Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that will impress your family and friends, then you’ve landed in the right place! The Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe is a delightful twist on traditional pumpkin pie. It features layers of creamy spiced pumpkin ganache, luscious salted caramel, and a crunchy streusel topping—all nestled in a buttery homemade crust. This pie is perfect for cozy family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or even a special treat on a busy weeknight.

What makes this pie truly special is its unique combination of flavors and textures. Each bite brings the warmth of pumpkin spice together with the sweet indulgence of caramel. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. Let’s bring some joy to your dessert table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With straightforward steps, you’ll find joy in creating this delicious pie without any fuss.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the rich flavors and fun textures of this pie.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it ahead of time for stress-free entertaining; it holds up beautifully!
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a Tuesday night treat, this pie is always a hit.
• Decadent flavors: The combination of spiced pumpkin and salted caramel will leave everyone wanting more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making the Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe, all you need are some simple, wholesome ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll gather for this fabulous dessert:

For the Pie Filling

• 2 (15-ounce) cans Pumpkin Puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling or mix)
• 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
• 1 cup White Sugar

For the Salted Caramel

• 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 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 how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add nuts: Sprinkle in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch.
• Spice it up: Increase the amount of pumpkin pie spice or add a dash of nutmeg for more warmth.
• Use different chocolates: Swap white chocolate for dark chocolate if you prefer a richer flavor.
• Try a different topping: Top with crushed graham crackers or chocolate shavings instead of streusel for fun twists.

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

Step 1: Make the Crust

Start by preparing your crust so it has time to chill. In a bowl, mix together flour, cornmeal, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add ice water and vinegar until dough comes together. Chill for at least 30 minutes—this helps create that flaky texture we all love!

Step 2: Pre-Bake the Crust

Preheat your oven and roll out your chilled dough. Fit it into your pie dish and prick holes in the bottom with a fork. Pre-bake until lightly golden; this prevents sogginess later on!

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a saucepan over low heat, melt white chocolate with heavy cream. Stir until smooth. In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, pumpkin spice, salt, and melted chocolate mixture until fully combined—this creates that creamy filling we crave.

Step 4: Make Salted Caramel

In a separate pot, combine sugar with water over medium heat until dissolved. Allow it to boil without stirring until golden brown. Carefully whisk in cream and butter followed by salt—this adds that irresistible salty-sweet flavor.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour half of your filling into the pre-baked crust followed by drizzling salted caramel over it. Pour remaining filling on top and bake until set—this seals in all those amazing flavors!

Step 6: Prepare Streusel Topping

While baking, mix flour, brown sugar, oats, spices, and melted butter for your streusel topping. Once baked, sprinkle it generously over your pie during its last few minutes in the oven.

Step 7: Whip Up Some Cream

Let your pie cool completely before making whipped cream! Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form—perfectly light and sweet.

And there you have it—the ultimate Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe! Enjoy every slice as much as I do!

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

Creating the perfect pumpkin caramel pie can be a delightful experience, and these tips will help you achieve that warm, cozy dessert everyone will love!

• Use quality white chocolate: Choosing high-quality white chocolate is essential for a smooth and creamy ganache. It ensures that the flavor is rich and doesn’t have any waxy aftertaste.

• Chill your ingredients: Keeping your butter and cream cold when making the pie crust helps create a flaky texture. Warm butter can lead to a tough crust, so don’t skip this step!

• Taste the caramel sauce: The amount of salt in the caramel can greatly affect its flavor. Start with one teaspoon and adjust according to your preference for a perfectly balanced sweetness.

• Let it cool before serving: Allow the pie to chill in the refrigerator for at least a few hours before serving. This helps the layers set properly, making it easier to slice and enhancing the flavors.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices in the pumpkin filling to suit your palate. Adding more cinnamon or nutmeg can give it an extra kick that complements the sweetness beautifully.

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

Serving your Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to elevate your dessert experience.

Garnishes

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds a light and airy contrast to the rich filling.
• Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce on top enhances both presentation and flavor.
• Cinnamon Dusting: Lightly dusting cinnamon over each slice adds a festive touch and complements the pie’s spiced notes.

Side Dishes

• Spiced Apple Crisp: This warm dessert features baked apples topped with a crispy oat topping, providing a delicious contrast in texture and flavors.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with pumpkin flavors, adding creaminess that balances out the richness of the pie.
• Pecan Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, pecans, and cranberries offers a refreshing crunch that cuts through the sweetness of the pie.
• Gingerbread Cookies: The spicy warmth of gingerbread cookies makes for a delightful pairing alongside slices of pumpkin pie, creating cozy holiday vibes.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its delightful flavors anytime you want. You can easily make this pie ahead of time and store it for later, making it a great option for holiday gatherings or cozy dinners.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pie to cool completely before storing.
• Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole pie in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Ensure all air is removed from the packaging to prevent freezer burn.
• The pie can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• For a quick method, microwave slices on medium power for 30-second intervals until warmed.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making this delicious pie!

What makes Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe unique?

This recipe combines rich pumpkin puree with white chocolate ganache and salted caramel, resulting in an indulgent dessert that’s both creamy and flavorful. It’s a delightful twist on traditional pumpkin pie!

Can I make Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe without dairy?

Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or any non-dairy cream alternative. Additionally, use dairy-free butter alternatives for the streusel and crust.

How long does Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe last in the fridge?

The pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just make sure it’s covered well to keep it fresh!

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

No, it’s essential to use pure pumpkin puree for this recipe. Pumpkin pie filling contains additional spices and sweeteners that will alter the flavor and texture of your pie.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe as much as I do! It’s such a comforting dessert that brings warmth and joy to every gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this pie is sure to impress. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your wonderful creations!