie. The sweet, smoky bourbon pairs beautifully with the buttery crust and caramel filling. It’s a pairing that screams fall sophistication and will leave your guests swooning.

6. Spiced Pecans for a Little Crunch
Looking for a crunchy contrast to that soft, flaky crust and gooey filling? Toasted spiced pecans are the answer. You can either serve them on the side or sprinkle a few over the top of your slice for added texture and a hint of warmth.

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Pie

1. That Homemade Caramel Sauce
   Let’s be honest—the caramel sauce is the real star of this pie. Rich, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet, it transforms a standard apple pie into something extraordinary. The sauce is great for drizzling over other desserts, pancakes, or (no judgment here) straight out of the jar.
2. The Flaky, Buttery Crust
   When done right, this crust is everything you want: tender, flaky, and packed with flavor. It’s the perfect vehicle for all that apple-caramel goodness.
3. Sweet, Tart, and Balanced Filling
   The combination of apple varieties and the perfect blend of spices create a filling that’s sweet, but not cloying. The tartness of the Granny Smith apples cuts through the sweetness of the caramel, making every bite balanced and delightful.
4. Crowd-Pleaser for Any Fall Gathering
   Whether it’s a Thanksgiving feast, a potluck, or a simple family dinner, this Caramel Apple Pie is a showstopper. Expect oohs and ahhs when you bring this to the table (and maybe a few recipe requests).

Other Fall Offerings using A Spice Affair Blends

Honey Maple Butternut Squash Soup
A velvety smooth butternut squash soup with hints of sweetness and spice, thanks to A Spice Affair’s Honey Maple Squash seasoning. Roasted squash and carrots bring out the natural flavors, while a swirl of coconut milk (or cream) adds luxurious creaminess—perfect for a cozy fall dinner.

Mulled Bourbon with Cranberry Apple Juice
This warm Mulled Bourbon cocktail is brimming with festive flavors from A Spice Affair’s Mulling Spice blend. Cranberry apple juice, fresh orange slices, and a splash of bourbon make it the perfect holiday sipper, with just the right balance of tart, sweet, and spiced notes.

Maple Bacon Cornbread Waffles
A sweet and savory take on classic cornbread waffles, these are packed with smoky flavor from A Spice Affair’s Maple Bacon seasoning. Drizzle with maple syrup and top with crispy bacon for the ultimate brunch treat that pairs perfectly with fried chicken or just a cup of coffee.

Zesty Maple Ginger Acorn Squash Burrata Salad
A vibrant and colorful fall salad featuring roasted acorn squash slices coated in A Spice Affair’s Zesty Maple Ginger seasoning. Creamy burrata, tart pomegranate seeds, and crunchy toasted pecans come together for a stunning dish that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.

A Pie That’s Worth Every Bite

Caramel Apple Pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s a labor of love. From making the caramel sauce to carefully assembling the pie, every step adds a layer of flavor that’s well worth the effort. It’s a dessert that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and will leave everyone asking for seconds.

So the next time you want to bake something special, give this Caramel Apple Pie a try. It’s guaranteed to make your house smell amazing, your guests happy, and you—well, let’s just say you’ll be the hero of dessert hour!

Print Recipe

Caramel Apple Pie

Caramel apple pie with a buttery, flaky crust, tender spiced apples, and a rich homemade caramel sauce. It is a delicious choice for Fall gatherings.

