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Indulge in the luxurious blend of silky custard, buttery crust, and golden caramel with this Creamy Caramel Custard Pie recipe. Both elegant and easy to prepare, this dessert will leave your guests raving and make any occasion feel extra special.
Ingredients
Caramel Layer
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
Custard Filling
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Pie Crust
- One pre-made or homemade 9-inch pie crust (baked and cooled)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Caramel Layer
- Combine the sugar and water in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, gently swirling the pan occasionally to ensure even melting—avoid stirring.
- Raise the heat to medium-high and let the mixture boil until it turns a rich amber color, about 8–10 minutes.
- Carefully pour the caramel into the baked pie crust, tilting the dish to spread it evenly. Let it cool and harden while you prepare the custard.
2. Make the Custard Filling
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and heavy cream over medium heat until small bubbles form along the edges—avoid boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
- Gradually pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.
- Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to ensure a silky texture.
3. Assemble the Pie
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Pour the custard mixture over the cooled caramel layer in the pie crust.
- Place the pie dish in a larger roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the pie dish. This water bath helps the custard bake evenly without cracking.
4. Bake the Pie
- Gently transfer the roasting pan to the oven.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the custard is set around the edges but still has a slight jiggle in the center.
- Remove the pie from the water bath and allow it to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture and flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Before serving, run a sharp knife under hot water to make clean slices.
- Garnish with whipped cream or drizzle with extra caramel sauce for a professional finish.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Monitor the Caramel: Keep a close eye on the caramel as it cooks—it can go from perfect to burnt in seconds.
- Silky Smooth Custard: Straining the custard ensures no lumps, giving the pie its signature velvety texture.
- Water Bath Caution: When adding water to the roasting pan, do it slowly to avoid spilling onto the pie crust.
- Chilling is Key: Proper refrigeration is essential for the pie to set and develop its full flavor.
Optional Variations
- Coconut Caramel Custard Pie: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the custard for a tropical flair.
- Chocolate-Caramel Twist: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the custard mixture for a rich chocolatey upgrade.
- Spiced Custard: Enhance the flavor with a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm, cozy twist.
Conclusion
This Creamy Caramel Custard Pie is the perfect marriage of rich, golden caramel and smooth, creamy custard, all cradled in a buttery crust. Whether it’s for a festive gathering or a well-deserved treat, this show-stopping dessert is as delightful to make as it is to eat.
Take your time savoring each bite—you’ve earned it!