Ingredients and Equipment
Makes 1 (9-inch) pie
To make Chef John’s Caramel Apple Pie, you will need the following ingredients:
Pie Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup ice water
Filling:
- 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced (Granny Smith work well for this recipe)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
You will also need the following equipment:
- Mixer or food processor for making pie crust
- Bowl and pastry blender for mixing pie filling ingredients
- 9-inch pie dish
- Saucepan for caramel sauce
- Whisk, measuring cups and spoons
Note: Before making the pie crust, ensure that your butter is very cold. This will help to create a flaky texture.
Pie dough: all purpose flour, salt, cold unsalted butter, ice water
- The ingredients for pie dough include all-purpose flour as the primary component, providing structure and texture to the crust.
- Salt is added to enhance the flavor and act as a preservative, but its quantity should be minimal to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.
- Cold unsalted butter is essential for creating a flaky and tender pie crust. Using room temperature or melted butter can result in an overly dense dough.
- The ice water serves two purposes: it helps to hydrate the flour and makes the dough easier to work with, while also contributing to the crust’s tenderness and texture.
For the filling
The key to making a successful caramel apple pie is using high-quality ingredients and proper equipment. When it comes to the filling, we need to focus on selecting the right types of apples, sweeteners, spices, and other ingredients that will enhance the flavor and texture of the pie.
For the filling, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 6-8 medium-sized apples (a mix of Granny Smith and sweet varieties like Fuji or Gala)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
As for the equipment needed, you’ll require:
- a 9-inch pie dish
- a pastry blender or a fork
- a rolling pin
- a pastry brush
- a sharp knife
- a measuring cup and spoons
- a mixing bowl and whisk
It’s worth noting that having the right equipment can make a big difference in the outcome of your caramel apple pie. A good pastry blender, for example, will help you mix the butter into the flour more evenly, resulting in a flaky crust.
Making homemade caramel sauce is also an option if you’re feeling adventurous. In this case, you’ll need:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- a pinch of sea salt
To make the caramel sauce, simply combine the sugar and 1/4 cup of water in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture turns a deep amber color. Remove from heat and slowly add the heavy cream, whisking constantly. Return to heat and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the caramel thickens slightly.
Keep in mind that making homemade caramel sauce can be a bit tricky, but with practice, you’ll get the hang of it. If you’re short on time, store-bought caramel sauce is also a convenient option.
Cut apples: Granny Smith or other sweet tart variety
- The star ingredients of this show-stopping caramel apple pie recipe are, of course, the apples themselves.
- To ensure the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness in your caramel apple filling, we recommend using Granny Smith or other sweet-tart varieties such as Golden Delicious or Braeburn.
- These types of apples hold their shape beautifully when cooked, providing a lovely textural contrast to the smooth, velvety caramel topping.
The key characteristics you’re looking for in these apple varieties include:
- A high acidity level to balance out the sweetness of the sugar and caramel
- A firm texture that holds up well to cooking without becoming mushy or overcooked
- A sweet-tart flavor profile with a hint of green apple taste to complement the rich caramel sauce
- Now, let’s move on to the equipment you’ll need for this recipe:
- A large mixing bowl
- A pastry blender or food processor for mixing and cutting the butter into the flour
- A rolling pin for rolling out the pie dough
- A 9-inch pie dish (glass or ceramic work well)
- A medium-sized saucepan with a heavy bottom (stainless steel or copper) for making the caramel sauce
- A whisk and spatula for stirring and folding the ingredients
- An immersion blender or stand mixer for whipping the cream (optional)
Sugar
The key ingredients for Chef John’s Caramel Apple Pie Recipe are:
For the Crust:
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups
- Cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces – 1/2 cup
- Ice water – 1/4 cup
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
- For the Filling:
- Granulated sugar – 3 cups
- All-purpose flour – 2 tablespoons
- Cinnamon – 1/4 teaspoon
- Nutmeg – 1/8 teaspoon
- Ground cloves – 1/8 teaspoon
- Salt – 1/8 teaspoon
- For the Caramel Sauce:
- Heavy cream – 1 cup
- Unsalted butter – 4 tablespoons
- Granulated sugar – 2 cups
- Water – 1 tablespoon
- The equipment needed for this recipe includes:
- A large mixing bowl
- A pastry blender or a fork to mix the crust ingredients
- A measuring cup and spoons
- A rolling pin
- A 9-inch pie dish
- A whisk or electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar in the caramel sauce
- A medium saucepan to cook the caramel sauce on the stovetop
It’s worth noting that when working with granulated sugar, it’s essential to measure it accurately to ensure that the correct amount of sweetness is achieved. Additionally, when making the crust and filling, using cold ingredients will help the dough come together smoothly and evenly.
