Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon (5g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon (6g) salt
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into cubes
- 6-8 tablespoons (90-120ml) ice water
- 6 medium apples (about 3 pounds/1.36kg), such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or a mix, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (30g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (3g) ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.75g) ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) salt
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) water
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream, warmed
- 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk or cream
- Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions:
- Make the Pie Crust: Combine dry ingredients. Cut in butter until crumbly. Gradually add ice water until the dough comes together. Flatten into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine sliced apples with sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Toss to coat evenly.
- Make the Caramel Sauce: Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the mixture turns a deep amber color. Remove from heat and whisk in warm cream, butter, and salt. Be careful; it will bubble vigorously!
- Assemble the Pie: On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the pie dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer to the pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges.
- Fill the Pie: Pour the apple filling into the pie crust. Drizzle the prepared caramel sauce evenly over the apples. Dot the top with small pieces of butter.
- Top Crust or Crumble (Choose One): Double Crust: Roll out the remaining dough and either place over the pie, cutting vents for steam, or cut into strips for a lattice top. Crimp edges.
- Egg Wash (Optional): Brush the top crust with an egg wash (egg + milk/cream) for a golden sheen. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar, if desired.
- Bake the Pie: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 60-75 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
- Cool Completely: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly.