✨🥧 Creamy Caramel Custard Pie
🔹 What is it?
A buttery pie crust filled with a creamy vanilla custard, topped (or baked with) rich caramel. It’s like crème caramel meets pie, and it’s baked to golden, creamy perfection.
📝 Ingredients:
For the Caramel:
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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2 tbsp water
For the Custard Filling:
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3 large eggs
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1 can (14 oz / 400g) sweetened condensed milk
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1 1/4 cups whole milk (or evaporated milk for extra richness)
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1 tbsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
For the Crust:
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1 9-inch pie crust, prebaked
(homemade or store-bought; blind-bake it before adding the filling)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1️⃣ Make the Caramel:
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In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water.
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Let cook without stirring until the mixture turns a deep amber color (about 6–8 minutes).
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Carefully pour the hot caramel into the bottom of your prebaked pie crust. Tilt gently to spread it across the bottom. Let cool slightly.
📝 Tip: Be careful with hot caramel — it hardens quickly, so work fast.
2️⃣ Make the Custard:
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In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
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Pour the custard mixture over the caramel layer in the pie crust.
3️⃣ Bake:
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Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
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Place the pie on a baking sheet. Optionally, use a water bath for extra-smooth custard (place pie dish in a larger pan filled with 1 inch of hot water).
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Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the center is just set but still has a slight jiggle.
4️⃣ Chill:
Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best) to fully set.
5️⃣ Serve:
Top with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dusting of cinnamon if desired. Slice gently — the caramel may soften the crust a bit but adds incredible flavor.
🥄 Optional Variations:
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Add a splash of rum or espresso to the custard for depth.
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Sprinkle toasted coconut or sea salt over the top before serving.
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Want a crustless version? Bake it like a classic flan in a dish without crust.
Would you like a no-bake or mini tart version of this recipe?