Creamy Caramel Custard Pie 🍮🥧
Silky-smooth vanilla custard nestled in a buttery crust, drizzled with golden caramel—a decadent dessert that’s easier than it looks!
Prep Time: 20 mins (+ chilling) | Cook Time: 50 mins | Total Time: 4 hrs (incl. cooling)
Servings: 8-10
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1½ cups (180g) graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits)
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
For the Custard Filling:
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 whole egg
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Caramel Topping:
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp water
- ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream (warmed)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- Pinch of sea salt
(Optional: Whipped cream & flaky salt for garnish)
Instructions
1. Make the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and salt.
- Press firmly into a 9-inch pie dish. Bake 8-10 mins, then cool completely.
2. Prepare the Custard:
- Whisk egg yolks, whole egg, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl.
- In a saucepan, heat milk and cream until steaming (not boiling).
- Temper eggs by slowly adding hot milk mixture while whisking.
- Return to saucepan and cook on medium-low, stirring constantly, until thickened (5-7 mins).
- Off heat, stir in vanilla and salt. Strain through a sieve into the crust.
- Chill 3+ hours (or overnight) until set.
3. Make the Caramel:
- In a clean saucepan, melt sugar and water over medium heat. Do not stir—swirl the pan until golden amber.
- Carefully whisk in warm cream (it will bubble!), then stir in butter and salt.
- Cool slightly, then drizzle over chilled pie.
Pro Tips
✔ No lumps: Straining the custard ensures silkiness.
✔ Caramel caution: Use a light-colored pan to monitor color.
✔ Clean slices: Dip knife in hot water before cutting.
Serving Ideas
- ☕ Pair with espresso for a dulce de leche vibe.
- 🍓 Top with fresh berries for contrast.
- 🔥 Torch extra sugar on top for a brûléed crunch!
This pie is luxuriously creamy with a caramel kiss—ideal for holidays or impressing guests! Let me know if you’d like a no-bake or vegan version. 😊