Light brown sugar
The first step to making Chef John’s Caramel Apple Pie is to gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. This includes:
Sweetened with light brown sugar, this recipe uses 1 cup of it in total.
Light brown sugar is a type of sugar that has not been refined as much as white sugar, which gives it a rich, caramel-like flavor.
To use light brown sugar, you can substitute it for an equal amount of granulated sugar in most recipes. However, keep in mind that light brown sugar will give your baked goods a slightly different taste and texture.
For this pie recipe, the light brown sugar is used to add a deep sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor to the filling.
In terms of equipment, you will need:
- A 9-inch pie dish
- A pastry blender or your fingers to mix the ingredients for the crust
- A large mixing bowl to combine the filling ingredients
- A hand mixer or whisk to cream together the butter and sugar
- A pastry brush to egg wash the crust before baking
- A baking sheet lined with parchment paper to catch any spills during baking
Cornstarch
The foundation of this recipe lies in its ingredients, which include a selection of classic baking supplies as well as some more unique components that contribute to its distinctive flavor and texture.
For the filling, we need:
- Apples (4-5), peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, ground
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the crust, we’ll need:
- Flour, for dusting
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup shortening (such as Crisco)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Ice-cold water, for brushing
Now let’s take a closer look at the role of cornstarch, which plays an essential part in this recipe. Cornstarch is a common ingredient used as a thickening agent in both sweet and savory dishes. In this case, it serves to thicken the filling mixture and give it a smooth texture.
Chef John uses cornstarch to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures in his caramel apple pie. He combines the apple slices with granulated sugar, cornstarch, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, then adds butter and heavy cream to create a rich and creamy filling.
When it comes to the crust, Chef John uses a combination of all-purpose flour, cold unsalted butter, shortening (such as Crisco), apple cider vinegar, and ice-cold water to create a flaky and tender pastry. He emphasizes the importance of using cold ingredients and keeping everything chilled throughout the process.
Throughout the recipe, Chef John provides helpful tips and advice on how to achieve perfect results. For example, he suggests using a pastry brush to apply the egg wash to the crust before baking, and advises against overmixing the filling mixture, which can result in a dense or sticky texture.
In summary, this recipe requires a careful balance of ingredients, including cornstarch as a key thickening agent. With attention to detail and adherence to Chef John’s expert advice, anyone can create a delicious and memorable caramel apple pie that showcases the unique combination of flavors and textures in this beloved dessert.
Cinnamon
The success of a dessert like caramel apple pie relies heavily on the quality and combination of ingredients used, as well as the precision and care with which equipment is utilized throughout the preparation process.
For this specific recipe, the list of necessary ingredients includes:
Filling Ingredients
- Tart apples (preferably Granny Smith or a combination of sweet and tart varieties)
- Sugar
- Light brown sugar
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Cinnamon (ground, 1/2 teaspoon)
- Pumpkin pie spice (optional)
Pie Crust Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- Shortening (e.g., Crisco), chilled and cut into small pieces
- Ice water
Glaze Ingredients
- Caramel sauce
- Heavy cream
In terms of equipment, several items will be necessary to prepare and assemble the pie:
- Mixing bowls (at least two)
- Mixing spoons and spatulas
- A stand mixer or handheld electric mixer for combining ingredients and whipping cream
- A pastry blender or your hands to work the butter and shortening into the flour in the pie crust dough
- A rolling pin for shaping and flattening the pie crust dough
- A 9-inch pie dish (preferably one that’s been chilled)
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper for protecting the crust while it bakes
Cinnamon is used in this recipe to enhance the flavor and aroma of the apples. Ground cinnamon adds a warm, sweet, and slightly spicy taste that complements the tartness of the apples.
