Introduction
Indulge in the delightful layers of a creamy caramel custard pie, a dessert that perfectly blends sweetness with a rich texture. This recipe will guide you through making a luscious caramel, a velvety custard, and a crisp crust, all coming together to create a show-stopping treat. Ideal for special occasions or a simple family gathering, this pie is sure to impress!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Caramel:
1 cup white sugar
1/4 cup water
A tiny splash of lemon juice (optional)
For the Custard:
4 large eggs
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
For the Crust:
1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
50–60 minutes
Total Time
At least 4 hours (including cooling and refrigeration)
Yield
1 pie (serves 8)
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Caramel:
– In a small saucepan, combine the white sugar and water. It is important to avoid stirring the mixture at this stage.
– Heat the saucepan over medium heat until the mixture transforms into a deep amber color. This may take several minutes, so watch carefully to prevent burning.
– Once the desired color is achieved, remove the saucepan from heat. Carefully pour the caramel into the pie dish, swirling it around to ensure even coating of the bottom. Exercise caution as the caramel will be very hot.
– Allow the caramel to cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
Prepare the Custard:
– In a large mixing bowl, add the large eggs, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
– Whisk the ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
– After the caramel has cooled, pour the custard mixture gently over the caramel layer in the pie dish, being careful not to disturb the caramel.
Bake:
– Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking.
– Place the pie dish containing the custard and caramel into a larger baking pan. This will create a water bath for even cooking.
– Fill the larger baking pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the pie dish. This step is crucial for ensuring a smooth custard texture.
– Bake the custard in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. The custard should be set but still have a slight jiggle in the center when done.
Cool and Serve:
– Once baking is complete, carefully remove the pie from the oven and let it cool to room temperature completely.
– After cooling, refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours; for best results, leave it to chill overnight.
– When ready to serve, take a knife and run it around the edge of the pie to loosen it from the dish.
– Place an appropriately sized plate over the top of the pie dish. Invert the pie dish carefully to release the custard pie, allowing the caramel to flow beautifully over the top.
Notes
You can add a tiny splash of lemon juice to the caramel mixture for an enhanced flavor, although it is optional.
Ensure that the custard does not overcook, as this can result in a rubbery texture. The slight jiggle in the center indicates it’s done.
This pie can be made ahead of time, as it tastes even better the next day after chilling in the refrigerator.
Cook techniques
Caramel Preparation
In caramel preparation, combine sugar and water in a saucepan without stirring. Heat until it reaches a deep amber color, then swirl to coat the pie dish.
Custard Mixing
For the custard, whisk together eggs, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
Baking in a Water Bath
Bake the custard in a water bath by placing the pie dish in a larger baking pan filled with hot water, ensuring the water reaches halfway up the sides of the dish for even cooking.
Cooling and Inverting
After baking, cool the pie completely before refrigerating. When ready to serve, run a knife around the edge, then invert the pie onto a plate to release the caramel sauce.
FAQ
Can I substitute the sweetened condensed milk?
You can replace sweetened condensed milk with a homemade version or a different milk option, but the flavor and texture may vary.
How do I know when the custard is set?
The custard is set when the edges are firm, and the center has a slight jiggle that does not wobble excessively.
Can I use a different type of pie crust?
Yes, you can use any type of pie crust, such as graham cracker or shortbread, for a different flavor.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the pie overnight?
While it’s not strictly necessary, refrigerating overnight improves the flavor and texture, allowing it to set properly.
How do I store leftover caramel custard pie?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Indulging in a creamy caramel custard pie offers a delightful blend of rich flavors and textures. The layered caramel, smooth custard, and flaky crust create a perfect dessert that can impress any crowd. With careful preparation and patience, you can enjoy a homemade dessert that’s truly satisfying.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Flan
Combine the smoothness of flan with a rich chocolate twist by adding melted dark chocolate to the custard mixture.
Fruit Tart with Custard
Replace the caramel with a fruit glaze and top the custard with fresh seasonal fruits for a refreshing summer dessert.
Coconut Custard Pie
Incorporate coconut milk instead of whole milk and add shredded coconut to the custard for a tropical flavor.
Lemon Custard Pie
Add lemon zest and juice into the custard mix for a zesty and refreshing custard pie option.
Pumpkin Caramel Custard
Blend pumpkin puree and spices into the custard for a seasonal flavor, perfect for autumn gatherings.
