There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a freshly baked apple pie drifting through your home on a crisp autumn afternoon. But what if you could take that classic British dessert up a notch? Enter the Caramel Apple Pie – a rich, gooey twist on the traditional recipe that’s perfect for cosy gatherings, Sunday roasts, or Bonfire Night treats.
In this post, you’ll find a step-by-step Caramel Apple Pie recipe, tips on the best apples to use in the UK, and how to make it perfectly golden and gooey every time.
🍎 Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Pie
This isn’t your average apple pie. By adding a layer of rich, homemade caramel, you create a sweet and slightly salty depth that balances beautifully with tart apples and buttery pastry. It’s the ultimate autumn dessert and a true crowd-pleaser.
Perfect for:
- Sunday family dinners
- Bonfire Night desserts
- Afternoon tea
- Christmas dessert alternatives
🧁 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
For the Filling:
- 5–6 large Bramley or Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored and sliced)
- 150g light brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Caramel:
- 100g unsalted butter
- 100g light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp golden syrup
- 120ml double cream
- Pinch of sea salt (optional)
For the Pastry:
- 500g shortcrust pastry (shop-bought or homemade)
- 1 beaten egg (for glazing)
- Granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
👩🍳 Method
Step 1: Make the Caramel Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the brown sugar and golden syrup, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Slowly pour in the double cream and stir until smooth.
- Add a pinch of sea salt if you like your caramel slightly salted. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, vanilla, and a tablespoon of the cooled caramel.
- Mix well so the apples are fully coated.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan) / 375°F / Gas Mark 5.
- Roll out half of the pastry and line a 23cm pie dish.
- Fill the dish with the apple mixture and pour over most of the caramel, reserving a bit for drizzling later.
- Roll out the remaining pastry and lay it over the top. Crimp the edges to seal and cut a few slits in the top to let steam escape.
- Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving – the caramel will thicken beautifully as it sets.
🍨 Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or lashings of custard.
- Drizzle with the remaining caramel for extra indulgence.
- Pairs wonderfully with spiced tea or a strong cuppa!
🍏 Best Apples to Use in the UK
For the perfect balance of tartness and texture, go for Bramley apples (widely available in UK supermarkets), or Granny Smith if you prefer a firmer bite. A mix of both can also work beautifully.
🔄 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Fridge: Store leftover pie covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Freezer: You can freeze the unbaked pie for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 15–20 minutes to the baking time.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Pie recipe is the perfect way to celebrate autumn with a rich and comforting twist on a classic. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just because you fancy something indulgent, this pie ticks all the boxes for a showstopping seasonal dessert.
Don’t forget to tag us in your baking creations on social media using #BritishBakes or #CaramelApplePieUK – we’d love to see your pies!