Silky-smooth salted caramel filling in a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with clouds of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel—this indulgent no-bake pie is a sweet lover’s dream and perfect for holidays or special gatherings. With its luscious texture and rich, balanced flavors, it’s a standout dessert that never fails to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Salted caramel cream pie is a decadent dessert that offers a perfect balance of sweet and salty. The combination of buttery graham cracker crust and velvety caramel custard makes it irresistible. It’s no-bake, meaning it’s convenient to prepare ahead of time, especially for entertaining. This pie is ideal for those who enjoy bold flavors in a chilled, creamy dessert.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust:

• graham cracker crumbs
• light brown sugar
• unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

• granulated sugar
• water
• unsalted butter
• heavy cream
• vanilla extract
• sea salt
• cornstarch
• cold water
• whole milk
• sweetened condensed milk

For the topping:

• whipped cream (homemade or store-bought)
• caramel sauce, for drizzle

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and brown sugar. Add melted butter and stir until evenly moistened.
2. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
3. In a saucepan, combine granulated sugar and ¼ cup water over medium heat. Cook without stirring until the mixture turns a deep amber color.
4. Carefully whisk in butter and heavy cream until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and sea salt.
5. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry.
6. In another saucepan, warm the whole milk and sweetened condensed milk over medium heat.
7. Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry, followed by the caramel sauce. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens into a custard-like consistency.
8. Pour the caramel filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top.
9. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the pie is fully set.
10. Before serving, top with whipped cream and drizzle with caramel sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8 people.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Chill time: 4 hours
Total time: Approximately 4 hours 25 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Crust: Use chocolate cookie crumbs instead of graham crackers for a richer base.
• Nutty Addition: Add crushed pecans or walnuts to the crust for extra texture.
• Espresso Caramel: Stir a teaspoon of espresso powder into the caramel for a mocha twist.
• No Condensed Milk: Replace with extra cream and sugar if preferred, adjusting sweetness to taste.
• Spiced Caramel: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for a warm, aromatic variation.

Storage/Reheating

Store the pie in the refrigerator, loosely covered, for up to 4 days.
To freeze, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
This dessert should always be served chilled and is not suitable for reheating.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, but homemade caramel offers a deeper, more complex flavor. If using store-bought, choose a high-quality version.

Can I make the pie crust in advance?

Yes, you can make the crust up to two days ahead and keep it refrigerated until ready to fill.

Is this pie overly sweet?

While rich, the touch of sea salt balances the sweetness of the caramel and whipped cream.

Can I use a different type of milk?

Whole milk is best for richness, but 2% milk can be used in a pinch. Avoid non-dairy milks unless they are specifically designed for cooking.

Why didn’t my caramel thicken?

It may need more time on the stove. Ensure you’re stirring constantly once the slurry and caramel are combined until the mixture thickens.

What kind of whipped cream should I use?

Homemade whipped cream is ideal, but stabilized whipped topping works well if making the pie ahead of time.

Can I add gelatin to set the pie faster?

Yes, adding 1 teaspoon of unflavored gelatin (bloomed in water) to the caramel can help firm the texture if needed.

Is it possible to overcook the caramel?

Yes. Watch carefully and remove from heat once it reaches a deep amber color to avoid a burnt taste.

Can this pie be made gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

How long does the pie need to set before serving?

At least 4 hours is recommended, but overnight chilling will produce the best texture.

Conclusion

Salted caramel cream pie is a dessert that offers luxurious flavor and elegant presentation with minimal effort. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or an intimate gathering, this chilled pie delivers creamy, salty-sweet perfection in every slice. With its smooth filling, buttery crust, and airy topping, it’s a recipe sure to win over caramel lovers and dessert connoisseurs alike.

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