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    Home » Desserts

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

    Brown Sugar Caramel Apple Pie

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    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.

    Jump to:
    • 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.

    INgredients on a table.

    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.

    Thin sliced apples on a cutting board.

    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.

    Unbaked pie ready to go in the oven.

    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.

    PIN FOR SAFEKEEPING & SHARING!

    Apple pie pinterest.

    Caramel apple pie pin for Pinterest.

     

    Product Recommendations for this Recipe:

    The Short Order Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This helps with the costs of running the blog. Thank you! 

    Brown Sugar Caramel Apple Pie

    Brown Sugar Caramel Apple Pie

    Gooey rich caramel and sweet brown sugar crumbles elevate apple pie to a new level.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 40 mins
    Cook Time 1 hr 20 mins
    Total Time 2 hrs
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 9-inch premade store-bought pie crusts like Pillsbury brand or your favorite homemade recipe
    • ½ C brown sugar
    • ¼ C butter melted
    • ⅓ C all-purpose flour
    • 7 C apples (recommend Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
    • ⅔ C sugar
    • 3 TB all-purpose flour
    • 2 teaspoon cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
    • 20 Kraft Caramels unwrapped & cut in half OR ½ C Kraft Caramel Bits

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 375°
    • For Brown Sugar mix: In a small bowl combine brown sugar and flour into the melted butter. Mix well, set aside.
    • For Pie Filling: In a large mixing bowl combine apple slices, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss together to combine. Your hands are the best for this.
    • To Assemble the Pie: In a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan, line the pan with one of the pastry crusts. Spoon half of the apple pie filling into the pastry crust. Top with half the caramels and half of the brown sugar mix. Repeat process with remaining ingredients. Place top pastry crust on top of the mound of filling. Seal the edges to ensure the filling does not bubble out and spill. You want all the caramel and pie juices to remain in the crusts. Cut 3 or 4 vent slices into the top of the crust.
    • Place pie on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil. Next place into the center of the preheated oven. Bake for 35 minutes.
    • Remove foil and bake an additional 45 minutes. The pie will be slightly brown and the filling hot and bubbling. You can slide a butter knife down through one of the vent slits and then gently touch the knife to test for doneness. The pie filling should make the knife hot to the touch. (be careful)
    • Let rest at least 20 minutes so the juices and caramel can set so ensure easy slicing. Serve warm. Keeps up to 4 days in the refrigerator after slicing. The pie can be kept on your countertop overnight if unsliced. (easy to make ahead before a holiday)
    Keyword half-scratch, holiday, special occasion, sweet

    Did you make this The Short Order Cook Recipe?

    Tag @theshortordercookblog (Instagram & Facebook) or @shortorder_cook (Twitter). 

    I would love to see your latest creations and kitchen adventures.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Carlee says

      December 05, 2019 at 3:50 am

      Apple pie is one of my favorites anyway, but adding brown sugar and caramel is bound to make it even better. Yum!

      Reply
    2. Charlene says

      December 06, 2019 at 9:49 am

      I'm kind of an apple pie snob. But I think even I would like this one!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        December 06, 2019 at 9:23 pm

        This cracks me up. Ian and I often call ourselves "pizza snobs" so I can relate. I am pretty confident you will like this is you love apple pie and anything caramel. Go for it!

        Reply
    3. Lora says

      December 06, 2019 at 10:44 am

      That looks and sounds so good! I pinned it in the hopes of one day making it. I used to make apple pie every year but the addition of caramel sounds fabulous.

      Reply
    4. Lisa says

      December 06, 2019 at 11:00 am

      Oh my goodness this sounds and looks amazing! We love caramel and never thought to put it in a pie.

      Reply
    5. D'Ann says

      December 06, 2019 at 11:25 am

      Love the half-scratch aspect of this recipe! Keep 'em coming!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        December 06, 2019 at 9:22 pm

        Half-scratch really can be a time saver and a great way to get kids started with cooking / building confidence.

