Creamy Caramel Custard Pie

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Creamy Caramel Custard Pie

Introduction

The Creamy Caramel Custard Pie is a decadent fusion of silky custard, rich caramel sauce, and a buttery pie crust. Imagine the elegance of a crème caramel meeting the comfort of a pie—each bite melts in your mouth with the sweet, toasty flavor of caramel, balanced by smooth, creamy custard. Perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply when you want a touch of luxury in your dessert repertoire.

A Little History

Caramel custard (or flan) has its origins in Europe, with roots in France and Spain, eventually traveling to Latin America and beyond. The idea of putting custard into a pastry crust became popular in America in the mid-20th century, when bakers began blending traditional custards with pies like chess pie and buttermilk pie. The caramel version is a more indulgent evolution, marrying the old-world sophistication of crème caramel with the homey charm of pie.

Benefits

  • Rich in protein – thanks to the eggs in the custard.
  • Mood booster – caramel’s sweet, buttery notes trigger pleasure responses in the brain.
  • Versatile – can be served warm, chilled, or with whipped cream.
  • Crowd-pleaser – appeals to both traditional pie lovers and custard enthusiasts.

Ingredients

For the Caramel Layer

  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) water
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream

For the Pie Crust

  • 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (115 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 4–6 tbsp ice water

For the Custard Filling

  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk (warm)
  • ½ cup (100 g) sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1 – Make the Caramel Sauce

  1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat.
  2. Do not stir; swirl the pan gently until the sugar melts and turns golden amber.
  3. Remove from heat, carefully whisk in butter, then slowly add heavy cream (it will bubble).
  4. Stir until smooth. Let cool slightly.

Step 2 – Prepare the Pie Crust

  1. Mix flour and salt in a bowl.
  2. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Add ice water gradually until dough holds together.
  4. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 3 – Bake the Crust

  1. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface.
  2. Transfer to a 9-inch pie dish, trim edges, and prick the bottom with a fork.
  3. Line with parchment and fill with pie weights.
  4. Blind bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, then remove weights and bake another 8 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 4 – Prepare the Custard

  1. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt.
  2. Slowly add warm milk while whisking to avoid cooking the eggs.

Step 5 – Assemble and Bake

  1. Pour a thin layer of caramel sauce over the bottom of the baked crust.
  2. Slowly pour custard mixture over the caramel.
  3. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 35–40 minutes, until the custard is set but slightly wobbly in the center.

Step 6 – Chill and Serve

  1. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) for best texture.
  2. Drizzle with extra caramel before serving.

Methods & Tips

  • Water bath method – For an extra silky custard, place the pie dish in a larger pan and pour hot water halfway up the sides before baking.
  • Flavor twist – Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for a salted caramel version.
  • Serving suggestion – Serve with lightly whipped cream or fresh berries for balance.

Nutritional Information (per slice, based on 8 slices)

  • Calories: ~360 kcal
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Sugar: 33 g
  • Fiber: 0.6 g

Conclusion

The Creamy Caramel Custard Pie is a dessert that feels both nostalgic and luxurious. It’s the type of sweet treat that can impress guests without needing overly complex techniques. Every bite is a journey—flaky crust, luscious caramel, and soft custard all harmonizing in one perfect forkful.

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