Caramel Brownie Pie Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that delivers the fudgy decadence of a brownie, the buttery flakiness of pie, and the irresistible allure of gooey caramel, then Caramel Brownie Pie is about to become your new obsession. This showstopper is everything you love about brownies, elevated with a golden pie crust and a river of sweet, molten caramel running through the center. Whether you’re hosting friends, treating your family, or just craving something over-the-top amazing, this pie is guaranteed to wow everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Caramel Brownie Pie lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a special role—think rich cocoa for deep chocolate flavor, a splash of vanilla for warmth, caramel for that luscious goo, and a classic pie crust to hold it all together.
- Pie Crust (1, 9-inch): The flaky base that transforms this treat from a classic brownie into a sliceable, shareable pie—store-bought or homemade both work beautifully.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup): Melted butter brings richness and helps create that signature fudgy brownie texture.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the batter and helps craft those gorgeous crackly tops.
- Large Eggs (2): Essential for binding the batter and adding structure to the pie.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Just a splash brings out all the chocolate notes and adds cozy aroma.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1/3 cup): Gives deep, intense chocolate flavor—don’t skimp here!
- All-Purpose Flour (1/2 cup): Provides a bit of body while keeping the crumb tender.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances the caramel and chocolate.
- Baking Powder (1/4 tsp): Helps the brownie layer puff up just enough for a perfect bite.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1/2 cup): Little pockets of melty chocolate bliss in every slice.
- Caramel Sauce (1/2 cup, plus extra for drizzling): The star swirl! Use your favorite store-bought caramel or homemade for extra wow.
- Flaked Sea Salt (optional): A sprinkle on top brings out the best in both caramel and chocolate—don’t miss it if you love that sweet-salty combo.
How to Make Caramel Brownie Pie
Step 1: Prep the Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your 9-inch pie crust and gently fit it into a pie dish, crimping the edges for that classic, bakery-style look. If you’re using a store-bought crust, let it soften a bit so it molds without cracking. This step sets the stage for all that fudgy filling!
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter until smooth and liquid. Stir in the granulated sugar, then whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is glossy and well combined. Next, add the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, stirring just until everything comes together—don’t overmix or you’ll lose that tender crumb. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness.
Step 3: Layer the Pie
Spread half of the brownie batter evenly in the prepared pie crust, smoothing it all the way to the edges. Now comes the magic: drizzle the caramel sauce right over that first layer, letting it pool and swirl. Spoon the rest of the brownie batter over the caramel, gently spreading to cover. Don’t worry if a little caramel peeks through; it’s all part of the charm.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your assembled Caramel Brownie Pie into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for a set center and a toothpick that comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). The top will be crackly and the edges slightly puffed. Let the pie cool for at least 15 minutes before serving—the caramel needs to settle, and the flavors meld beautifully as it rests.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Just before serving, drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top and, if you like, finish with a sprinkle of flaked sea salt. This last touch makes every bite pop and gives your Caramel Brownie Pie that irresistible bakery finish.
How to Serve Caramel Brownie Pie
Garnishes
The crowning glory for this pie is a generous drizzle of caramel sauce and a delicate scatter of flaked sea salt. If you want to take things a step further, a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into the warm pie is an absolute dream. A few chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder adds a little extra drama for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Because Caramel Brownie Pie is so rich and indulgent, it pairs perfectly with lighter sides. Try serving it with a simple fresh fruit salad, a handful of berries, or even a crisp, lightly sweetened whipped cream. A hot cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk is also a classic, comforting match.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the pie into small squares instead of wedges and serve them as brownie bites at a party. Want to impress? Serve individual slices in pretty dessert bowls, drizzled with extra caramel and finished with a tiny sprinkle of salt or a single raspberry on top. No matter how you present it, Caramel Brownie Pie always draws oohs and ahhs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, pop it into the fridge, where it’ll keep for up to five days—just let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
Caramel Brownie Pie freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap individual slices or the whole pie in plastic wrap and then foil. Store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter for a few hours, and it’ll taste just as rich and gooey as the day you made it.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked magic, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds until the caramel is soft and the brownie is slightly warm. If you’re reheating several slices, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. Don’t forget an extra drizzle of caramel before serving!
FAQs
Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! A homemade pie crust adds a personal touch and extra flakiness. Just be sure to chill it well before adding the brownie batter for the best results.
What type Dessert
Both store-bought and homemade caramel sauces work beautifully. If you like a deeper, slightly salty flavor, opt for a salted caramel sauce. For a milder, sweeter flavor, classic caramel is perfect.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just make sure your pie crust and caramel sauce are also gluten-free.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
Look for a set center and a toothpick that comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking, as the pie will continue to set as it cools and you want that gooey, fudgy center.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch, or try swirling in a little peanut butter with the caramel for a fun twist. Just keep the total mix-ins to about half a cup so the pie stays gooey and rich.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly special about gathering friends or family around a table and slicing into a warm Caramel Brownie Pie. It’s a dessert that feels both nostalgic and exciting, and every bite is a little celebration. I hope you give this recipe a try soon—trust me, it’s destined to become a beloved favorite in your home too!
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Caramel Brownie Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Caramel Brownie Pie combines rich, fudgy brownie batter with a luscious caramel swirl inside a flaky pie crust, creating a decadent dessert perfect for any occasion. The gooey chocolate pairs beautifully with sweet caramel and a hint of sea salt, making each bite irresistibly delicious and uniquely delightful.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 (9-inch) pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Caramel
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
Garnish (Optional)
- Flaked sea salt for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Fit the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, crimping the edges if desired to create a decorative border.
- Melt butter and combine sugar: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the granulated sugar until well incorporated, which helps dissolve the sugar for a smoother batter.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Add the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which could toughen the crust.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter for pockets of melty chocolate.
- Layer batter and caramel: Spread half of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pie crust. Drizzle half a cup of caramel sauce evenly over this layer. Then gently spoon and spread the remaining brownie batter over the caramel layer, creating a delicious swirl inside.
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.
- Cool and garnish: Allow the pie to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with flaked sea salt if desired to enhance the flavors.
Notes
- Best served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast and creaminess.
- For a richer flavor, substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips.
- To add an extra layer of flavor, swirl peanut butter with the caramel layer before topping with the remaining brownie batter.
- If using a store-bought pie crust, prick the bottom slightly with a fork to avoid bubbling.
- Ensure not to overbake to maintain a gooey texture inside.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
