Best Ever Salted Caramel Pie Recipe – Easy, Creamy & Irresistible Dessert
As a mom of three, I don’t have time for complicated desserts. I need caramel pie recipes easy enough to whip up in between school pickups, snack requests, and the occasional toddler meltdown. This salted caramel pie recipe? It checks all the boxes. It’s a smooth, creamy pie with a buttery crust and a caramel filling that tastes like you spent hours on it (spoiler: you didn’t).
Whether you call it caramel pie, carmel pie, or just straight-up heaven, this is one of those homemade pies recipes that’ll become a family favorite. And if you’re looking for easy salted caramel desserts that don’t require a pastry chef degree, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s make some salted carmel magic.
Ingredients
First things first, let’s gather up everything you’ll need:
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full crackers, crushed)
- 6 tbsp melted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
For the caramel filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp sea salt
For the topping:
- Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade, no judgment)
- A pinch of flaky sea salt (Maldon is my fave, but whatever you have works)
- Optional: Extra caramel drizzle (because why not)
How to make Salted Caramel Pie
Step 1: Make the Crust
First up, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you have kids running around, this is a great time to give them the very important job of smashing graham crackers into crumbs. Or, you know, take out some stress and do it yourself with a rolling pin.
Mix the crushed crackers, melted butter, and brown sugar in a bowl until it feels like damp sand. Press it firmly into a 9-inch pie dish. (Use the bottom of a glass to really pack it down.)
Bake for 10 minutes, then set it aside to cool while we work on the caramel.
Step 2: Make the Caramel
Okay, this part is where the magic happens. Caramel seems intimidating, but I promise, you got this.
- Heat the sugar – Put the granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly. At first, it will look like nothing is happening, then it will clump up, and then suddenly, it’ll start melting into a deep amber color.
- Add the butter – As soon as the sugar is fully melted and golden brown, carefully add in the butter, one piece at a time. Stir like your life depends on it. (It might bubble up—just keep going!)
- Pour in the cream – Slowly add the heavy cream while stirring. Again, it’ll bubble, but that’s normal. Keep whisking until everything is smooth.
- Finish it off – Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla and salt, and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Fill & Chill
Once the caramel has cooled a bit (so it doesn’t melt your crust), pour it into the pie crust. Smooth it out with the back of a spoon and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better.
If you have kids, this is the part where they will ask you 37 times if the pie is ready yet. Just stay strong.
Step 4: The Grand Finale
Right before serving, top with a big pile of whipped cream, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and if you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of extra caramel. (At this point, no one will question your choices.)
Cut yourself a slice, grab a fork, and enjoy the best salted caramel pie of your life.
FAQs About Salted Caramel Pie
Do I have to bake the crust?
No, but I recommend it! Baking the crust helps it hold together better and gives it that delicious toasty flavor. If you’re short on time, you can skip the baking step and just chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before adding the caramel.
What if my caramel turns out grainy?
Caramel can be a little tricky, but don’t worry—it’s fixable! If it turns grainy, it’s likely because the sugar crystallized. To avoid this, stir constantly while melting the sugar and make sure your pan is clean before starting. If it happens, you can try warming it gently and stirring until smooth again.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This caramel pie recipe is actually better when made a day ahead. The caramel needs time to set, so making it the night before means perfect slices the next day. Just wait to add whipped cream and extra caramel drizzle until right before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
If you have leftovers (which, honestly, is rare), cover the pie and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
What’s the best salt to use?
Flaky sea salt is the best! Something like Maldon or fleur de sel gives that perfect salty crunch without overpowering the caramel. If you only have regular table salt, use half the amount so it’s not too salty.
Salted Caramel Pie Recipe Card
Salted Caramel Pie
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar in a bowl until combined.
- Press into a 9-inch pie dish, making sure it’s packed down evenly.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool while you make the caramel.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar while stirring constantly. It will clump before turning smooth and amber-colored.
- Add the butter one piece at a time, stirring until fully melted.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring (it will bubble up—keep whisking!).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and sea salt. Let it cool slightly before pouring into the crust.
- Pour caramel filling into the cooled crust.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better) to allow the caramel to set.
- Right before serving, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
- Drizzle with extra caramel if you’re feeling fancy.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- Chill completely – Cutting too soon will give you caramel soup instead of a sliceable pie!
- Use real butter – No margarine, it won’t give you the same rich flavor.
- Make ahead – This pie is even better when made a day in advance.
If you’re looking for caramel desserts easy enough to whip up without a ton of effort, this is it. Whether you call it caramel pie, carmel pie, or just “the pie I can’t stop thinking about,” this is one of those homemade pies recipes that’ll have your family and friends begging for more. And the best part? You don’t have to be a pro baker to pull it off. This is one of those caramel pie recipes easy enough for a busy mom like me, but fancy enough to make people think you spent all day in the kitchen.
So go ahead, give this salted caramel pie recipe a try. Make it for a holiday, a family gathering, or honestly, just a random Tuesday when you need something sweet. And if your family fights over the last slice? Well… I warned you.
