Simple Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe Using Just a Few Ingredients

Simple Salted Caramel Apple Pie: A Heavenly Dessert with Minimal Effort 🍏🥧✨

1. Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a freshly baked apple pie filling your kitchen, especially when it’s enhanced with the rich, buttery flavor of salted caramel. This easy salted caramel apple pie recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers, requiring just a few simple ingredients to create a show-stopping dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re craving a cozy fall treat, need a last-minute dessert for guests, or simply want to treat yourself to something special, this simple caramel apple pie will quickly become your go-to recipe.

If you love apple desserts as much as we do, you might also enjoy our quick and simple apple cake recipe for those days when you want something equally delicious but even easier to make.

With a flaky, golden crust, tender spiced apples, and a luscious salted caramel drizzle, this quick salted apple pie is a guaranteed hit at any gathering. The best part? You don’t need a long list of ingredients—just pantry staples and about an hour of your time. For those who love the combination of caramel and fruit, you might also want to try our caramel-glazed banana bread as another delicious option.

2. Ingredients

One of the things that makes this few ingredient apple pie so special is how simple the ingredient list is. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:

• 1 store-bought or homemade pie crust (double if making a full top crust) – we recommend using our flaky pastry recipe if you’re making it from scratch
• 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for their perfect balance of tartness and sweetness)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (you can adjust this based on your apples’ sweetness)
• 1 tsp cinnamon (for that classic apple pie spice)
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, but adds wonderful depth of flavor)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (to keep the apples from browning and add brightness)
• ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade – for a great homemade version, check out Sally’s Baking Addiction)
• ½ tsp sea salt (for the salted caramel – use a flaky salt for best results)
• 1 tbsp butter (for dotting the filling – this creates an amazing richness)

If you’re looking for more dessert inspiration with simple ingredients, our chocolate chia pudding is another great option that’s both delicious and nutritious.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Start by peeling, coring, and thinly slicing the apples. We recommend slicing them about 1/4-inch thick for the perfect texture – not too mushy, not too crunchy. Toss them in a large bowl with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Let this mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the apples to release some of their juices. This step is crucial for creating a perfectly spiced and slightly tangy filling for your easy salted caramel apple pie.

Step 2: Assemble the Pie Crust

Roll out your pie crust and gently place it into a 9-inch pie dish, making sure it’s centered. Carefully press it into the bottom and sides of the dish without stretching the dough (stretching can cause shrinkage during baking). Leave about a 1-inch overhang around the edges, which you’ll use to crimp for a decorative finish. If you’re using a top crust, leave it aside for now. This step ensures a sturdy base for your simple caramel apple pie that will hold all those delicious juices.

For those who love baking with apples, check out our collection of apple recipes for more inspiration throughout the seasons.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel

Warm the caramel sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once it’s smooth and pourable, stir in the sea salt. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and taste, adding more if needed – the perfect balance should be sweet with just a hint of saltiness. This creates the signature salted caramel drizzle that elevates this quick salted apple pie from ordinary to extraordinary.

If you’re a caramel lover, you might also enjoy our chocolate peanut butter cake which features a delicious caramel drizzle as well.

Step 4: Fill and Bake the Pie

Pour the apple filling into the prepared crust, making sure to distribute the apples evenly. Dot the top with small pieces of butter – this adds richness and helps create a luxurious sauce. Drizzle about half of the salted caramel over the apples, reserving the rest for serving. If you’re using a top crust, place it over the filling now, seal the edges, and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the edges start browning too quickly, cover them with foil or a pie shield. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly! Once baked, let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing – this allows the filling to set properly. Finish by drizzling the remaining caramel over the warm pie just before serving.

For more delicious baking ideas, explore our cake recipes collection.

4. Serving Suggestions

This few ingredient apple pie is best served warm with a scoop of high-quality vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrast of cold ice cream melting into the warm, gooey caramel makes every bite absolutely irresistible. For an extra special presentation, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top just before serving to enhance the salted caramel flavor.

If you’re serving this as part of a brunch spread, pair it with our morning snack recipes for a complete meal.

5. Storage Tips

Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust may soften slightly, but the flavors will continue to develop beautifully. To reheat, place individual slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to crisp up the crust, or microwave for 20-30 seconds if you’re in a hurry. The caramel will become wonderfully gooey again when warmed.

6. Variations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to suit different tastes and occasions:

• Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for added crunch and flavor
• Extra Caramel: Double the caramel drizzle for an ultra-decadent pie that caramel lovers will adore
• Spiced Crust: Mix 1 teaspoon of cinnamon into the pie dough for extra warmth and flavor
• Streusel Topping: Skip the top crust and instead top with a mixture of 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup cold butter, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon rubbed together until crumbly
• Bourbon Caramel: Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the caramel sauce for an adult version with deeper flavor

For more recipe variations and ideas, check out our recipe tag page.

7. Why This Recipe Works

This easy salted caramel apple pie is foolproof because it balances sweetness, spice, and saltiness perfectly. The minimal ingredients ensure simplicity, while the caramel adds a gourmet touch that makes it feel special. Using a mix of tart and sweet apples creates depth of flavor, and the salted caramel cuts through the richness for a perfectly balanced dessert.

The technique of letting the apples macerate with the sugar and spices before baking ensures they release some juice, preventing a soggy bottom crust while creating a delicious syrupy sauce. The double dose of caramel (half baked in, half drizzled on top) means every bite is packed with that irresistible salted caramel flavor.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use pre-made caramel sauce?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought caramel works just as well in this simple caramel apple pie. Look for a good quality sauce in the baking aisle or near the ice cream toppings.

Q: Can I freeze this pie?
A: Yes, you can! Bake and cool the pie completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 30 minutes, then drizzle with fresh caramel.

Q: My pie crust is browning too quickly. What should I do?
A: If the edges are browning before the filling is cooked, cover them with foil or a pie shield. You can make a simple shield by cutting a circle out of aluminum foil and removing the center.

Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the filling and crust a day ahead and refrigerate them separately. Assemble and bake the day you plan to serve it for best results.

9. Conclusion

This quick salted apple pie is proof that incredible desserts don’t require complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. With just a few pantry staples and about an hour of your time, you can create a stunning, mouthwatering pie that will impress everyone at the table. The combination of tender spiced apples, flaky crust, and that irresistible salted caramel drizzle is simply magical.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to something comforting and delicious, this few ingredient apple pie delivers on all fronts. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty, simple yet impressive, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. For another showstopping dessert, try our vanilla chai pumpkin spice cupcakes when you’re in the mood for something different.

So preheat your oven, gather your simple ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the perfect blend of flavors in every bite of this heavenly salted caramel apple pie!

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