Creamy Caramel Custard Pie
Caramel custard pie is a delightful dessert that combines the richness of custard with the sweetness of caramel.
creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The smooth, creamy filling is encased in a buttery, flaky pie crust.
making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering, a special celebration, or simply as a sweet indulgence, this dessert is sure to impress.
Ingredients
To make the creamy caramel custard pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:
_1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
_1 cup granulated sugar
_1/4 cup water
_1 1/2 cups heavy cream
_3 large eggs
_1/2 cup whole milk
_1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Instructions
Begin by preparing the caramel for the pie. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water.
Stir occasionally until the sugar has dissolved, then allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
Continue cooking without stirring for about 8–10 minutes, or until the sugar turns a deep amber color.
Be careful not to burn it. Once the caramel has reached the right color, carefully pour it into the bottom of your pie dish.
swirling the dish to coat the bottom evenly. Allow it to cool and harden while you prepare the custard filling.
Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream and milk together over medium heat.
Stir occasionally, making sure the mixture is warm but not boiling. Once it’s heated through, remove it from the heat.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt together. Gradually add the warm cream and milk mixture to the eggs.
whisking constantly to avoid curdling. Once everything is well combined, pour the custard mixture into the prepared pie crust, over the caramel.
Place the pie into the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. The custard should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Keep an eye on it to prevent overbaking. Once done, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature.
then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
How to Make
Start by preparing the caramel sauce, as it will need to cool and harden before adding the custard.
The key to a successful caramel is to let the sugar dissolve completely before allowing it to simmer and turn into a golden amber color.
It’s important to watch closely during this stage, as the caramel can burn quickly.
Once the caramel is ready, it’s time to prepare the custard mixture. The eggs, milk, and cream must be whisked together carefully.
as any overbeating can result in a bubbly texture that’s not ideal for a smooth custard. Gradually adding the warm cream mixture to.
the egg mixture helps to temper the eggs, ensuring the custard remains smooth and creamy when baked.
When pouring the custard into the pie crust, do so gently to avoid disturbing the caramel at the bottom. The caramel should stay in place as the custard settles on top of it.
This layering effect creates the beautiful caramelized top when the pie is flipped after baking.
Cooling and refrigerating the pie is an essential step in the process. Allowing it to rest ensures that the custard firms up properly and.
the caramel sets into a smooth, glossy topping. A chilled pie will also be easier to slice neatly.
The final step is the unmolding process. The pie should be carefully flipped to prevent the caramel from spilling.
If you’ve allowed it to cool completely, the caramel will retain its shape and provide that beautiful glossy finish that everyone loves.
Serve the pie chilled, and enjoy the balance of the rich caramel flavor with the creamy custard filling. It’s best to serve it the day after making it, as the flavors will have had time to develop.
Tips
If you’re using a store-bought pie crust, make sure it’s pre-baked before adding the custard to prevent a soggy bottom.
Alternatively, you can use a homemade pie crust for an even flakier result.
When making the caramel, be patient and keep an eye on it.
Caramel can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds, so it’s essential to stay near the stove while it’s cooking.
For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard mixture.
These spices pair beautifully with the caramel and bring an additional layer of warmth to the pie.
Ensure your cream and milk are warmed before adding them to the eggs. Cold dairy can cause the eggs to seize.
resulting in a lumpy custard. Warming the mixture will help create a smooth, silky custard base.
If you don’t have a pie dish, you can make this recipe in a tart pan or even a springform pan.
Just be mindful of the baking time, as different pans may affect how long it takes to cook the custard..
If you prefer a lighter pie, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk. While this will reduce the richness slightly, it will still create a deliciously smooth custard filling.
Conclusion
This creamy caramel custard pie is a delicious and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Its combination of smooth custard and golden caramel is sure to delight anyone who tries it, making it a dessert you’ll want to make again and again.
Whether you enjoy it as a comforting end to a meal or as a special dessert for a gathering, it will surely be a hit.
With a little patience and attention to detail, you can create a pie that rivals any bakery version.
So, go ahead and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful dessert, and watch as they savor every bite.