Silky Caramel Crème Brûlée Pie Recipe: Sweet Magic Made Simple

Caramel crème brûlée pie brings together two beloved dessert worlds in a single, decadent creation.

Sweet custard lovers will instantly recognize this magical fusion of classic techniques and innovative flavor combinations.

Rich, silky textures create an irresistible canvas for culinary magic.

Professional pastry chefs have long celebrated the delicate balance between creamy foundations and crisp caramelized surfaces.

Smooth, velvety filling promises a sensory experience that transcends ordinary dessert expectations.

Elegant yet approachable, this recipe revamps traditional ingredients into something extraordinary.

Guests will be thoroughly impressed by the sophisticated layers and complex taste profile.

Caramel Crème Brûlée Pie That Combines Two Desserts in One

• Luxurious Layered Decadence: This pie combines rich dulce de leche with creamy custard, creating an indulgent dessert that feels like a gourmet restaurant experience right in your kitchen.
• Super Simple Sophisticated Technique: The recipe transforms basic ingredients into an impressive dessert using straightforward cooking methods like whisking and caramelizing, making professional-level dessert creation accessible to home cooks.
• Textural Triumph: The dessert offers an incredible contrast between smooth, silky custard and crisp, crackling caramelized sugar top, delivering a sensational mouthfeel that delights every single bite with surprising crunch and creaminess.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This pie can be prepared entirely in advance, chilling overnight and requiring only a quick brûlée moment before serving, which makes it perfect for dinner parties and stress-free entertaining.

What to Gather for Caramel Crème Brûlée Pie

• Graham Cracker Crust: Classic base with sweet, crumbly texture perfect for creamy desserts.
• Premade Pie Crust: Convenient alternative with buttery, flaky characteristic.

• Cornstarch: Helps thicken and stabilize the custard with smooth consistency.
• Heavy Cream: Provides rich, luxurious texture and creamy mouthfeel.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and contributes to silky custard structure.
• Egg Yolks: Creates rich, smooth custard with deep golden color.

• Butter: Adds richness and smooth, glossy finish to the custard.
• Vanilla Extract: Delivers warm, classic flavor that complements caramel notes.
• Dulce de Leche: Sweet caramel spread that provides base layer with intense caramel flavor.

• Granulated Sugar: Creates crisp, crackling caramelized layer on top of the pie.

Step-by-Step Caramel Crème Brûlée Pie Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Pie Crust

Bake a pie crust according to your favorite recipe or use a pre-made crust. Cool completely before starting the filling.

Step 2: Create Dulce De Leche Base

Spread dulce de leche across the bottom of the cooled pie crust in an even layer. Set aside at room temperature.

Step 3: Mix Custard Ingredients

• Cornstarch
• Heavy cream

Ensure cornstarch dissolves completely without lumps.

Step 4: Add Creamy Components

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Egg yolks

Whisk until ingredients are fully combined and smooth.

Step 5: Cook Custard Mixture

Heat the mixture over medium temperature, stirring continuously. Cook until the custard thickens and begins to bubble.

Step 6: Finish Custard

• Butter
• Vanilla extract

Stir until butter melts completely and mixture is silky.

Step 7: Fill Pie Crust

Pour custard into prepared pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even surface.

Step 8: Chill Pie

Refrigerate pie overnight to allow custard to set completely and flavors to develop.

Step 9: Caramelize Topping

Before serving, cover pie crust edges with aluminum foil. Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly across the custard surface.

Step 10: Brûlée Surface

Use a kitchen torch or broiler to caramelize sugar until golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 11: Serve And Enjoy

Slice pie and serve immediately. For individual servings, you can brûlée each slice separately for a personalized touch.

Tips to Nail Caramel and Custard Balance

• Dissolve Cornstarch Smoothly: Whisk cornstarch and cream thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky-smooth custard texture.
• Control Heating Carefully: Stir constantly while cooking to avoid scorching and achieve the perfect thick, creamy consistency.
• Chill Completely: Allow the pie to set overnight for the most stable and best-developed flavor profile.
• Torch Technique Matters: Hold the kitchen torch evenly and move continuously to caramelize sugar without burning.
• Slice with Precision: Use a sharp, clean knife dipped in hot water for clean, beautiful pie slices that showcase the layers perfectly.

