Caramel Cream Pie

Caramel Cream Pie is a luscious no-bake dessert made with a buttery crust, a velvety caramel cream filling, and a topping of fluffy whipped cream. Finished with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce, this pie is indulgent, elegant, and surprisingly easy to prepare—perfect for both casual dinners and special celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pie delivers a beautiful balance of rich caramel flavor and light, creamy texture. It requires no baking, making it ideal for warm days or last-minute gatherings. With its smooth filling and stunning presentation, Caramel Cream Pie is a dessert that tastes just as amazing as it looks.

Ingredients

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

• Graham cracker crumbs or digestive biscuits
• Unsalted butter (melted)
• Cream cheese (softened)
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Vanilla extract
• Heavy whipping cream
• Powdered sugar (for whipped topping)
• Sea salt (optional, for salted caramel variation)
• Extra caramel sauce (for drizzling)
• Optional: chopped nuts, toffee bits, or chocolate shavings for garnish

Directions

1. Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Press mixture into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Chill for 20 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk, caramel sauce, and vanilla extract. Beat until creamy and well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream and powdered sugar to stiff peaks.
4. Fold half of the whipped cream into the caramel filling to lighten it.
5. Pour the filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top.
6. Spread the remaining whipped cream over the pie or pipe it decoratively.
7. Drizzle with caramel sauce and garnish with sea salt or toffee bits, if using.
8. Chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: About 4.5 hours

Variations

• Salted Caramel Cream Pie: Add flaky sea salt to the topping for a salty-sweet finish.
• Chocolate Crust: Use crushed chocolate cookies instead of graham crackers for a richer flavor.
• Nutty Twist: Add a layer of chopped pecans or almonds under the filling.
• Frozen Version: Freeze the assembled pie and serve as a frozen dessert on warm days.
• Mini Pies: Use a muffin tin to create individual caramel cream pies.

storage/reheating

Store the pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days. It’s best served chilled and does not require reheating. Freezing is possible for up to 1 month—thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Avoid microwaving, as the cream and crust may separate.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, it works well. Choose a thick, high-quality sauce for best results.

How do I keep the crust from falling apart?

Chill it well before adding the filling, and press the crumbs firmly into the pan.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, it’s ideal for making a day in advance and storing in the fridge until ready to serve.

Is this pie overly sweet?

It’s rich but balanced. You can reduce the caramel slightly or use unsweetened whipped cream to adjust sweetness.

Can I use Cool Whip instead of homemade whipped cream?

Yes, for convenience, though homemade whipped cream offers better texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone or a combination of Greek yogurt and whipped cream, though flavor will vary.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust.

Can I add a fruit layer?

Thinly sliced bananas or apples under the filling add a delicious flavor twist.

How do I get clean slices?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wipe between cuts.

What’s the best caramel to use?

A thick, buttery caramel works best—avoid thin syrups that may seep into the crust.

Conclusion

Caramel Cream Pie is a simple yet luxurious dessert that combines creamy filling, buttery crust, and rich caramel flavor into one unforgettable bite. Whether for a family dinner or a special gathering, this no-bake pie is sure to impress with its smooth texture, balanced sweetness, and elegant look.

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