Rich, dense and buttery, this Caramel Pie is every caramel lover’s dream! A homemade flaky pie crust and a luscious, sugary caramel come together to create a Southern classic!
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If there’s one thing my Big Mama taught me it’s this: from-scratch pies are always better than shortcut ones. Since I was a little girl, my grandmother taught me the importance of gentle hands, patience and hard work. Pies can be time-consuming to make and honestly, they don’t always work out the way you want them to. But it’s all a part of the process, the process that makes the experience so magical. Because, when it comes out right, you get a slice like no other!
Caramel Pies are not for the faint of heart; they’re buttery, sweet and overall, quite decadent. I learned to make caramel from scratch right in Big Mama’s kitchen. I can still recall sticky fingers and lots of giggles! When we finally finished (it felt like forever), we’d sit at the table and she’d pour herself a cup of coffee. We’d split an irresistible slice of hot-out-of-the-oven Caramel Pie and, sometimes, sneak seconds.
There is just something about caramel. I use it in some many recipes on my website like theseButterscotch Pie, Southern Caramel Cake, Salted Caramel Cookies and Caramel Sauce recipes.
Today, I’d love to share that sacred, vintage recipe with you! So, do like Big Mama, pour yourself a cup of joe and let’s get to work.
Perks and Highlights of the Best Caramel Pie Recipe
Cuisine Inspiration: Southern Comfort This isn’t just any caramel pie; it’s a slice of the South in every bite. Inspired by the heartwarming comfort of Southern cuisine, our caramel pie is like a hug for your taste buds.
Primary Cooking Method: Baking Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of caramel perfection. Baking is the key to achieving that blissful balance of gooey filling and flaky crust.
Dietary Info: Indulgence Alert! This recipe is for those days when you’re looking to treat yourself. It’s a celebration of all things buttery, sweet, and utterly indulgent. (Not suitable for our vegan pals or those with dairy allergies, sorry!)
Key Flavor: Caramelized Heaven Imagine the richest, most decadent caramel you’ve ever tasted. Now multiply that by delicious, and you’re getting close. Our caramel pie is sweet, with deep notes of complex caramel and a hint of saltiness to round it out.
Skill Level: Intermediate Baker Fear not, dear baker! You don’t need to be a pastry chef to nail this recipe, but a little experience around an oven will certainly help. Confidence, patience, and a love for caramel are the main ingredients you’ll need.
Special Perks:
- Crowd-Pleaser: This caramel pie is the belle of the ball at any gathering. It’s universally adored and a guaranteed hit.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prep it in advance for stress-free hosting. It’s just as luscious the next day!
- Instagrammable: It doesn’t just taste amazing; it’s a stunner, too. Get those hashtags ready because this pie is photogenic.
- Versatile Toppings: Dress it up or keep it simple. This caramel pie pairs beautifully with whipped cream, chopped nuts, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Year-Round Delight: Perfect for any season or occasion. It’s a comforting winter treat, a special addition to a spring brunch, a standout at a summer BBQ, or the star of your fall holiday table.
Making Great Pie Crust
Still struggling to make the perfect pie crust? I’ve got you! Practice makes perfect when it comes to crust making but, luckily, I’ve done the practice for you.
Follow my Best Pie Crust Recipe for a guaranteed delicious, flaky result. There’s even a step-by-step video! Don’t say I never gave y’all nothin’.
Ingredients
You might be surprised to find out that Caramel Pies are made with pantry-staple ingredients. Yup, you heard me right! No supplemental trips to the grocery store, no expensive, hard-to-find items. Just simple, smooth sailing.
Here’s what you’ll need today:
- Granulated Sugar– ain’t no caramel without a cup or two of sugar! It sweetens the filling and helps to create that rich, gooey caramel you know and love.
- All-Purpose Flour– flour helps to add firm structure and keep the caramel from being too runny.
- Large Egg & Egg Yolks– eggs serve as a binder and their protein structure also makes for a more fluid, polished caramel.
- Whole Milk– cream and sugar are best friends. When mixed together, they form a caramel that is smooth and luxurious.
- Vanilla– if not only for the fact that it will make your house smell like heaven, vanilla is necessary to add a floral, earthy flavor.
- Unsalted Butter– again, ain’t no good caramel made without butter. Sweet cream butter adds exactly that, sweetness and creaminess. Land O Lakes® Butter is the only way to go.
- Hot water– just thins out the filling so there’s a little more to go around and it doesn’t pull out one of your fillings. You’re welcome.
- Salt– salt balances sweetness and adds a whole new dimension of flavor. Add as little or as much as you prefer!
- Pie Crust- the base for all that heavenly homemade caramel!
How to Make Caramel Pie
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation of our crust, providing structure and that classic, flaky goodness.
