Combine the sugar and cider in a medium saucepan. Stir to combine. Over medium high heat allow to boil until the mixture is a light caramel color.
Off heat add in butter and heavy cream. Stir to combine.
Put the saucepan back on the burner and continue to cook and stir until the mixture bubbles and thickens.
To make the pie:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Mix all pie filling ingredients together in a large bowl. Place in pie shell. Pour about ½ cup of the caramel over the apple mixture.
Top with top crust or pastry cut outs. Optional: Brush with milk or water and sprinkle with sugar.
Place pie on a rimmed baking sheet, cover the edges of the pie crust with foil and place in the middle of the oven.
Bake for about 20 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 375 and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes or until the filling is bubbly and the top crust is lightly browned.
After the pie is cooled, heat up some of the caramel sauce and drizzle it over the top of the pie.
Notes
Pie crust instructions: https://selfproclaimedfoodie.com/not-your-mamas-all-butter-pie-crust/