Name: Salted Caramel Pie Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full crackers, crushed); 6 tbsp butter (melted); ¼ cup brown sugar; 1 cup granulated sugar; 6 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into pieces); ½ cup heavy cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp sea salt; Whipped cream; A pinch of flaky sea salt; Optional: Extra caramel drizzle

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 84 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and love that perfect mix of buttery, rich caramel with a subtle salty kick, this Salted Caramel Pie Recipe is absolutely for you. Imagine a crisp graham cracker crust hugging a luscious, golden caramel filling that’s balanced beautifully by a hint of sea salt. It’s a dessert that feels elegant yet comforting, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring all by yourself on a cozy evening. Whether you’re a longtime caramel fan or new to this decadent flavor combo, this pie will quickly become one of your favorite go-to desserts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round pie with a golden crumb crust sits in a dark fluted pie pan on a sheet of parchment paper over a white marbled surface. The pie crust has a warm, light brown color with a crumbly texture, and the edges are scalloped and well-formed. Scattered around the pie are crumbs and two white eggs. In the background, a woman's hand holds a small clear glass bowl containing a yellow liquid mixture and sprinkles some crumbs from another small white bowl on a wooden cutting board. A rolling pin rests nearby on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the flavor and texture just right is all about simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays an important role, from the buttery crisp crust to the luxuriously smooth caramel filling.

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs: This forms the crunchy, slightly sweet base that perfectly supports the caramel.
6 tbsp melted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crust ingredients together.
¼ cup brown sugar: Brings a deep molasses flavor that enhances the crust’s sweetness and color.
1 cup granulated sugar: The backbone of the caramel, caramelized to that beautiful amber color.
6 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces: Folded into the caramel for a velvety, buttery finish.
½ cup heavy cream: Creates that luscious, creamy texture in the caramel filling.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the caramel’s flavor.
½ tsp sea salt: The star seasoning that enhances sweetness and balances the richness.
Whipped cream: A fluffy, light topping to contrast the pie’s dense filling.
A pinch of flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top for added texture and bursts of salty goodness.
Optional: Extra caramel drizzle: Because you can never have too much of that silky caramel magic.

How to Make Salted Caramel Pie Recipe

Step 1: Make the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl. Press this crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish, making sure it’s packed down firmly to hold up the filling perfectly. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes until it’s set and fragrant, then let it cool completely while you prepare the caramel. This base is what turns the pie from ordinary to truly spectacular with its buttery crunch.

Step 2: Create the Caramel Filling

Making the caramel is where the magic truly happens. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, start melting the granulated sugar while stirring constantly. At first, the sugar will clump, but keep stirring—it will eventually melt into a smooth amber liquid. Adding cold butter pieces one at a time helps develop that rich, creamy consistency you want without lumps. Then, slowly incorporate the heavy cream; be ready as it bubbles vigorously! Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and sea salt for that signature salted caramel flavor. Let it cool just a bit before pouring it into the crust to avoid sogginess.

Step 3: Chill and Set the Pie

Pour the caramel filling carefully into your cooled graham cracker crust. The next step requires patience, but it’s well worth it! Refrigerate your pie for at least four hours to allow the caramel to set firmly, preferably overnight. This resting time lets the flavors meld and the texture become perfectly sliceable—a key to a flawless Salted Caramel Pie Recipe.

Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve

Just before serving, whip up some fresh whipped cream and spread it generously over the set caramel. A pinch of flaky sea salt scatters delightfully on top, enhancing every bite with bursts of savory contrast. For those feeling extra indulgent, an additional caramel drizzle adds a glossy, mouthwatering touch. Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s face light up with each heavenly forkful!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Pie Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a tart in a dark metal tart pan resting on a wooden board. The tart has a crumbly light brown crust as the base layer. A smooth, thick, caramel-colored filling is being poured slowly from a clear glass container by a woman's hand, filling the crust evenly. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with crushed graham crackers on a white marbled surface, along with a whisk and a folded striped cloth, creating a cozy and inviting kitchen scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Whipped cream and flaky sea salt are classic finishing touches, but you can also sprinkle some chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of cocoa powder for extra texture and flavor variation. A few chocolate shavings on top can bring a sophisticated edge while still honoring the caramel’s star status.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of black coffee or a lightly brewed tea to balance its sweetness. For a festive touch, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side offers creamy coolness that complements the warm caramel notes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Salted Caramel Pie Recipe the star of the table by serving it in mini tart pans for individual portions or layering caramel pie bites in clear cups with whipped cream and crushed graham crackers for a fun twist. Even dusting the serving plate with a bit of cocoa or drizzling caramel artfully around adds an inviting, restaurant-style flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover salted caramel pie keeps beautifully refrigerated for up to 4 days. Cover it with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain that fresh texture and prevent the crust from becoming soggy. Each slice will taste just as delightful the next day—maybe even better!

Freezing

You can freeze the pie for longer storage by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When frozen, it will maintain optimum flavor and texture for up to two months. To enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh whipped cream just before serving.

Reheating

Because this pie is best served chilled, reheating is generally not recommended as it may alter the caramel’s texture. However, if you prefer a slightly warmer slice, let the pie sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving, which softens the caramel slightly without losing its creaminess.

FAQs

Can I make Salted Caramel Pie Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This pie actually benefits from sitting overnight in the fridge as it allows the caramel to fully set and develop deeper flavors, so feel free to make it a day before your gathering.

What kind of salt is best for this recipe?

Using sea salt, especially flaky varieties like Maldon, is ideal as it provides bursts of salty crunch that contrast wonderfully with the sweet caramel while also enhancing its flavor.

Can I use a store-bought crust instead of making my own?

You can, but the graham cracker crust made from scratch in this recipe adds a fresh, buttery crunch that complements the caramel much better than most pre-made crusts.

Is this pie suitable for kids?

Yes, this dessert is kid-friendly but remember it does contain butter and cream, so it’s quite rich. The salted caramel flavor is usually well-loved by all ages!

How can I make my caramel smoother?

Make sure to stir constantly when melting the sugar and when adding butter and cream. Also, using room temperature cream can help avoid sudden bubbling and create a velvety, lump-free caramel.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a Salted Caramel Pie Recipe that combines the right balance of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy in every bite. Once you make it, you’ll want to keep this recipe close for every celebration or whenever you crave a little slice of heaven. It’s friendly enough for home cooks of any skill level and impressive enough to wow any dessert lover. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your dessert rotation!

Salted Caramel Pie Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need