Description
This irresistible Caramel Brownie Pie combines a rich and fudgy brownie batter with gooey caramel layers nestled inside a buttery pie crust. The decadent dessert offers a perfect balance of chocolate and caramel flavors, topped with an extra drizzle of caramel and a touch of salt to enhance the sweetness. Ideal for indulging at gatherings or a special treat, this pie promises a delightful, crowd-pleasing dessert experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Crust
- 1 pre-made pie shell or pie dough
Caramel Layer
- 11 ounces caramel bits or candies (e.g., Kraft baking caramels)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Brownie Batter
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Prepare Pie Crust: If using pie dough, roll it out and place it into your pie pan, ensuring it fits well along the bottom and edges.
- Melt Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel bits and heavy cream. Microwave for 60 seconds, stir, then continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until the caramel is fully melted. Refrigerate for 5 minutes to cool slightly.
- Mix Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to blend the melted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar for about 1 minute until combined.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix well and scrape down the bowl sides to ensure even mixing.
- Incorporate Flour: Add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Scrape down the bowl again to fully incorporate the flour.
- Layer Brownie Batter: Spread half of the brownie batter evenly over the prepared pie crust.
- Add Caramel Layer: Reserve a few tablespoons of the melted caramel for topping. Pour the remaining caramel evenly over the brownie batter in the pie shell.
- Top with Remaining Batter: Spoon the remaining brownie batter gently over the caramel layer as evenly as possible.
- Smooth Top Layer: Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to carefully spread the top layer, covering the caramel. It’s okay if the layers mix slightly at this point.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the pie to cool completely. Drizzle the reserved caramel over the top and optionally sprinkle with a pinch of salt to enhance flavor before serving.
Notes
- Use a toothpick test to check for doneness; a clean toothpick means the pie is ready.
- Letting the caramel cool before layering helps prevent it from melting the brownie batter too much.
- For a homemade touch, you can use your favorite pie dough recipe instead of pre-made crust.
- Sprinkling a little flaky sea salt on top before serving adds a delightful contrast to the sweet caramel.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for best freshness.