Equipment

• Medium-size Saucepan
• Wooden Spoon
• Measuring Cups and Spoons or Kitchen Scale
• 9″ Pie plate
• Pastry Blender
• Medium Bowl

Ingredients

Crust

• 2 3/4 Cups All-Purpose Flour 340 grams chilled
• 1 tsp Salt 7 grams
• 1 Cup Unsalted Butter 250 grams cold
• 1/2 Cup Water 110 ml Ice water

Caramel Sauce

• 1 1/2 Cups Granulated Sugar 300 grams
• 1/2 Cup Water 110 ml
• 1 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream 270 ml
• 3 1/2 tbsp Salted Butter 50 grams room temperature

Apple Filling

• 5 Cups Apples Granny Smith and Honey Crisp Peeled and Sliced
• 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
• 3/4 Cup Brown Sugar 140 grams
• 6 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
• 2-3 tbsp apple pie spice adjust to taste
• 1/2 tsp Salt 3 grams
• 1 Egg + 1 tbsp water egg wash

Instructions

Crust

• Spray the inside of a 9″ pie dish with oil.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 3/4 cups of cold All-purpose flour and 1 tsp of salt. Cut the cup of butter into tbsp chunks and add it to the bowl. Using a pastry blender, a fork, or you hands, cut the butter into the cold flour until it resembles crumbs the size of peas. Next, add a 1/2 cup of ice water and work the dough just until it comes together and no dry ingredients remain. If the dough is too dry and crumbly add 2-4 more tbsp of water. Don’t overwork the dough or the butter will melt into the flour, gluten will start to form, and your crust will be hard and not flakey.
• Once the dough has come together, divide it into two equal parts. Roll out the first piece of dough into a circle big enough to serve as the bottom crust of your pie. Line the prepared pie dish with it. Make sure you’ve rolled it big enough that there is a little overhang past the edges of the pie plate. Cover this with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Roll the next piece of dough out into a circle big enough to serve as the top crust of your pie. Carefully place this between two pieces of parchment and put it in the fridge.

Caramel Sauce

• Before making the caramel sauce, measure out the cup of heavy whipping cream and 3 1/2 tbsp of butter so they are ready to go when needed! This molten sugar is no joke, and the process goes quickly!
• For the caramel. Add 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar and a 1/2 cup of water to the medium-sized saucepan. Use a wooden or plastic spoon with a long handle that won’t get hot to stir the sugar into the water. Cook this over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally and stir gently. You don’t want to splash the sugar water on the sides of the pan as it will crystallize, potentially fall back into the pan, and cause the whole mix to crystallize. So continue to boil the sugar water until it turns a golden amber color.
• Once the sugar reaches this color, slowly pour in the heavy whipping cream while stirring vigorously. The sugar mixture will steam and boil up violently, so be careful! After all the cream is in, set a timer and continue stirring and cooking the caramel sauce for 2 minutes. Then remove it from the heat and stir in the 3 1/2 tbsp of butter.
• Pour the caramel sauce into a heat-proof bowl and set it to the side to cool.

Apple Filling

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
• Peel 4-5 apples and cut them into slices. Put them in a medium-size bowl, pour 2 tbsp of lemon juice over them to keep them from browning, and stir.
• Next, add 3/4 cup brown sugar, 6 tbsp of flour, 2-3 tbsps of apple pie spice, and 1/2 tsp of salt. Stir all the ingredients until everything is well combined. Let the pears sit for 15-20 minutes.

Assemble & Bake

• Pull your pie crusts out of the fridge. Pour the apples into the pie crust and smooth them out so they’re all even. Next, take 1 cup of the caramel sauce and pour it evenly all over the top of the apples.
• Trim the bottom crust excess and egg wash the edges of the pie. Lay the top circle of crust over the pie and trim the excess edges as well. Use your fingers or a fork to pinch the top and bottom crusts together. Eggwash the entire top of the crust and sprinkle with turbinado sugar. Lastly, cut slits in the top of the pie crust to serve as a vent while it’s baking.
• Place it in the oven and bake at 375 for 60 minutes. If the crust begins to get overly brown you can gently lay a piece of tinfoil over the top of it. The pie is ready to come out of the oven when the crust is golden brown and you can see the filling bubbling some through the vents you cut.
• Remove the pie and allow it to cool on a cooling rack before serving warm with more of that leftover delicious caramel drizzled on top! Enjoy!

Share on Facebook

Post on X

Follow us

Save