Published: Dec 3, 2019 · Modified: Nov 30, 2022 by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 52 Comments

Brown Sugar Caramel Apple Pie

Caramel and apples can actually get even sweeter and more crave-worthy when you add ribbons of buttery brown sugar and make it all into one to-die-for pie. There is so much to love about this pie.

It is perfect for holidays and special occasions. Plus it combines the flavors of an apple streusel with that of caramel apples into one amazing pie. And if you have a favorite apple or grow your own apples, whichever kind that is, they will likely work in this pie.

This is also what I call a "half scratch" recipe. That means there are a few store-bought items that help make this recipe a bit less labor-intensive. This recipe includes premade pie crusts and Kraft caramels.

Of course, you can make your own pie crusts and make homemade caramels or caramel sauce but this is the method I have used for years. I do not want to mess with perfection as this is my most requested pie, especially during the holidays.

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Best Apples for Caramel Apple Pie
How to Make Brown Sugar Caramel Apple Pie
How Long to Bake the Pie
Storage
PIN FOR SAFEKEEPING & SHARING!
Brown Sugar Caramel Apple Pie

Best Apples for Caramel Apple Pie

I would like to say you can use just about any apple for this pie. But I will admit some varieties really make for a better pie. Some apples come out too mushy. Also, some may make this too sweet.

So for my favorite combination, I use a combination of granny smith and Honeycrisp. Both bake up beautifully and hold their shape. The tart and sweet combination also balances out the brown sugar and caramel for a foolproof flavor punch.

Here is how different apples may make your pie. I suggest using one from each category. I use a combination in my Apple Hand Pies recipe too. All of those I list below are firm apples that are ideal for baking:

For tartness - Granny Smith, Braeburn, McIntosh, Pink Lady, Empire, Jonathan, Cortland
For sweetness - Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, Gravenstein, Jonagold, Winesap

How to Make Brown Sugar Caramel Apple Pie

Here are the step-by-step instructions to make this caramel apple pie recipe. There are layers to this pie so make sure you follow along. It will be worth the little extra effort.

First, make the brown sugar mixture. In a small microwave-safe bowl melt the butter. Next mix in the brown sugar and ⅓ C of the flour. Set the bowl to the side to use later when assembling the pie.

Small bowl with mixed brown sugar, flour, and melted butter.

Peel and core apples. Then thinly slice the apples into evenly sized pieces as shown below.

Add cinnamon, sugar, and flour to the thinly sliced apples. Mix to combine the apple pie filling.

Bowl with apples cinnamon and other ingredients.

For this caramel apple pie, unwrap 20 Kraft caramel squares and cut each in half. If using the caramel bits or a combination, measure those out. Gather all pie ingredients to assemble. In a 9" deep-dish pie pan, line the bottom with one of the pastry crusts.

Everything ready in bowls ready to add to the pie crust.

ready to assemble the pie[/caption]

Top the bottom crust with half the apple mixture, half the brown sugar mixture, and half the caramel.

Pie crust filled with apples & caramel bits.

the first layer of apples, brown sugar, and caramels

Repeat with the remaining ingredients to have two layers. The pie will be slightly mounded higher than the pie crust. I push down slightly to have the apple slices and other ingredients in the crust evenly and to make sure the pie doesn't have any voids.

The filling will shrink as it cooks so if there are voids plus a reduction in size, the pie will have a low filling and empty space between the filling and the top crust. This will result in the top crust caving in or difficulty keeping the slices together as you cut them.

Filled pie crust ready for the top crust to be added.

pie ready for the top crust[/caption]

Place the top pastry crust on the filling and crimp the edges. Be sure to seal the bottom crust with the top crust to ensure there is no filling that leaks out. Cut 3 or 4 small slits in the middle of the top crust for venting.

How Long to Bake the Pie

Bake in the preheated oven covered with foil for 35 minutes. Then remove the foil and cook another 45 minutes. See the recipe card below for checking for doneness.

Let the pie rest before serving. Serve warm!

Fresh baked caramel apple pie on the table cooling off.

Storage

This apple pie lasts for days. You can bake it ahead of time which is great for busy holidays. The pie can rest on the counter covered for 24 hours. If you bake it more than a day ahead of time, place it in the refrigerator and store for up to 3 days covered.

To reheat, slice and warm in the microwave. Or serve it at room temperature by removing it from the refrigerator 4 hours before you want to slice and enjoy.

Whole apple pie on the table with a pie cutter, apples, and caramel candies on a table.

Product Recommendations for this Recipe:

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