Heavenly Caramel Crème Brûlée Pie Recipe for Sweet Dreams

Sweet, silky, and utterly decadent, this caramel crème brûlée pie redefines dessert elegance with its luxurious layers of creamy goodness.

Rich custard nestles between a buttery graham cracker crust, creating a dessert that whispers sophistication.

Each spoonful promises a dance of smooth caramel and delicate brûlée notes that melt effortlessly on your tongue.

The golden caramel top shatters with a gentle tap, revealing a velvety interior that speaks of culinary craft.

Delicate yet indulgent, this pie turns an ordinary evening into a gourmet experience.

Sophisticated bakers and dessert lovers will find pure magic in every single bite.

Get ready to become the star of any gathering with this show-stopping pie that’s impossible to resist.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 8+ hours

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 9

Gather These for Caramel Crème Brûlée Pie

• Dulce de Leche: Silky caramel spread that creates a luscious foundation, choose a high-quality brand for rich flavor.
• Pie Crust: Pre-baked shell that provides a crisp and sturdy base, select a homemade or premium store-bought version.

• Cornstarch: Magical thickening agent that ensures smooth, velvety texture, look for pure, finely ground variety.
• Heavy Cream: Rich dairy element that adds luxurious silkiness, select fresh cream with high butterfat content.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy sweetener that enhances overall richness, opt for authentic brand with pure ingredients.
• Egg Yolks: Decadent binding agent that creates luxurious custard consistency, choose fresh, organic eggs from free-range chickens.
• Butter: Smooth enriching element that adds depth and glossiness, select unsalted European-style butter for superior flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Aromatic flavor enhancer that elevates the entire dessert, choose pure Madagascar or Tahitian vanilla.

• Granulated Sugar: Crisp topping that creates signature crackable caramel layer, select fine, pure white sugar for even caramelization.

Tools to Bake a Caramel Crème Brûlée Pie

• Heavy-bottomed saucepan: Essential for even heat distribution and preventing burning during custard cooking.
• Whisk: Perfect for smoothly blending ingredients and preventing lumps in the custard.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements are key for a successful pie.
• Pie dish: Holds the delicious caramel crème brûlée mixture.
• Kitchen torch or broiler: Creates the signature crispy caramelized sugar topping.
• Foil or pie protector: Shields the crust from burning during final caramelization.
• Cooling rack: Helps the pie cool evenly before chilling.
• Sharp knife: Needed for clean, professional pie slicing.

Instructions to Make Caramel Crème Brûlée Pie

• Dulce de Leche Foundation

Spread a smooth layer of caramel across the golden baked pie shell, creating a luscious base for the creamy creation.

• Silky Custard Preparation

Combine cream and cornstarch in a heavy pan, whisking until completely smooth, then blend in sweet milk and luxurious egg yolks over gentle heat.

• Creamy Transformation

Stir the mixture constantly as it thickens, watching for bubbles and a rich, velvety texture. Remove from heat and fold in butter and vanilla for an extra layer of decadence.

• Pie Assembly

Pour the dreamy custard into the caramel-lined crust, creating a perfectly smooth surface. Refrigerate overnight to let flavors meld and texture set.

• Caramelized Finale

Just before serving, sprinkle a delicate layer of sugar across the top. Use a kitchen torch to create a crackling golden crust, transforming the pie into a show-stopping dessert. For an elegant touch, torch individual slices to give each guest a moment of culinary drama.

Flavor Variations for Caramel Crème Brûlée Pie

• Master the art of caramelizing sugar by moving the kitchen torch slowly in circular motions, keeping it 2-3 inches from the surface to prevent burning.
• Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the custard to set completely and develop a rich, creamy texture.
• Prepare the entire pie up to two days in advance, keeping the brûlée step for just before serving to maintain the crisp sugar top.
• Experiment with adding a pinch of sea salt, a dash of cinnamon, or a splash of bourbon to the custard for an unexpected flavor boost.

Presenting Caramel Crème Brûlée Pie Beautifully

• Dessert Companion Delights: Caramel Crème Brûlée Pie Serving Suggestions
• Creamy Café Pairing: Serve this luxurious pie alongside a rich espresso or smooth cappuccino to balance the sweet caramel notes and complement the dessert's delicate custard texture.
• Elegant Garnish Touch: Sprinkle some toasted chopped nuts like almonds or pecans around the pie slice for a delightful crunch and nutty undertone that enhances the caramel's richness.
• Seasonal Berry Accent: Top each slice with fresh seasonal berries such as raspberries or strawberries to add a bright, tangy contrast to the pie's deep caramel and creamy custard flavors.
• Whipped Cream Finale: Add a delicate dollop of freshly whipped cream with a light dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder to elevate the presentation and provide a cool, smooth counterpoint to the caramelized sugar topping.

Storage Tips for Caramel Crème Brûlée Pie

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store the caramel crème brûlée pie in an airtight container within the refrigerator for maximum freshness, keeping it deliciously chilled up to 3-4 days without compromising taste or texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire pie a day before your event, allowing the custard to set perfectly and flavors to develop intensely overnight, reducing last-minute kitchen stress.
• Slice Protection Technique: When storing individual slices, wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap to prevent moisture absorption and maintain the crisp caramelized sugar topping's delicate crunch.
• Temperature Transition Wisdom: Remove the pie from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving, letting it slightly temper for optimal flavor and ensuring the custard isn't overly cold, which can dull the delicate taste experience.

Silky Caramel Crème Brûlée Pie

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 8+ hours
• Yield: 9 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Rich caramel crème brûlée pie delivers classic French dessert elegance in pie form. Crisp pastry shell cradles silky custard with caramelized sugar crust, inviting sweet exploration with each delectable slice.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 egg yolks
• 1 ⅔ cups (400 ml) heavy cream
• 14 oz (397 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) dulce de leche
• 1 9-inch pie crust (baked and cooled)
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsps cornstarch
• ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prep Foundation: Layer dulce de leche smoothly across the pre-baked pie shell, establishing a creamy base.
2. Create Custard Base: Whisk cornstarch into heavy cream in a saucepan, integrating egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk until uniformly blended.
3. Cook Custard: Heat mixture over medium temperature, stirring continuously to prevent scorching and achieve a dense, velvety consistency that bubbles gently.
4. Enhance Flavor: Remove from heat and incorporate butter and vanilla extract, stirring until completely melded and smooth.
5. Fill and Chill: Pour custard into prepared pie crust, spreading evenly with a spatula, then refrigerate overnight to solidify and develop rich flavors.
6. Caramelize Topping: Before serving, cover crust edges with foil, dust surface with granulated sugar, and use a kitchen torch or broiler to create a golden, crackling glaze.
7. Serve with Flair: Slice and individually torch each serving for a dramatic, personalized dessert presentation that highlights the caramelized sugar crust.

Notes

• Prevent Lumps: Whisk cornstarch into cream thoroughly and gradually to ensure a smooth, lump-free custard base.
• Monitor Heat Carefully: Stir continuously over medium heat to avoid scorching and achieve a perfect, velvety custard texture.
• Chill Completely: Refrigerate overnight to allow custard to set properly and develop deep, rich flavor profiles.
• Torch with Precision: Use a kitchen torch or broiler at close range, moving constantly to create an even, golden caramel crust without burning.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg