Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie: A Fall Baking Masterpiece

Autumn’s arrival brings with it a symphony of vibrant colors, crisp air, and the irresistible aroma of pumpkin spice. And what better way to celebrate this magical season than with a slice of Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie? This isn’t your average pumpkin pie; it’s an elevated experience, a harmonious blend of creamy pumpkin custard, rich caramel, and a flaky pie crust that will transport you to a culinary paradise. Imagine the velvety smooth pumpkin filling, infused with warm spices, nestled atop a layer of decadent caramel, all encased in a perfectly golden crust. This recipe, inspired by the renowned Milk Bar, promises a dessert so delicious, it’ll become your new fall tradition. This Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie is more than just a pie; it’s an autumnal masterpiece, a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. Get ready to indulge in a slice of pure autumnal bliss!

Why You’ll Love This Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe

This Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves pumpkin pie or caramel. Forget everything you thought you knew about pumpkin pie. This recipe takes the classic and elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness. The combination of the creamy, spiced pumpkin custard and the rich, buttery caramel is simply divine. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and subtly spiced, creating a flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated. It’s the kind of dessert that disappears quickly, leaving everyone wanting more. What makes this pie truly special is the attention to detail. From the perfectly balanced spices in the pumpkin filling to the rich, deep amber color of the caramel, every element is meticulously crafted to create an unforgettable taste experience.

The texture is another key element that sets this pie apart. The creamy pumpkin custard provides a luxuriously smooth mouthfeel, while the crisp pie crust offers a delightful contrast. The caramel adds a layer of chewy, sweet goodness, creating a complex textural experience that will tantalize your taste buds. Beyond its exceptional taste and texture, this pie is surprisingly easy to make. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, even for beginner bakers. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can create a show-stopping dessert that will impress your friends and family. This Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie is perfect for any autumnal gathering, from Thanksgiving feasts to cozy evenings at home. Serve a slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence. It’s also a fantastic option for potlucks and holiday celebrations, adding a touch of elegance to your table. It is the kind of pie that embodies the essence of fall, a comforting and delicious dessert that is perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Why You Should Try This Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe

Beyond the sheer deliciousness, this Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie offers several compelling reasons to give it a try. First, it’s a recipe that allows you to showcase your baking skills. Impressing friends and family with a homemade pie is always a rewarding experience. This recipe, however, elevates that experience. The beautiful layers, the rich caramel color, and the overall elegance of the presentation make it a dessert that is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Moreover, this recipe is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the culinary traditions of the season. Pumpkin pie is a classic fall dessert, and this recipe adds a unique twist that keeps it feeling fresh and exciting. It’s a way to embrace the spirit of autumn while also indulging in something truly exceptional.

Another crucial aspect is the use of high-quality ingredients. This recipe emphasizes the importance of using good quality ingredients, resulting in a pie with superior flavor and texture. Using the best butter, heavy cream, and pumpkin puree will make a noticeable difference in the final product. Beyond the immediate gratification of enjoying a delectable pie, this recipe is an investment in your culinary skills. Each time you make it, you refine your technique, gaining confidence and expertise in the kitchen. This isn’t just about creating a delicious dessert; it’s about enriching your cooking journey. This Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie is a recipe that will stay with you long after the last slice has been devoured; it’s a recipe that evokes memories and traditions, a dessert that truly embodies the spirit of autumn.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils for Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie

Gathering the right ingredients and tools is crucial for baking success, especially when crafting a masterpiece like the Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie. Here’s a detailed list to ensure you have everything you need:

Ingredients:

• For the Caramel:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into cubes – *Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.*
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar – *Granulated sugar is essential for creating the perfect caramel.*
• ½ cup light corn syrup – *Light corn syrup helps prevent crystallization in the caramel.*
• ½ cup heavy cream – *Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the caramel.*
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt – *Sea salt enhances the sweetness of the caramel.*
• For the Pumpkin Custard:
• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree – *Choose a good quality pumpkin puree for the best flavor.*
• 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk – *Evaporated milk contributes to the creamy texture of the custard.*
• 2 large eggs – *Use large, fresh eggs for optimal binding.*
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – *Cinnamon is a key spice in pumpkin pie.*
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger – *Ginger adds warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.*
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves – *Cloves provide a subtle hint of spice.*
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg – *Nutmeg complements the other spices beautifully.*
• 1 cup granulated sugar – *Sugar balances the spices and adds sweetness.*
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – *Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor.*
• For the Crust:
• 1 (9-inch) pie crust, baked (Use your favorite recipe or store-bought) – *A pre-baked crust is essential; a store-bought crust will save time.*

