Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe
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There are few desserts as quintessentially comforting and evocative of cozy gatherings as a classic apple pie. But when you introduce the sweet harmony of salted caramel into this beloved treat, it transcends into something truly exceptional. The marriage of tangy apples nestled in a flaky crust, adorned with a rich layer of luscious salted caramel, creates a dessert that tantalizes taste buds and warms the soul. Prepare yourself for a culinary adventure as we delve into the art of creating the irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Pie.
Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 6-7 medium-sized apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Salted Caramel:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature, cut into pieces)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes (adjust to taste)
Additional equipment:
- 1 9-inch pie pan
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Pie Crust:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball, divide it in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour.
- Roll out one disk on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish, then place it in the dish and trim any excess dough hanging over the edges. Refrigerate the crust while preparing the filling.
2. Making the Apple Filling:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract until well coated.
- Fill the prepared pie crust in the 9-inch pie pan with the apple mixture, arranging the slices evenly.
3. Crafting the Salted Caramel:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar while stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color.
- Add the butter and stir until completely melted and combined.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Be cautious as the mixture may bubble vigorously.
- Remove the caramel from heat, stir in the sea salt flakes, and let it cool slightly.
4. Assembling and Baking:
- Drizzle a generous amount of the salted caramel over the apple filling, reserving some for serving.
- Roll out the second dough disk and create a lattice or cover the pie, sealing and crimping the edges. Cut slits in the crust to allow steam to escape.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 50-60 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Allow the pie to cool before serving. Drizzle with additional salted caramel when serving for an extra decadent touch.
Hints and Tips:
- Choose a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor profile.
- To prevent a soggy bottom crust, pre-bake the bottom crust for a few minutes before adding the filling.
- For a quicker version, store-bought pie crusts and caramel sauce can be used, although homemade always brings that extra touch of love and flavor.
- Adjust the salt in the caramel to suit your taste preferences—start with a smaller amount and add more if desired.
This inclusion should help clarify the pan size required for baking the Salted Caramel Apple Pie, ensuring a perfect fit for the crust and filling.