Creamy Caramel Custard Pie

Table of Contents

Creamy Caramel Custard Pie Recipe

This Creamy Caramel Custard Pie is a rich, silky, and indulgent dessert that combines a smooth custard filling with a luscious caramel topping, all nestled in a buttery, flaky pie crust. The custard is perfectly set, with a delicate sweetness from the caramel and a touch of vanilla. It’s a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or any time you’re craving something special.

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade if preferred)

For the Caramel:

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
Pinch of sea salt (optional, for salted caramel flavor)

For the Custard Filling:

3 large eggs
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)

Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pie Crust:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
If using a store-bought pie crust, follow the package instructions for blind baking. For a homemade pie crust, simply roll it out and press it into a pie pan.

Bake the crust for about 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let it cool while you prepare the rest of the pie.

2. Make the Caramel:

In a medium saucepan, add the granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar begins to melt and turn a golden amber color. This can take about 5-7 minutes.
Once the sugar is melted, add the butter and stir until it’s fully combined.

Gradually pour in the heavy cream, continuing to stir. Be careful, as the caramel will bubble up when you add the cream. Stir until smooth and thickened.
Remove the caramel from the heat and add a pinch of sea salt if desired. Set aside to cool slightly.

3. Make the Custard Filling:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

4. Assemble the Pie:

Once the pie crust has cooled, pour about 1/4 of the caramel sauce into the bottom of the pie crust. Spread it evenly across the surface.
Gently pour the custard mixture over the caramel in the pie crust. Be careful not to disturb the caramel too much, as it will naturally float to the top during baking.

5. Bake the Pie:

Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the custard is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (it may still be slightly jiggly).

If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before chilling it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and the custard fully set.

6. Serve:

Before serving, drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top of the pie, and optionally sprinkle with a little sea salt for a salted caramel finish.

Slice the pie into wedges and serve chilled.

Storage:

Refrigeration: Store the pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The caramel may harden in the fridge, so you may want to microwave it for a few seconds before serving to loosen it up.
Freezing: You can freeze the pie (without the caramel topping) for up to 2 months. To serve, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and top with fresh caramel sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Caramel Custard Pie:

Smooth and Silky: The custard filling is creamy, smooth, and perfectly set, while the caramel adds depth and richness.
Buttery and Flaky: The pie crust adds a buttery crunch that contrasts beautifully with the silky custard.
Impressive Yet Easy: While it looks and tastes like a showstopper, this pie is actually quite easy to prepare with just a few simple ingredients.

Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday, a birthday, or just a family gathering, this pie will steal the show and leave everyone asking for the recipe.

Tips for Success:

Caramel Control: If you’re not familiar with making caramel, make sure to stir the sugar constantly as it melts to avoid burning it. Once it turns golden, remove it from the heat immediately.
Chill the Pie: Allowing the pie to chill in the fridge helps the custard firm up, making it easier to slice and ensuring the texture is just right.

Flavor Variations: You can add a little bit of bourbon or rum to the caramel for an extra kick of flavor, or experiment with other spices like nutmeg for a different twist.

This Creamy Caramel Custard Pie is sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation—rich, creamy, and with the perfect amount of sweetness. It’s the ultimate indulgence for any occasion!

Creamy Caramel Custard Pie