Caramel Cream Pie is a delightful and indulgent dessert that combines smooth, creamy custard with a luscious caramel topping.
Encased in a buttery, pre-baked crust, this pie is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself.
With its rich layers and velvety texture, this pie is as satisfying to look at as it is to eat. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare, making it a go-to dessert for impressing your guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
1 pre-baked pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup caramel sauce (for topping)
Optional: Whipped cream for decoration
Prepare the Custard Layer:
In a medium saucepan, combine the cream cheese, heavy cream, milk, sugar, and cornstarch.
Place over medium heat and whisk continuously until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour the custard mixture into the pre-baked pie crust, spreading it evenly.
Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
Add the Caramel Layer:
Once the custard layer is set, carefully pour the caramel sauce over the top, spreading it to cover the custard evenly.
You can make your own caramel sauce or use a store-bought one for convenience.
If desired, pipe whipped cream around the edges of the pie for a decorative touch.
Chill the Pie:
Place the pie back in the refrigerator and chill for another hour to allow the caramel to set and the flavors to meld together.
Serve:
Slice the pie and serve chilled. Each slice will reveal a beautiful layer of creamy custard topped with glossy caramel, promising a taste that’s both smooth and sweet.
You can try adding different flavors to the cream filling for some fun variations! Here are a few ideas:
Chocolate Caramel Pie: Mix in some melted chocolate or cocoa powder into the cream cheese mixture for a rich chocolate flavor.
Coffee Caramel Pie: Add a tablespoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to the cream mixture for a delicious coffee twist.
Nutty Caramel Pie: Fold in some finely chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the filling for added texture and flavor.
Fruit-Infused Caramel Pie: Incorporate some pureed fruit, like strawberries or raspberries, into the filling for a fruity twist.
Spiced Caramel Pie: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
Here are some tips to enhance your caramel cream pie:
Soften Cream Cheese Properly: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature, as this will help it blend smoothly into the filling without lumps.
Whip Heavy Cream to Stiff Peaks: When whipping the heavy cream, aim for stiff peaks. This will give your filling a light and airy texture.
Mix Gradually: When combining the whipped cream with the cream cheese mixture, fold gently to maintain the volume and avoid deflating the whipped cream.
Chill the Pie: After assembling the pie, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least a few hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set properly.
Decorate Just Before Serving: If you’re using whipped cream for decoration, add it just before serving to keep it looking fresh and fluffy.
Use Quality Caramel Sauce: A good-quality caramel sauce will enhance the flavor of your pie, so choose one that you really enjoy.