Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious, you’ve come to the right place! This Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. It’s perfect for cozy family gatherings, festive celebrations, or even those busy weeknights when you want to treat yourself to something special. With layers of spiced pumpkin white chocolate ganache, luscious salted caramel, and a delightful streusel topping, this pie will surely impress everyone at your table.

What I love most about this recipe is how it balances rich flavors with a touch of sweetness. Imagine digging into a slice of creamy pumpkin goodness topped with fluffy whipped cream—pure bliss! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to celebrate autumn flavors all year round.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This pie may sound fancy, but it comes together more easily than you’d think!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this sweet treat, making it a hit at any gathering.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare elements ahead of time, making your baking experience stress-free.
• Delicious Flavors: The combination of pumpkin and caramel creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Presentation: Serve it at holidays or casual dinners—this pie fits right in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful pie:

For the Pumpkin Filling

• 2 (15-ounce) cans Pumpkin Puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 1/4 cups Heavy Cream
• 1/3 cup Corn Syrup (scant)
• 5 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
• 12 to 16 ounces White Chocolate (2 to 2 1/2 cups high-quality white chocolate)
• 3 teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt

For the Salted Caramel

• 1 cup White Sugar
• 1/3 cup Heavy Cream
• 6 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
• 1/4 cup Water
• 2 Tablespoons Corn Syrup
• 1 teaspoon Salt (up to 2 teaspoons of salt to taste)
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract

For the Pie Crust

• 1 1/2 cups Flour
• 12 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
• 1/2 cup Fine Ground Cornmeal
• 1 Tablespoon White Sugar (heaping)
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup Ice Cold Water
• 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar

For the Streusel Topping

• 1/2 cup Flour
• 1/3 cup Light Brown Sugar
• 1/3 cup Rolled Oats
• 6 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon Cardamom
• Pinch of Salt

For the Whipped Cream

• 2 cups Heavy Cream
• 3 Tablespoons Powdered Sugar

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to adjust it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add Nuts: Consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch in the streusel topping.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper in the filling for a surprising kick!
• Use Different Sweeteners: Swap out some sugar for maple syrup in the filling for a deeper flavor.
• Fruit Twist: Toss in some cooked apples or pears into the filling for a fruity surprise beneath that creamy layer.

How to Make Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by making your pie crust. Combining flour, cornmeal, and sugar gives it that delightful texture. Mix these ingredients with cold butter until crumbly. The ice-cold water and apple cider vinegar help bind everything together while keeping your crust flaky. Remember, letting it chill in the fridge before rolling out helps prevent shrinkage during baking!

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Filling

While your crust is chilling, it’s time to whip up that luscious pumpkin filling. Melt your white chocolate and mix it with heavy cream, pumpkin puree, and spices until smooth and creamy. This step is crucial because it infuses all those warm flavors into every bite!

Step 3: Create the Salted Caramel

Next up is the salted caramel. Combine sugar, butter, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until melted and bubbly; then add heavy cream and salt. This rich caramel adds depth to your pie that everyone will rave about.

Step 4: Assemble Your Pie

Once your crust is baked and cooled, pour in the pumpkin mixture followed by drizzling some salted caramel on top. Don’t forget about that glorious streusel topping—scatter it generously over everything!

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Now it’s time for baking! Bake until set; remember that patience is key here. Letting your pie cool completely allows those beautiful layers to meld together perfectly.

Step 6: Serve with Whipped Cream

Finally, whip up some cream with powdered sugar for that classic topping. A dollop on each slice takes this pie over the top!

And there you have it—a stunning Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe ready to impress friends and family alike! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe

Baking this delightful pie is a joyous experience, and a few pro tips can make it even more rewarding!

• Use high-quality white chocolate: The flavor of your ganache heavily relies on the chocolate. Opting for premium white chocolate will elevate the overall taste of your pie, making each bite creamy and rich.

• Chill your pie crust: After preparing your homemade crust, chilling it for at least 30 minutes will prevent it from shrinking while baking. This ensures you have a perfectly shaped pie that holds its filling beautifully.

• Be patient with the caramel: When making the salted caramel, resist the urge to stir too soon. Allowing the sugar to melt undisturbed creates a smoother texture and a deep flavor that enhances the pie.

• Taste as you go: Especially with the salted caramel, tasting is important! Adjust the salt to your liking to balance the sweetness of the pie and achieve that perfect flavor profile.

• Let it cool completely: Once baked, allow the pie to cool fully before serving. This helps all the layers set properly and makes slicing much easier, resulting in beautiful presentation.

How to Serve Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe

Serving this gorgeous pumpkin caramel pie is as much about presentation as it is about taste! Here are some ideas to wow your guests.

Garnishes

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a lightness that complements the richness of the pie. Consider sweetening it with a touch of powdered sugar for an extra treat.
• Toasted Pecans: Chopped toasted pecans provide a delightful crunch and enhance the autumn flavors of pumpkin and spices.
• Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of additional salted caramel over each slice not only looks stunning but intensifies that sweet-salty contrast everyone loves.

Side Dishes

• Spiced Apple Crisp: This warm dessert features tender apples baked under a crunchy oat topping. The cinnamon-spice blend pairs beautifully with pumpkin flavors.
• Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts: These savory veggies roasted with maple syrup offer a sweet-salty balance that contrasts nicely with dessert.
• Cranberry Sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce provides a bright note, cutting through the richness of the pie while adding a festive touch.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts into warm slices of pumpkin caramel pie, creating an indulgent combination that’s hard to resist.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create an unforgettable experience around Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie! Enjoy every moment—and every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe is a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dessert without any last-minute rush. You can make it ahead of time and store it properly to keep it fresh and tasty!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pie to cool completely before storing.
• Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• To prevent freezer burn, make sure to remove as much air as possible.

Reheating

• Thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight.
• For a warm slice, heat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie that may help you on your baking journey:

Can I use a different type of chocolate for Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe?

While white chocolate is essential for the ganache’s unique flavor, you could experiment with dairy-free chocolate alternatives if necessary. Just be aware that this may slightly alter the taste.

How can I adjust the sweetness in Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe?

You can reduce the amount of sugar used in both the filling and caramel sauce to suit your taste. Just remember that decreasing sugar might alter the texture slightly.

What can I substitute instead of heavy cream?

You can use coconut cream or any plant-based heavy cream alternative if you’re looking for a non-dairy option.

How long does this pie last once baked?

When properly stored in the refrigerator, this pie lasts up to 3 days while still tasting delicious!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour for the crust and streusel topping to make it gluten-free friendly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about making this Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie as I am! It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience filled with warm spices and delightful flavors that will surely impress your family and friends. Enjoy every moment of baking, and don’t forget to share your creations! Happy baking!