Description
This Salted Caramel Pie features a buttery graham cracker crust filled with rich, homemade salted caramel. The luscious caramel is made by melting sugar to a perfect amber color, then combining it with butter, heavy cream, vanilla, and sea salt. After chilling for several hours to set, it’s topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a decadent dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full crackers, crushed)
- 6 tbsp butter (melted)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
Caramel Filling
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp sea salt
Toppings
- Whipped cream
- A pinch of flaky sea salt
- Optional: Extra caramel drizzle
Instructions
- Make the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar together until well combined. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes until set and slightly toasted. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool while you prepare the caramel filling.
- Make the Caramel Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly. The sugar will first clump and then gradually melt into a smooth amber-colored liquid. Once melted, add the butter one piece at a time, stirring continuously until fully incorporated.
- Add Cream and Flavoring: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring vigorously; the mixture will bubble up, so continue whisking to smooth it out. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Let the caramel cool slightly before proceeding.
- Assemble and Chill: Pour the warm caramel filling into the cooled crust, spreading evenly. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the caramel to fully set.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Just before serving, top the pie with whipped cream and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an added burst of flavor. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle additional caramel over the top. Slice and enjoy your salted caramel pie!
Notes
- Ensure sugar doesn’t burn while melting; constant stirring is key to even caramelization.
- The pie requires chilling time to set properly, so plan ahead.
- For a firmer crust, you can press the graham mixture slightly thicker or bake a few minutes longer.
- Use fresh, high-quality vanilla extract and sea salt to enhance flavor.
- Optional caramel drizzle can be prepared in advance or by reserving a bit of caramel filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American