Mom'S Caramel Pie
A rich caramel pie with a buttery crust, sweet caramel filling, and fluffy meringue topping, perfect for special occasions or comforting desserts enjoyed by family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place 1 cup sugar in a frying pan and let melt until a brownish syrup forms.
- Add the 1/2 cup water to the syrup and let boil until the mixture is melted.
- Mix the remaining 1 cup sugar, flour, salt, milk, slightly beaten egg yolks, and melted syrup in a double boiler.
- Cook until the mixture is thick.
- Add butter and vanilla, then pour into the baked pie crust.
- Use egg whites to make a meringue and spread over the filling.
- Bake or broil until meringue is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the sugar with brown sugar. If you prefer a lighter meringue, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form before spreading them on the pie. To avoid a soggy crust, ensure the pie crust is pre-baked until it's lightly golden. For a twist, consider adding a splash of bourbon to the filling for depth.
Serving Suggestions
This caramel pie is delightful on its own, but you can enhance the experience by serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with Mama'S Fruit Salad for a refreshing contrast. Enjoy it as a sweet ending to a meal featuring Homestyle Scrambled Eggs or a hearty brunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover caramel pie in the refrigerator for up to three days. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap to keep the meringue from becoming too soggy. To serve, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before enjoying. If the meringue loses its texture, a quick broil can help revive it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Caramel Pie contains roughly 453 calories, with 8g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of calcium (17% of the Daily Value), protein (16% of the Daily Value), and iron (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1131mg per serving (49% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and meringue in advance, but it's best to assemble and bake the pie on the day you plan to serve it. This ensures the meringue remains fluffy and the crust stays crisp.
What can I use if I don’t have sweet milk?
If sweet milk is unavailable, you can substitute it with a mixture of evaporated milk and water or use whole milk with a little sugar added. This will mimic the sweetness and richness needed for the filling.
How do I fix a runny filling?
If your filling turns out runny, you can return it to the heat and cook it a bit longer, stirring constantly until it thickens. Make sure to let it cool slightly before pouring it into the crust to avoid sogginess.
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).