Caramel Creme Brulee Pie Recipe
This Caramel Crème Brûlée Pie combines the luscious flavors of dulce de leche and creamy custard nestled in a buttery baked pie crust. Topped with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust, this dessert offers a delightful contrast of textures and rich caramel notes, making it a decadent treat perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 12 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Pie Base
- 1 9-inch pie crust, baked and cooled
Custard Filling
- 1 cup Dulce de Leche
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 2/3 cups heavy cream
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 3 egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Topping
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Spread the 1 cup of Dulce de Leche evenly over the bottom of the baked and cooled 9-inch pie crust. Set aside to use as the base layer of the pie.
- Mix Cornstarch and Cream: In a heavy-bottom saucepan, combine 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1 2/3 cups of heavy cream. Stir continuously until the cornstarch is fully dissolved, ensuring a smooth mixture without lumps.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Egg Yolks: Whisk in 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk and 3 egg yolks to the cornstarch-cream mixture, blending thoroughly for a homogeneous custard base.
- Cook the Custard: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly to prevent scorching, until it thickens and bubbles, indicating that it has reached proper custard consistency.
- Incorporate Butter and Vanilla: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract until the butter has completely melted and is well combined, adding richness and flavor to the custard.
- Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the hot custard over the dulce de leche layer in the pie crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula for even coverage.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the pie overnight to allow the custard to fully set and meld the flavors together.
- Caramelize the Sugar: Just before serving, carefully cover the pie crust edges with a pie protector or foil to prevent burning. Evenly sprinkle 1/3 cup of granulated sugar over the chilled custard surface. Using a kitchen torch or placing the pie under a broiler, caramelize the sugar until it forms a golden, crispy brûlée crust. Alternatively, slice the pie first and brulee individual pieces for easier serving.
- Serve: Allow the caramelized sugar to cool and harden briefly before slicing and serving to enjoy the perfect contrast of creamy custard and crunchy caramel topping.
Notes
- The pie crust should be fully baked and cooled before assembling the pie to maintain a crisp base.
- Constant stirring during custard cooking is essential to prevent lumps and ensure smooth texture.
- If using a broiler for caramelizing sugar, watch closely to avoid burning the sugar or pie crust.
- For an easier serving method, slice the pie before caramelizing the sugar on individual portions.
- This pie is best served chilled but allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating for optimal flavor and texture.
Keywords: Caramel Creme Brulee Pie, Dulce de Leche Pie, Custard Pie, Crème Brûlée Pie, Caramelized Sugar Dessert