The inclusion of cinnamon serves several purposes:
- It enhances the overall sweetness and depth of flavor in the filling
- It provides a comforting, familiar aroma associated with baked desserts
- It helps balance the tartness of the apples by adding warmth and spice
In summary, cinnamon plays a key role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and aromas in this caramel apple pie recipe.
Nutmeg
The key to making a truly exceptional caramel apple pie is not only in the perfect blend of ingredients but also in using the right equipment to bring out their unique flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
- Made from the seed pod of the nutmeg tree, nutmeg is a warm, aromatic spice commonly used in baking. The key is to use high-quality nutmeg that has been properly stored and handled to avoid any bitterness or off-flavors.
Essential Ingredients for Chef John’s Caramel Apple Pie:
- Nutmeg
- Sugar
- Brown sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Cold unsalted butter
- Granny Smith apples (or other tart variety)
The quality of nutmeg is critical in this recipe as it adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the pie. The ideal nutmeg should be freshly grated from whole seeds, releasing their unique oil and flavor compounds.
Nutmeg’s flavor profile is characterized by its sweet, slightly bitter, and nutty notes. When used in baking, it enhances the overall aroma of the dish without overpowering other ingredients.
Pan and utensils
The art of crafting a Caramel Apple Pie, a classic dessert that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many, begins with the selection of key ingredients.
For the crust, you will need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup shortening (optional)
The filling requires:
- 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced (a mix of Granny Smith and other varieties works well)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- The caramel sauce is made with:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- The equipment needed to craft this masterpiece includes:
- A large mixing bowl for combining dry ingredients and making the crust dough
- A pastry blender or food processor for cutting cold butter into the flour mixture
- A rolling pin for flattening out the dough
- A pie dish (preferably with a non-stick coating) to shape and bake the pie
- A pastry brush for applying egg wash to the crust
- A knife or pastry cutter for slicing apples and cutting the crust into strips for lattice topping (optional)
- A few other utensils come in handy when making this recipe:
- A silicone spatula for folding ingredients together and scraping the sides of bowls
- A wooden spoon for mixing wet ingredients and combining with dry mixtures
- A hand mixer or stand mixer (optional) for creaming butter and sugar in the caramel sauce
- The key to a successful Caramel Apple Pie is not only using quality ingredients but also investing time and attention into crafting each component, from the flaky crust to the gooey caramel filling.
Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
To begin making Chef John’s Caramel Apple Pie, it’s essential to have the right ingredients and equipment.
The ingredients for this recipe include:
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 9-inch pie crusts
- 6-8 sliced apples (a mix of Granny Smith and sweet apples work well)
- 1/4 cup of caramel sauce
- As for the equipment needed, a few key items are essential:
- A baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- A mixing bowl
- A measuring cup
- A whisk
- A rubber spatula
- An oven thermometer to ensure the oven is at the correct temperature
2 pie plates for assembling the pie With these ingredients and equipment in place, you’re ready to start making Chef John’s Caramel Apple Pie!
inch pie dish
To make a delicious Caramel Apple Pie, you’ll need to have some essential ingredients and equipment at your disposal.
The first thing you’ll require is a suitable pie dish. For this recipe, we recommend using a 9-inch pie dish as it will provide the perfect space for the filling without overflowing during baking.
When selecting a 9-inch pie dish, ensure that it’s made of heat-resistant material such as ceramic or glass. You can also opt for a non-stick pie dish to make the process of removing the baked pie easier and less messy.
