If you adore the cozy, comforting flavors of autumn, then Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe will absolutely steal your heart. This pie is a rich celebration of velvety pumpkin infused with warm spice, layered with luscious caramel, and wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust. It’s the kind of dessert that brings instant smiles and lingering satisfaction, perfect for family gatherings or a special treat on a crisp fall evening. Every bite offers a harmonious blend of sweet, creamy, and slightly spiced notes that dance deliciously on your tongue, making it a must-try for pumpkin lovers everywhere.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet incredibly impactful ingredients is the first step to making magic happen in your kitchen. Each component plays a pivotal role, from the smooth pumpkin puree providing that classic autumn flavor, to the caramel sauce that adds a silky sweetness and depth. Together, they create the perfect pie that’s both comforting and decadent.
- 1 prebaked pie crust: A crisp and golden base that holds all the luscious fillings perfectly.
- 1 ½ cups caramel sauce: Adds a rich, buttery sweetness that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream: Whipped to fluffy perfection, it lightens up the pie’s texture.
- 1 ½ cans pumpkin puree: The star ingredient delivering authentic pumpkin flavor and creamy texture.
- 1 cup heavy cream (for ganache): Creates a smooth, decadent caramel ganache topping.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps blend flavors smoothly.
- 250g white chocolate, roughly chopped: Brings a sweet, velvety finish to the ganache.
- 2 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice: Infuses the pie with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances and enhances the sweet flavors.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Used in the crumb topping to add a delightfully crumbly texture.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar: Provides a deep molasses sweetness in the crumble.
- 1/3 cup rolled oats: Adds a rustic crunch to the topping.
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature): Binds the crumb topping ingredients together for that perfect crisp.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: Boosts the warm spices in the topping for extra coziness.
- ½ tsp ground cardamom: Adds a subtle fragrant twist to the crumb topping.
- Pinch of salt: Highlights the sweetness in the crumble and pie.
How to Make Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crumb Topping
Start by combining the flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, cinnamon, cardamom, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Add the room-temperature butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix everything until it forms a crumbly, sandy texture. This crumb topping will add a delightful crunch that perfectly contrasts with the creamy pie filling.
Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and caramel sauce until smooth and well-blended. The spices should be balanced so that the pumpkin’s natural sweetness shines through, enhanced by the buttery caramel’s rich notes.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, whip 2 cups of heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This whipped cream will lift the pumpkin filling, giving the pie a light and airy texture, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Step 4: Fold Cream into Pumpkin Mixture
Gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin and caramel filling. Be careful to keep the mixture airy and fluffy; this contrast between creamy and fluffy is what makes Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe truly special.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
Pour the pumpkin and caramel filling into the prebaked pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the prepared crumb topping evenly over the surface, ensuring a generous layer to bake into a golden, crunchy finish.
Step 6: Bake the Pie
Bake the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes. This long baking time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully while developing a rich texture in the filling and allowing the crumb topping to crisp up delightfully.
Step 7: Prepare the Caramel Ganache
While the pie bakes, create the ganache by warming 1 cup of heavy cream until it’s just simmering, then pouring it over the chopped white chocolate and butter. Stir gently until smooth and glossy. Once the pie is cooled, drizzle the caramel ganache on top for an irresistible finish.
How to Serve Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate the pie’s presentation and taste. Consider a dollop of freshly whipped cream dusted with cinnamon or a sprinkle of toasted pecans for an extra textural pop. Crispy caramel shards also add a dramatic and crunchy topping that complements the smooth layers beneath.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with warm beverages like spiced chai tea or a rich cup of coffee. If you’re serving a full meal, sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad can balance the richness of the pie, making the dessert feel all the more indulgent and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve individual slices in elegant glass dishes with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce on the plate. You can also layer pie slices with whipped cream and crushed gingersnap cookies in clear parfait glasses for a stunning dessert presentation that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pie covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pie will keep well for up to four days, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld even further. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
If you want to save the pie for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the pie securely with plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best results.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a warm oven (around 300°F) for about 10 minutes if you prefer your pie slightly warm. Avoid microwaving, as it may affect the texture of the crumb topping and cause the caramel to become too runny.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade pie crust for Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! A homemade crust adds a personal touch and can be tailored to your texture preference—flaky or sturdy. Just prebake it as the recipe suggests to prevent sogginess.
Is there a substitute for white chocolate in the ganache?
You can substitute white chocolate with milk chocolate or dark chocolate if you prefer a richer or less sweet ganache. Just keep in mind it will change the flavor profile slightly.
How long does it take to make this pie from start to finish?
The entire process, including baking, takes about 9 hours and 30 minutes due to the slow bake time that perfects the pie’s texture and flavor, but active prep time is much shorter.
Can I make this pie vegan or dairy-free?
With some ingredient swaps like coconut cream for heavy cream and vegan butter, you can make a dairy-free version. However, the texture and flavor will be a bit different from the original.
What’s the best way to serve Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe on a special occasion?
Serve it slightly chilled with freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. Adding a side of spiced nuts or a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates it to celebratory dessert status.
Final Thoughts
Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm invitation to savor the flavors of fall with every bite. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or indulging in a quiet moment yourself, this recipe never fails to create smiles and cherished memories. Trust me, once you try this pie, it will quickly become one of your go-to favorites that you’ll want to enjoy season after season.
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Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 9 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie is a decadent autumn-inspired dessert featuring a prebaked pie crust filled with a luxurious blend of pumpkin puree, caramel sauce, and warm spices, topped with a rich white chocolate ganache and a crumbly spiced oat topping. This pie perfectly balances creamy, sweet, and spiced flavors, making it an ideal treat for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Pie Base and Filling
- 1 prebaked pie crust
- 1 ½ cups caramel sauce
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 ½ cans pumpkin puree (approx. 21 ounces)
- 2 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup rolled oats
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
- Pinch of salt
Ganache Topping
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 250g white chocolate, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, caramel sauce, heavy whipping cream, pumpkin pie spice, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
- Assemble the pie base: Pour the pumpkin and caramel filling into the prebaked pie crust, spreading it evenly. Set aside while preparing the ganache.
- Make the ganache: In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the heavy cream and unsalted butter until just boiling. Remove from heat and add the chopped white chocolate, stirring until melted, smooth, and glossy.
- Pour ganache over filling: Carefully pour the white chocolate ganache evenly over the pumpkin caramel filling. Use a spatula to gently smooth the top if needed.
- Prepare the crumb topping: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, cinnamon, ground cardamom, pinch of salt, and room temperature unsalted butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the ingredients until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Add crumb topping: Sprinkle the spiced oat crumb mixture evenly over the pie’s ganache layer for added texture and flavor.
- Chill the pie: Place the assembled pie in the refrigerator and chill for at least 9 hours or overnight, allowing the filling and ganache to set properly.
- Serve: Once chilled, slice the pie into 8 servings and enjoy this rich, creamy, and spiced dessert perfect for fall and holiday occasions.
Notes
- Ensure the pie crust is prebaked to avoid sogginess from the moist filling.
- The ganache should be poured warm but not hot to prevent curdling the filling.
- Refrigeration time is essential for the ganache and filling to set firmly.
- You can substitute white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pie crust and oats.