        Reply
    6. Lisa Manderino says

      December 06, 2019 at 2:35 pm

      I may try this on our next pie contest! It looks amazing!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        December 06, 2019 at 9:21 pm

        Great and good luck!

        Reply
    7. Holly Bird says

      December 06, 2019 at 3:05 pm

      Angela, you have the most amazing and unique recipes! I can't wait to try this one! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        December 06, 2019 at 9:21 pm

        Thank you Holly, it means a lot to hear that.

        Reply
    8. Chrissy Gates says

      December 06, 2019 at 3:42 pm

      I think I gained five pounds just reading that recipe. It sounds delicious. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    9. Robin says

      December 06, 2019 at 3:55 pm

      There really isn't a better combination than caramel and apples. Thanks for sharing your recipe with us at the Creative Muster. Looking forward to seeing what you’ll be sharing next week. Pinned!
      Robin 🎄

      Reply
      • Angela says

        December 06, 2019 at 9:20 pm

        Thank you and always happy to visit your site and share.

        Reply
    10. Lisa says

      December 06, 2019 at 10:10 pm

      I never thought to add caramel... such a great idea!!

      Reply
    11. Kristen says

      December 07, 2019 at 6:51 am

      I've never heard of Kraft caramel bits. Yum!

      Reply
    12. Maria Gustafsson says

      December 07, 2019 at 12:19 pm

      Angela, I absolutely love apple pie! And this week alone I've gained at least 5lbs looking at this recipe!

      Reply
    13. Michelle says

      December 07, 2019 at 12:40 pm

      I love how easy this is to make!!! Looks delicious!

      Reply
    14. Eva says

      December 08, 2019 at 7:08 am

      This looks DELICIOUS! And I love that it's not a requirement to spend all day in the kitchen making it.

      Reply
    15. Haley Kelley says

      December 08, 2019 at 2:31 pm

      This would have been great to make for Thanksgiving

      Reply
    16. Caitlin Westwood says

      December 08, 2019 at 5:55 pm

      Oh my goodness my mouth is watering! This looks so good!

      Reply
    17. Cindy says

      December 09, 2019 at 7:19 pm

      This pie looks delicious! And it’s beautiful too.

      Reply
    18. Kay says

      December 10, 2019 at 6:53 am

      Apple Pie is my other half's favourite dessert, I love the addition of caramel!! Need to give this a go! x

      Reply
    19. Raquel says

      December 10, 2019 at 11:26 am

      I love caramel apple everything (especially cider!) and this sounds right up my alley (:

      Reply
      • Angela says

        December 10, 2019 at 5:24 pm

        You must make it - guaranteed caramel apple love!

        Reply
    20. Erika says

      December 10, 2019 at 12:12 pm

      Adding caramel to an apple pie is genius. Yum!

      Reply
    21. Genevieve says

      December 10, 2019 at 5:58 pm

      Isn't apple pie such a delicious classic? This recipe looks so good and perfect for Christmas!

      Reply
    22. Lisa Ho says

      December 10, 2019 at 6:02 pm

      I love Love love apple pie.
      Definitely book marking this recipe for my dessert to try 🙂

      Reply
      • Angela says

        December 11, 2019 at 1:44 pm

        Great, thanks for saving to make later.

        Reply
    23. Gari says

      December 10, 2019 at 8:29 pm

      The other day I was thinking about what pie to make at some potluck.....n this surely looks like a treat!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        December 11, 2019 at 1:44 pm

        I hope you make this for the potluck and be prepared to get rave reviews, everyone loves this pie.

        Reply
    24. Aimee DiPasquale says

      December 11, 2019 at 11:39 am

      I love that you use granny smith. Apple pie needs some tartness in my opinion. It can be too sweet.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        December 11, 2019 at 1:43 pm

        Thanks, Aimee, the tart-sweet balance sure does make the best pie.

        Reply
    25. Simone says

      December 12, 2019 at 2:26 am

      I love that you used Granny Smith apples and the addition of caramel sounds outstanding! I'm not a big desserts person, but this sounds like a "must try".