- 1 tsp granulated sugar: Just a touch of sweetness to balance the crust’s buttery profile.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Flavor enhancer alert! Salt makes everything pop a bit more, even in desserts.
- 1/2 cup Land O Lakes® Unsalted Butter in Half Sticks (very cold, cut in cubes): The secret behind those crave-worthy, tender layers. Remember, the colder, the better for pie crust perfection.
- 1/4 cup (up to 1/3 cup) very cold water: The glue that holds the party together. It activates the flour and helps the dough form.
For the Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided): The MVP that transforms into that rich, golden caramel we’re all here for.
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour: Our thickening agent, making sure the filling sets to the perfect consistency.
- 1 large egg + 2 large egg yolks: Custard creators! They give the filling its creamy, rich texture.
- 1 1/4 cup whole milk: The creamy liaison that brings everything together for a smooth, luscious filling.
- Pinch of salt: Never underestimate it; even a pinch elevates the caramel flavor to new heights.
- 1 tbsp hot water: Helps in dissolving the sugar for a smooth, clump-free experience.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: A splash of aromatic sweetness to round out the robust caramel.
- 1 tbsp Land O Lakes® Unsalted Butter in Half Sticks: Adds a glossy finish and a depth of flavor to your caramel filling.
- Fresh whipped cream for serving: Because what’s a caramel pie without a dollop of cloud-like, creamy goodness on top?
How to Serve
I highly recommend serving this pie warm; it’s ooey-gooey, buttery and melt-in-your-mouth luscious. After it’s cooled for 15-20 minutes, slice up the pie and serve with either cool, fresh whipped cream or frosty ice cream. There’s just no other way to eat it!
Storage
As a general rule of thumb, if a pie contains eggs or milk in its filling it should be refrigerated. Although you can warm it up for serving, this pie should be wrapped in aluminum foil or stored in an airtight container then placed in the refrigerator. Leftover Caramel Pie will keep for up to 4 days.
Alternatively, this pie can also be frozen. It might lose a bit of its integral structure but it’s better than letting it go to waste. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge.
Favorite Southern Pie Recipes
It’s a simple fact that all the best pies come from the South; each one is as legendary as the Southerners who developed them. A good ol’ Southern pie has the ability to transport you back to your childhood, remind you of cozy kitchens and moments spent with mamas, grandmamas and aunties.
Travel back in time with me by layering together more of my Big Mama’s famous pies:
Caramel Pie
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Ingredients
For the Pie Crust
- 1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup Land O Lakes® Unsalted Butter in Half Sticks very cold, cut in cubes
- 1/4 cup very cold water up to 1/3 cup
For the Filling
- 1 cup granulated sugar divided
- 1 tbsp all purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 1/4 cup whole milk
- pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp hot water
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp Land O Lakes® Unsalted Butter in Half Sticks
- fresh whipped cream for serving
Instructions
For the Crust
- In a medium sized bowl, add flour, sugar and salt and whisk together to combine.
- Next add your butter cubes to flour and using your pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour mixture until various sized crumbs appear.
- Slowly add the cold water into the flour until a ball of dough forms. Start with 1/4 cup and add more water if you need it. Knead the dough quickly to bring it together. Don't worry if there is any flour left in the bowl.
- Remove the dough from the bowl and round into a ball. Cover the ball tightly with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 45-55 minutes to rest.
For the Filling
- Mix ½ cup sugar with flour. Mix egg and egg yolks and add to sugar mixture. Add milk, and salt and beat well with a whisk then set aside.
- Brown ½ cup of sugar in a heavy pan over medium heat. Allow the sugar to melt slowly. When completely dissolved, continue to cook until syrup is a golden color.
- When sugar is browned, add 1 tbsp of very hot water, whisking constantly. Continue whisking as you slowly add in the egg-milk mixture into the browned sugar. Cook until it thickens.
- Remove from heat and add vanilla and butter.
To Assemble
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
- Remove dough from the fridge and add a bit of flour to a working surface or clean counter and place dough on it. Using a rolling pin, quickly roll dough out to about 1/4-1/3 inch thickness and place in your pie plate.
- Line the dough with parchment paper and add pie weights to your crust then bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Next remove pie crust from the oven and lower the temperature to 350.
- Pour filling into baked pie crust. Brush the outside crust with a little egg wash (just 1 egg whisked with 1 teaspoon of water).
- Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes then allow to cool, then top with fresh whipped cream and serve.
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Can I add sea salt on top before I bake it for a salted caramel taste
I love that idea!
Your recipe is delicious! It takes me back to the holiday gatherings frim my childhood. My granny always made the best caramel pies and we fought over the last piece. Thanks for a recipie that’s a near copy of my Granny’s.
Looks just like my grandma recipe. Except she always made meringue instead of cool whip. Thank you for this recipe. Can’t wait to make it!!!