Salted Caramel Apple Pie

Introduction

Indulging in a homemade Salted Caramel Apple Pie is a delightful experience that brings together the comforting flavors of spiced apples and rich caramel. With a buttery crust that envelops tender apples and a touch of saltiness, this pie is an impressive dessert suitable for any occasion. Whether it's a family gathering, holiday celebration, or simply a weekend treat, your loved ones are bound to rave about this delicious creation.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Pastry Crust

250g all-purpose flour
150g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
50ml ice water
¼ teaspoon salt

Apple Filling

6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
100g granulated sugar
50g brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
30g cornstarch

Salted Caramel Sauce

150ml salted caramel sauce

For Assembly

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon coarse sugar

Prep Time

30 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

In this recipe, you'll prepare a flaky crust from scratch, create a delicious apple filling infused with spices, and finish it off with a drizzle of decadent salted caramel. Don't forget to let the pie cool before serving, as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy each slice of this homemade masterpiece, and bask in the compliments from your family and friends!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Prepare the Pie Crust

In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter and mix until the mixture becomes crumbly. Gradually add the ice water while mixing until a dough forms. Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).

Roll Out the Bottom Crust

Take one portion of the chilled dough out of the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll it out into a circle large enough to fit a 23cm pie dish. Carefully place the rolled-out dough into the dish, allowing excess dough to hang over the edges.

Prepare the Apple Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and cornstarch. Toss the ingredients together until the apples are evenly coated with the mixture.

Assemble the Pie

Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly. Drizzle 150ml of salted caramel sauce over the apple filling.

Roll Out the Top Crust

Take the second portion of chilled dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a circle. Place the rolled-out dough over the apple filling. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges, and crimp the edges to seal the pie.

Create Ventilation

Using a sharp knife, cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.

Brush with Egg Wash

In a small bowl, mix the beaten egg with 1 tablespoon of milk. Using a pastry brush, apply this egg wash evenly over the top crust. Finally, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of coarse sugar on top for added sweetness and texture.

Bake the Pie

Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set up a bit more.

Notes

Choosing Apples

For the best flavor and texture, use a combination of sweet and tart apples such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.

Caramel Sauce

You can use store-bought salted caramel sauce or make your own. If making from scratch, ensure it cools slightly before drizzling on the pie.

Storage

Leftover pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm or at room temperature, and consider pairing with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration

Store leftover Salted Caramel Apple Pie in the refrigerator. Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to avoid drying out. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

If you want to store the pie for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 180°C until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of Salted Caramel Apple Pie warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top. Drizzle extra salted caramel sauce over the pie for added flavor. Pair it with a cup of steaming tea or coffee for a comforting dessert experience.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1 slice, approximately ⅛ of the pie):
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 43g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 2g

Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Ingredient Substitutions

Flour

For a gluten-free option, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Butter

You can use coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version of the pie.

Sugars

Maple syrup or honey can be used in place of granulated and brown sugar for a natural sweetener option. Adjust the quantity based on taste.

Apples

If you don’t have the recommended apple varieties, you can use a mix of your choice, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples.

Cinnamon and Nutmeg

If you are out of ground cinnamon or nutmeg, you can substitute with apple pie spice for similar flavor profiles.

Egg Wash

For an egg wash alternative, a mixture of plant-based milk and maple syrup can provide a nice glaze on top of the crust.

Cook techniques

Making Pie Crust

Begin by mixing flour and salt together in a bowl. Cut in cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water until a dough forms, then shape it into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill.

Preparing Apple Filling

Core, peel, and slice the apples. In a separate bowl, mix the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Toss the mixture thoroughly to ensure the apples are evenly coated.

Layering Ingredients

Once the pie crust is prepared and rolled out, place it in a pie dish. Pour the prepared apple mixture into the crust and drizzle salted caramel sauce over the apples before adding the top crust.

Creating a Lattice Crust (optional)

Roll out the second portion of dough and slice it into strips for a lattice effect. Lay the strips in a crisscross pattern over the apple filling, trimming the edges as needed.

Applying Egg Wash

Combine a beaten egg with milk to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the crust to promote a golden color during baking. Sprinkle with coarse sugar for added texture and sweetness.

Baking the Pie

Preheat your oven and bake the pie until it is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Allow the pie to cool for some time before slicing and serving.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust if you're short on time or prefer convenience.

What types of apples are best for apple pie?

Varieties such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn are excellent choices due to their balance of sweetness and tartness.

Can I make the pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking, or you can bake it and reheat when ready to serve.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftover pie can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I freeze the pie?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pie for up to 3 months. Bake it directly from frozen, adding extra baking time.

How can I prevent the pie crust from getting soggy?

To prevent a soggy crust, consider pre-baking the bottom crust for a few minutes before adding the filling or sprinkling a little cornstarch on the crust before adding the apples.

Conclusion

The Salted Caramel Apple Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the comforting flavors of spiced apples with the rich sweetness of salted caramel. The buttery crust perfectly complements the tender apple filling, making it a great choice for any gathering. With its impressive presentation and delicious taste, this pie is sure to leave a lasting impression on your family and friends.

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