Bessie'S Caramel Pie
A rich caramel pie featuring a creamy custard filling with a luscious caramelized sugar topping, perfect for sweet tooths and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, flour, and cornstarch in a large saucepan.
- Add butter, milk, and slightly beaten egg yolks to the mixture, then add a pinch of salt.
- Place 1/2 cup of sugar in a heavy skillet over medium heat.
- Stir the sugar in the skillet frequently until it begins to melt and caramelize, bubbling all over.
- When the sugar is nearly all melted and caramelized, stir well and remove from heat.
- While stirring constantly, pour the hot custard mixture into the caramelized sugar in the skillet.
- Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and thickened.
- Remove from heat and pour into a prepared pie crust or serving dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar for the caramel. If you don't have cornstarch, you can substitute it with an equal amount of arrowroot powder. Be careful not to overheat the caramel, as it can burn quickly. If you prefer a lighter pie, you can use half-and-half instead of whole milk.
Serving Suggestions
This caramel pie is best served chilled, topped with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. It pairs beautifully with Fried Apple Slices for a delightful contrast of flavors. Consider serving it alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a complete dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover caramel pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until just warm. Avoid reheating the entire pie as it may alter the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bessie'S Caramel Pie contains roughly 950 calories, with 8g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), iron (34% of the Daily Value), and calcium (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 552mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pie in advance?
Yes, this caramel pie can be made a day ahead of time. Just ensure it is properly cooled before covering it and storing in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
What type of pie crust works best?
A traditional pie crust works great, but you can also use a graham cracker crust for a different texture and flavor. If you prefer a gluten-free option, consider using an almond flour crust.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes, you can use alternatives such as coconut sugar or Stevia, but be mindful that they may alter the flavor and texture slightly. Adjust the quantities according to the sweetener's conversion ratio.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).