      Reply
      • Angela says

        December 12, 2019 at 7:27 am

        I am not a big dessert person either but I love this one. The tart and sweet ratios are perfect.

        Reply
    26. Jacqueline Debono says

      December 12, 2019 at 4:39 am

      Love that you used caramels in this apple pie. Such a scrumptious combination!

      Reply
    27. Beth says

      December 12, 2019 at 5:30 am

      Bookmarking this for the next time I buy apples at the farmer's market - if I can wait that long. I love caramel and look forward to this treat.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        December 12, 2019 at 6:36 am

        Great I hope you love it - I highly recommend using some tart apples to pair with the caramel and brown sugar.

        Reply
    28. Michele says

      December 12, 2019 at 9:20 am

      Apple pie is my favorite dessert but I have never tried it with caramel! No you have me craving one! Do you ship : )

      Reply
      • Angela says

        December 12, 2019 at 12:57 pm

        I wish Michele and you would be first to get one. You have GOT TO TRY caramel in an apple pie - I warn you, dangerous!

        Reply
    29. SOTERIA Loadedpenvibes says

      December 29, 2019 at 11:06 am

      nice website and awesome recipes

      Reply
      • Angela says

        December 29, 2019 at 11:24 am

        I appreciate that, thanks for saying so!

        Reply
    30. Nisha says

      September 25, 2020 at 7:31 am

      What a lovely recipe , the caramel in it must give a nice flavor to the apples .

      Reply
      • Angela says

        September 27, 2020 at 6:39 pm

        Caramels with apples in this homemade pie recipe is a great flavor boost.

        Reply
    31. Cadi says

      November 16, 2020 at 6:41 am

      5 stars
      This pie was so amazing and had the best caramel apple flavor. It is a sweet pie and just how I like it.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        November 16, 2020 at 1:15 pm

        I am so glad you liked this caramel apple pie recipe and I hope you share this recipe with others.

        Reply
    32. Ashley Zimmerman says

      December 11, 2020 at 11:33 am

      Can I make this with one crust? Would it affect how the caramel melts and the doneness of the apples? I really want to make this pie with a dutch ''crumble" topping. Please let me know what you think!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        December 11, 2020 at 8:00 pm

        Wow, Ashley, we think alike! I have not personally made it yet that way but literally just bought all the ingredients to try and make it as a dutch caramel apple pie version. I absolutely think it will work. I won't be making it until probably Christmas so give it a try and I would love to hear how it turns out for you. Even share on Facebook and tag me so I can see a photo of your beautiful pie! Tag @theshortordercookblog (Instagram & Facebook) Good luck and enjoy!

        Reply
    33. Molly says

      September 17, 2021 at 7:40 am

      5 stars
      So many apples this year off our tree. This is the 3rd pie I have made this month and it is the winner. It is so rich and amazing. The caramels and whatever the brown sugar is doing is seriously amazing. I will make this probably 100 more times for sure and saved it to pinterest.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        September 17, 2021 at 10:01 am

        I could make this 100x a year myself, it is that good. Thanks for the message.

        Reply
    34. Lisa says

      November 29, 2022 at 11:47 am

      Ok, saving this recipe and going to make for Christmas with my own homemade Carmel's. Don't know if I'm reading wrong or what.. but I'm not getting the brown sugar mix... Combine brown sugar a flour and meix into the melted sugar? Is it possible you melt the granulated sugar in the butter first? Because I don't see where butter is in the recipe? Otherwise, I can't wait to try this! 😋

      Reply
      • Angela says

        November 30, 2022 at 8:57 am

        Thanks for the comment. I see there was a typo, in step 2 it is melted butter not sugar! I have made the change in the recipe card and I hope that helps. My daughter and I just made this recipe again for Thanksgiving and still didn't catch that. We have made it so many times we almost know it by heart and didn't realize. Happy Holidays!

        Reply

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