🍯 Creamy Caramel Custard Pie
Serves 8 | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 7 min | Chill: 3+ hrs | Total: ~4 hrs (mostly hands-off)
🛒 Ingredients
For the Filling:
1 pre-baked pie crust (9-inch; store-bought or homemade)
1 cup (225g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
1 cup (240ml) whole milk
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 tbsp (16g) cornstarch (for perfect set without eggs)
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Top:
½ cup (120ml) caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Optional: Whipped cream, piped around edges
Optional garnish: Sea salt flakes, chopped pecans, or extra caramel drizzle
🔥 Pro Tip: Warm caramel slightly before pouring — spreads more evenly!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Custard
In a medium saucepan, whisk together:
Cream cheese
Heavy cream
Milk
Sugar
Cornstarch
Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until mixture thickens (~5–7 mins).
Remove from heat.
Stir in vanilla extract.
✅ Don’t boil — just simmer gently until it coats the back of a spoon.
2️⃣ Pour Into Crust
Pour warm custard into the pre-baked pie crust.
Smooth the top with a spatula.
Let cool to room temperature (about 30 mins), then refrigerate at least 2 hours until fully set.
3️⃣ Add the Caramel Layer
Once custard is firm, gently pour warm caramel sauce over the top.
Use a knife or offset spatula to spread evenly.
Optional: Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt for salted caramel effect.
4️⃣ Decorate & Chill Again
Pipe whipped cream around the edge if desired.
Return to fridge and chill 1 hour more — helps caramel set and flavors meld.
5️⃣ Slice & Serve
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water (wiped dry) for clean slices.
Serve chilled.
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
With coffee or espresso
As a showstopper dessert at Thanksgiving or Christmas
Garnished with toasted pecans for crunch
🌈 Flavor Variations & Pro Hacks
🍫 Chocolate Caramel Pie: Mix in ¼ cup melted dark chocolate or 2 tbsp cocoa powder with the custard
☕ Coffee Caramel Pie: Add 1 tbsp instant espresso powder to the filling
🥜 Nutty Caramel Pie: Fold in ½ cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts before chilling
🍓 Berry Swirl: Swirl in ¼ cup raspberry or strawberry puree before adding caramel
🍂 Spiced Caramel Pie: Add ½ tsp cinnamon + pinch of nutmeg to the custard
🧊 Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble up to 2 days ahead — store covered in fridge
❄️ Freeze It? Not recommended — dairy separates when thawed
🧠 Why This Works So Well
Cornstarch + slow cooking = ultra-smooth custard without curdling
Cream cheese adds richness and body (like a lighter cheesecake)
Layered caramel gives visual drama and flavor contrast
Chilling time deepens flavor and improves texture
It’s not magic — it’s smart baking. ✨
❤️ Final Thought: Sometimes, the Best Things Are Meant to Be Shared
You don’t need rare ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make something truly special.
Just good cream, real sugar, and love.
This Creamy Caramel Custard Pie proves that the most memorable desserts are often the simplest — where every bite tastes like comfort, care, and celebration.
So next time you want to impress without stress…
Grab that pie crust.
Turn on the stove.
And let your kitchen fill with the scent of vanilla, cream, and home-baked joy.
Because great food doesn’t have to be hard —
It just has to taste like it came from the heart. 💛