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