The other important ingredients you’ll need are:
- Sugar: granulated sugar is used as a sweetening agent and adds texture to the filling
- Butter: unsalted butter is melted to create the flaky pastry crust and adds flavor to the caramel sauce
- Cinnamon: ground cinnamon is added for its distinct warm and spicy flavor, complementing the sweetness of the sugar and apples
- Lemons: lemon juice or zest can be used to enhance the flavors of the filling
- All-purpose flour: all-purpose flour serves as a thickening agent in the pastry dough and helps create a crispy crust
- Eggs: whole eggs are beaten and mixed with sugar, butter, and spices to create the flaky pastry dough
- Vanilla extract: vanilla extract is added for its distinctive sweet flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the pie
- Apple filling ingredients: you will need a variety of apples, usually a mix of sweet and tart apples such as Granny Smith or Gala
You’ll also require some basic kitchen equipment to complete this recipe:
- A mixing bowl for beating eggs, sugar, butter, and spices
- An electric mixer or hand mixer for whisking the pastry dough ingredients and making the filling smooth and consistent
- A rolling pin to roll out the dough into a thin sheet, perfect for covering your 9-inch pie dish
- A spoon and spatula for scooping the apple filling onto the pastry crust
- A baking tray or sheet pan lined with parchment paper to catch any spills during baking
Having all of these ingredients and equipment at your disposal will enable you to create a delicious and mouthwatering Caramel Apple Pie that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday treats.
Caramel Apple Filling Preparation
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
The first step in preparing the caramel apple filling for Chef John’s Caramel Apple Pie Recipe is to melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Melt 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, breaking it down into smaller pieces if necessary to ensure even melting. This will help create a smooth and rich caramel sauce.
Once the butter has completely melted, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the skillet. The cream should be added slowly, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming in the mixture.
Continue heating the butter and cream mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a light amber color and develops a deep, caramel aroma. This process can take around 5-7 minutes, depending on your stovetop’s power and your desired level of caramelization.
While the caramel sauce is cooking, prepare the apples by peeling, coring, and slicing them into wedges or thin slices, depending on your preference for texture in the finished pie.
Once the caramel sauce has reached the desired color and aroma, remove it from the heat immediately. It’s essential to stop the cooking process at this point to prevent the caramel from becoming too dark and developing a burnt flavor.
Add the sliced apples to the skillet with the hot caramel sauce, using a spatula or spoon to coat them evenly in the sticky, sweet liquid.
Let the apple mixture cool slightly, allowing it to reach room temperature before proceeding with assembling the pie. This step is crucial for maintaining texture and ensuring the filling sets properly during baking.
As you prepare the caramel apple filling, keep in mind that this recipe makes about 4-6 cups of filling, which is perfect for a standard-sized pie plate or two mini pies. You can adjust the amount of apples and caramel sauce to suit your needs and preferences.
Add brown sugar, stir to combine and cook for 5 minutes.
To prepare the caramel apple filling, begin by combining the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.
Melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter and add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to it.
Stir the mixture until the sugar is fully incorporated into the butter, creating a smooth paste.
Add the following ingredients to the saucepan:
- 2 cups of sliced Granny Smith apples
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Mix all the ingredients together, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the caramel mixture.
Cook the filling over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes, allowing it to simmer and thicken slightly.
During this time, stir the filling occasionally to prevent scorching or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
After 5 minutes, the filling should be thickened to a syrupy consistency.
This caramel apple filling is now ready for use in Chef John’s Caramel Apple Pie Recipe.
Bring mixture to a boil; add cornstarch and whisk constantly for 1 minute.
To prepare the Caramel Apple Filling, it’s essential to follow these steps for a smooth and delicious result.
First, combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter in a medium saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook until the sugars have dissolved.
Once the mixture is hot, increase the heat to medium-high and bring it to a rolling boil. Be cautious, as the mixture will be very hot and may splatter or foam.
To thicken the filling and prevent it from becoming too runny, add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to the mixture. Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk constantly for exactly 1 minute.
This step is crucial in preventing lumps from forming and ensuring a smooth, creamy texture for your caramel apple filling.
After whisking for 1 minute, return the saucepan to medium heat and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened slightly. Be careful not to overcook the mixture, as it can quickly become too thick and sticky.
Once the caramel apple filling is prepared, you can fill your pie crust and bake according to the recipe’s instructions.
Add apple slices, cinnamon and nutmeg; cook until apples are tender and caramel is bubbly (10-15 minutes).
To prepare the delicious caramel apple filling for Chef John’s Caramel Apple Pie, follow these steps.
Cut 1-2 apples into thin slices, depending on their size and your desired amount of apple filling. For a traditional pie, use about 4 cups of sliced apples.
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sliced apples with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. You can adjust the amount of spices to your liking, but this combination is a classic for a reason!
