There’s something undeniably irresistible about the rich, buttery goodness of caramel pie, and when you combine it with the creamy sweetness of condensed milk, you get a dessert that’s simply out of this world.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this caramel pie recipe with condensed milk is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort. The luscious caramel filling is silky smooth, perfectly sweet, and pairs beautifully with a crisp pie crust.
It’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or anytime you want to treat yourself to a decadent homemade dessert.
In this post, I’ll walk you through every step to create this delightful pie from scratch, along with tips, variations, and serving suggestions. Plus, you’ll find links to other delicious recipes that complement this sweet treat perfectly.
Ready to dive in? Let’s get started on this caramel adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This caramel pie with condensed milk is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it uses sweetened condensed milk to create an incredibly creamy and smooth caramel filling without needing to cook sugar from scratch.
This shortcut saves time and reduces the risk of burning your caramel. Second, the pie crust can be a classic store-bought or homemade crust, making it flexible based on your preference and skill level.
Additionally, the texture is just right — not too runny, not too firm — so each bite melts in your mouth. It’s also a crowd-pleaser, loved by kids and adults alike.
Lastly, the recipe is versatile, allowing you to add flavors like vanilla or sea salt, or even top it with whipped cream or nuts for an extra special touch.
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch prepared pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (optional, for salted caramel flavor)
- Whipped cream or chopped nuts for garnish (optional)
Equipment
- 9-inch pie dish
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Oven
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re using a store-bought crust, place it in the pie dish and set aside. For homemade crust, prepare and blind bake it slightly to avoid sogginess.
- Make the caramel filling: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until fully melted and bubbling.
- Add the brown sugar and whisk continuously for about 2-3 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- Slowly pour in the sweetened condensed milk, stirring constantly to combine fully with the butter and sugar mixture.
- Pour in the heavy cream and continue to cook the mixture, stirring often, until it thickens slightly and turns a deep golden caramel color. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, if using. The salt enhances the caramel flavor beautifully.
- Pour the caramel filling into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. This helps set the filling without overbaking.
- Remove from oven and let the pie cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set before serving.
- Optional: Top with whipped cream, chopped pecans or walnuts, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce before serving for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips & Variations
“Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent hot spots and burning of the caramel.”
For a twist on the classic, try adding a teaspoon of coffee or espresso powder to the caramel filling to create a mocha caramel pie. You can also sprinkle flaky sea salt on top just before serving to enhance the sweet and salty contrast.
If you prefer a no-bake version, prepare the caramel filling the same way but set it in a pre-baked crust and chill until firm without additional baking.
To make the crust from scratch, check out other fantastic recipes like Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious for quick homemade bread ideas that can double as pie crust bases in a pinch!
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Slice (1/8 pie) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Total Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Cholesterol | 55 mg |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Sugars | 38 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
Serving Suggestions
This caramel pie is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. For a classic experience, serve it chilled with a generous dollop of whipped cream on top.
You can also add toasted pecans or walnuts for a crunchy contrast. If you’re feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side pairs beautifully with the warm caramel flavors.
For festive occasions, drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce over individual slices to impress your guests. Pair your caramel pie with a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness and round out your dessert experience.
If you love exploring new recipes, you might enjoy trying out other sweet treats like the Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy or the rich and creamy Banoffee Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Dairy-Free Treat.
Conclusion
Making a caramel pie with condensed milk is a fantastic way to enjoy a luscious, homemade dessert without the fuss of traditional caramel-making. This recipe simplifies the process while delivering rich, buttery flavor and smooth texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, this pie is sure to satisfy.
Remember, the key to success lies in careful cooking of the caramel filling and proper chilling to achieve that perfect slice. Don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings and variations to make it your own.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore other delicious dishes on our site like the Black Bean Sauce Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Guide for savory meals or Vegan Icecream Recipe: Easy, Creamy, and Delicious Treats for more sweet inspiration.
Happy baking and enjoy every caramel-filled bite!
📖 Recipe Card: Caramel Pie with Condensed Milk
Description: A rich and creamy caramel pie made with sweetened condensed milk and a buttery crust. Perfectly sweet and smooth, ideal for any dessert occasion.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT1H
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch pie crust, pre-baked
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Optional: whipped cream for topping
- Optional: sea salt flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and butter over medium heat until melted and golden brown.
- Slowly whisk in sweetened condensed milk until smooth and thickened.
- Remove from heat and whisk in eggs, salt, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the caramel filling into the pre-baked pie crust.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until filling is set but slightly jiggly in center.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 42 g
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