Storing and Serving Crème Brûlée Pie the Right Way

• Refrigeration: Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the brûléed top intact to maintain its crispy texture.
• Freezing: Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices briefly in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore the crust's crispness. Sprinkle fresh sugar and re-brûlée just before serving to recreate the caramelized top.

What Complements Caramel Crème Brûlée Pie

• Pair with Silky Sauternes: Complement the creamy caramel custard with a sweet French dessert wine that echoes the pie's rich, golden notes and provides a luxurious contrast.
• Match with Espresso Martini: The coffee's bold intensity cuts through the pie's sweetness, while the vodka and liqueur create a sophisticated flavor dance that elevates the dessert experience.
• Serve with Toasted Almond Crunch: Scatter crushed, lightly caramelized almonds around the plate to add textural contrast and a nutty depth that highlights the pie's caramel undertones.
• Garnish with Salted Caramel Drizzle: Create a small pool of salted caramel sauce beside the slice to intensify the pie's existing flavor profile and provide an extra layer of indulgence.

Flavor Twists for Caramel Crème Brûlée Pie

• Tropical Paradise Pie: Replace dulce de leche with mango puree and add toasted coconut flakes on top for a Caribbean-inspired dessert.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Mix melted dark chocolate into the custard base and garnish with chocolate shavings for an intensely rich version.
• Salted Caramel Crunch: Sprinkle sea salt and crushed toffee bits over the brûléed surface to create a sophisticated sweet-salty combination.
• Spiced Autumn Remix: Incorporate ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of cardamom into the custard for a warm, seasonal flavor profile.

Caramel Crme Brle Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Caramel crème brûlée pie blends French pastry elegance with American dessert comfort. Sweet caramel custard nestles in a buttery crust, crowned with a crackable golden sugar topping that shatters deliciously when you tap your spoon.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 egg yolks
• 1 ⅔ cups (400 ml) heavy cream
• 14 ounces (397 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) dulce de leche

Thickening Agents:

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar

Flavor and Finishing Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 9-inch pie crust (baked and cooled)

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Instructions

1. Layer the dulce de leche smoothly across the bottom of the pre-baked pie shell, creating an initial creamy foundation.
2. Whisk cornstarch into heavy cream inside a sturdy saucepan until completely integrated and lump-free.
3. Incorporate sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks into the cream mixture, blending thoroughly to ensure a uniform consistency.
4. Place the saucepan over medium heat, continuously stirring the custard base to prevent scorching and promote even thickening.
5. Monitor the mixture carefully until it transforms into a dense, bubbling preparation with a velvety texture.
6. Immediately remove from heat and fold in butter and vanilla extract, stirring until the butter melts completely and integrates seamlessly.
7. Transfer the silky custard into the prepared pie crust, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a perfectly smooth surface.
8. Refrigerate the pie overnight, allowing the custard to set and develop rich, complex flavors.
9. Prior to serving, shield the pie crust edges with protective foil to prevent burning.
10. Generously dust the custard surface with granulated sugar, ensuring an even, light coating.
11. Caramelize the sugar using a kitchen torch or broiler, watching carefully until the top transforms into a golden, crackling glaze.
12. For an elegant presentation, slice the pie and individually torch each serving, creating a personalized dessert experience.

Notes

• Chilling overnight allows the custard to set perfectly and enhances the flavor depth of this decadent dessert.
• Use a kitchen torch for precise caramelization, ensuring an even golden-brown sugar crust that cracks beautifully when tapped.
• Protect pie crust edges with foil to prevent burning during the final brûlée step, maintaining a pristine presentation.
• Room temperature ingredients help create a smooth, lump-free custard with rich, velvety texture.
• For best results, use fresh egg yolks and high-quality vanilla extract to elevate the pie’s overall taste profile.
• Serve chilled for maximum flavor and textural contrast between the silky custard and crisp caramelized sugar topping.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 397
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 95 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 108 mg