Next, add about 1/2 cup (120g) of granulated sugar to the saucepan with the apples. Yes, it’s a lot of sugar, but trust us – it’s necessary to balance out the tartness of the apples and create that signature caramel flavor.
Cook the apple mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the caramel is bubbly (about 10-15 minutes). You’ll know the caramel is ready when it turns a deep amber color and starts to bubble up around the edges of the saucepan. Be patient – this process takes some time, but it’s worth it in the end!
As the caramel forms, use a spoon to occasionally scrape the bottom of the saucepan and release any browned bits. These bits are full of flavor and will add depth to your caramel apple filling.
After 10-15 minutes of cooking time, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly. This is an important step – if you pour the hot caramel directly into the pie crust, it can cause the crust to become soggy or even burn.
Once cooled slightly, transfer the caramel apple mixture to a 9-inch (23cm) pie dish or a pre-baked pie crust. Fill the pie crust with the warm caramel apples and spread them out in an even layer.
Cover the pie with another piece of dough, if using, or crumble some additional sugar on top of the caramel apples for a decorative touch. Brush the edges of the pie crust with a little bit of water to help seal the pie during baking.
Bake the pie in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly. Let the pie cool on a wire rack before serving – it’s best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Assembly and Baking
Roll out pie dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with the cooked apple mixture and dot with butter.
To assemble and bake the show-stopping caramel apple pie, it’s essential to follow these steps carefully.
Begins by rolling out the chilled pie dough on a lightly floured surface until it reaches a thickness of about 1/8 inch. You can use a pastry mat or a piece of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Next, place the rolled-out pie dough into a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it into the corners and edges to ensure an even fit. Trim any excess dough from the edges using a knife or kitchen scissors.
The filling, which consists of a mixture of cooked apples, sugar, flour, spices, and caramel sauce, is then filled into the pie crust. You can use a variety of apple types such as Granny Smith or Fuji, but a combination of sweet and tart works best for this recipe.
Once the filling is in place, dot the top with small pieces of butter, about 1 tablespoon’s worth. This will help to create a golden-brown crust and add richness to the overall flavor profile.
Finally, roll out any remaining pie dough into thin strips for a lattice-top crust or use it to create a decorative border around the edges of the pie. If using a lattice top, weave the strips over the filling, leaving about 1 inch of space between each strip.
The assembled pie is then baked in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender. Let it cool on a wire rack before serving to allow the filling to set properly.
That’s it! With these steps, you’ll have a stunning caramel apple pie that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Cover with another piece of rolled-out dough, crimp edges to seal, and cut slits in the top for ventilation.
The art of assembly and baking a pie, particularly Chef John’s Caramel Apple Pie, requires a delicate balance of flavors, textures, and presentation. Here are some key steps to ensure that your pie turns out perfectly:
Step 1: Preparing the Crust
The first step in assembling our caramel apple pie is to roll out two-thirds of the dough on a lightly floured surface into a thickness of about 1/8 inch. This will serve as the bottom crust, so be sure to smooth out any imperfections and avoid stretching or pulling the dough too much.
Step 2: Filling the Crust
Next, spread the apple filling mixture evenly over the center of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Make sure not to overfill the crust, as this can cause the apples to spill out during baking.
Step 3: Covering with Dough
Now it’s time to cover our filling with another piece of rolled-out dough. This will serve as the top crust, so make sure to roll it out to a similar thickness and size as the bottom crust.
Covering Techniques
- Place the second piece of dough over the filling, aligning the edges with those of the first piece.
- Press the two pieces together gently to seal the edges.
Crimp the edges to seal the pie by pressing the tines of a fork into the dough at regular intervals. This will help prevent the filling from escaping during baking.
Step 4: Ventilation and Final Touches
Finally, cut slits in the top crust for ventilation, which allows steam to escape while the pie bakes. Make sure not to cut too deeply, as this can weaken the crust.
- Cut 4-6 slits in a diagonal or zig-zag pattern on top of the pie.
- Brush the edges of the crust with a little bit of milk or water to create a golden-brown finish.
Your caramel apple pie is now ready to be baked and enjoyed by everyone. Just pop it into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
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