Rustic Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

There are few things more comforting than the scent of caramel apples baking in a buttery, golden crust. This Rustic Caramel Apple Pie brings together everything we love about fall—warm spices, tender apples, and that glossy caramel glaze that turns each slice into a small masterpiece.

I’ve always believed that a homemade pie has its own kind of magic—messy edges, bubbling filling, and all. And this one? It’s as cozy and indulgent as it gets.

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Why You’ll Love This Pie

This isn’t your average apple pie—it’s better. The caramel glaze takes the flavor to another level, coating each apple slice in buttery, brown sugar sweetness. It’s rustic, meaning it doesn’t demand perfection—just heart and good ingredients.

Here’s why it’ll be love at first bite:

✨ Golden, flaky crust that melts in your mouth
🍎 Juicy apples spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg
🍯 Rich caramel glaze that adds irresistible depth
🥧 Flexible recipe—use homemade or store-bought crust
❤️ Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or cozy weekends

The result is everything you want in a dessert—sweet, spiced, buttery, and warm. Anything but boring!!

Ingredients

For the Crust

(Homemade or store-bought)

2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
½ tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
6–8 tbsp ice water

For the Apple Filling

6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled and chopped
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp salt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

For the Caramel Glaze

½ cup unsalted butter
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup heavy cream
Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings

Chopped walnuts or pecans
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Powdered sugar for dusting

Tools You’ll Need

9-inch pie dish
Rolling pin
Mixing bowls
Saucepan
Pastry brush
Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter (or your fingertips) until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until dough holds together. Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

In another bowl, toss the apples with both sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and vanilla. Let rest for 15–20 minutes—this allows the juices to draw out and blend with the spices.

Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Glaze

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar until dissolved, then whisk in cream and salt. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Let cool slightly before pouring.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Roll out one dough disc and line the pie dish. Fill with the apple mixture, mounding slightly in the center. Pour caramel glaze evenly over the apples. Roll out the second disc for the top crust (or create a rustic lattice). Seal edges, cut slits for steam, and brush with milk or egg wash.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 45–55 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. Cover the edges with foil if they brown too quickly. Let cool for at least one hour before slicing—this allows the caramel to set beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your rustic caramel apple pie warm, topped with:

A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream (melting into the caramel = perfection!)
A swirl of fresh whipped cream
A sprinkle of powdered sugar for that bakery-finish touch

Tips for Success

Use a mix of apples—some tart, some sweet—for balanced flavor.
Chill your dough before baking for the flakiest crust.
Don’t overfill the pie—juices will bubble over.
Let it cool! Slicing too soon causes the filling to spill out.
Shortcut tip: Use store-bought crust and pre-made caramel if you’re short on time.

Storage Instructions

Room temperature: Up to 1 day (covered).
Refrigerator: Up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: In a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes. Avoid microwaving—it softens the crust.

Day-by-Day Enjoyment

Day 1–2: Serve warm with ice cream—gooey, crisp, and fresh.
Day 3–4: Flavor deepens—perfect with coffee or chai.
Day 5–6: Cube leftovers for parfaits or turnovers.
Day 7: Bake again—with a twist! Add cranberries, raisins, or crumble topping.

More Recipes with Apples

🍏 Apple Crumble Bars – Buttery shortbread base, oat topping, and cozy apple filling.
🥧 Caramel Apple Hand Pies – Portable mini pies filled with gooey apple-caramel goodness.
🧁 Apple Cinnamon Muffins – Soft, spiced muffins drizzled with caramel glaze.
🥮 Apple Galette – A rustic, free-form pie that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
🍞 Apple Bread Pudding – Warm and custardy with caramel drizzle.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret? Balance. Tart apples meet sweet caramel, all wrapped in a buttery crust that bakes to flaky perfection. The brown sugar caramel adds richness and depth, while the spices enhance the natural apple sweetness. It’s everything you love about autumn in one bite.

Conclusion

This Rustic Caramel Apple Pie isn’t just dessert—it’s a celebration of comfort, family, and the joy of homemade baking. From its buttery crust to its luscious caramel filling, it’s the kind of pie that gathers everyone around the table.

If you try it, I’d love to see your version! 🍎
Tag your pie on Pinterest or leave a comment below—I can’t wait to see how it turned out.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

Why You’ll Love This Pie