Utensils:

• Medium saucepan – *For making the caramel.*
• Whisk – *For whisking the caramel and pumpkin custard.*
• Large bowl – *For mixing the pumpkin custard.*
• 9-inch pie plate – *To bake the pie.*
• Rubber spatula – *For spreading the caramel and custard evenly.*
• Measuring cups and spoons – *For accurate measurements.*
• Wire rack – *For cooling the pie.*
• Oven – *For baking the pie.*

Detailed Recipe Steps for Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie

Making the Caramel:

1. Prepare your saucepan: Use a medium saucepan that’s heavy-bottomed to prevent scorching.
2. Combine ingredients: Add the cubed butter, granulated sugar, and corn syrup to the saucepan. **Crucially, do not stir.**
3. Cook the caramel: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Swirl the pan occasionally, resisting the urge to stir, until the sugar is completely melted and the mixture turns a deep amber color. This will take approximately 10-15 minutes. **Be patient and watchful; caramel burns quickly.**
4. Add the cream carefully: Remove the pan from the heat. **Slowly and carefully whisk in the heavy cream.** It will bubble up vigorously – this is normal. Continue whisking until the mixture is completely smooth and there are no lumps.
5. Season with salt: Stir in the sea salt.
6. Pour into crust: Pour the hot caramel into your pre-baked 9-inch pie crust. Spread it evenly with a rubber spatula. Let it cool completely.

Making the Pumpkin Custard:

1. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth and well-combined. **Ensure there are no lumps of pumpkin or egg.**
2. Pour over caramel: Gently pour the pumpkin custard over the cooled caramel in the pie crust.

Baking the Pie:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: Bake the pie for 50-60 minutes, or until the custard is set around the edges and slightly jiggly in the center. **Do not overbake; overbaking will result in a dry custard.**

Tips and Variations for Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie

While this recipe is wonderfully delicious as is, you can personalize it to suit your preferences and dietary needs. For a richer caramel, try using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a more molasses-like flavour. If you prefer a less intense caramel flavor, you can reduce the amount of sugar slightly. For a spicier pumpkin custard, increase the amount of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, or nutmeg. You can also add a pinch of allspice or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth. Experiment with different types of pie crusts – for example, a gingersnap crust would complement the spices wonderfully. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free pie crust. You can even make your own from scratch – many great gluten-free pie crust recipes are available online. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

To avoid common mistakes, remember the importance of not stirring the caramel while it’s cooking. This prevents the sugar from crystallizing and ensures a smooth, rich caramel. Also, be extremely cautious when adding the heavy cream to the hot caramel; it will bubble up and is potentially dangerous if splashed. Remember to cool the caramel completely before adding the pumpkin custard; otherwise, the custard may curdle. Finally, don’t overbake the pie; it should be slightly jiggly in the center when done. Overbaking will result in a dry, cracked pie. By following these tips, you’ll ensure your Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie turns out perfectly every time.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie

While Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie is undeniably indulgent, let’s explore the nutritional benefits of its ingredients. Pumpkin puree is a rich source of vitamins A and C, beta-carotene (a powerful antioxidant), and fiber. Evaporated milk provides calcium and protein, contributing to a balanced dessert. Cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg offer anti-inflammatory properties and are linked to various health benefits. Of course, the pie is also high in sugar and fat, so it’s important to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. A precise nutritional breakdown depends on the specific ingredients used and portion size, however this pie offers a combination of flavor and nutrient-rich components. Remember to consult a nutritionist or dietician for personalized dietary advice.

To provide an accurate estimate of the nutritional information for this recipe, I recommend using an online nutrition calculator. Input the specific ingredients and their amounts to determine the approximate calorie count, protein, fat, and carbohydrate content. This information may be useful for those following specific dietary plans or tracking their macros. Remember that this information is an estimate and may vary slightly depending on the brands of ingredients used.

FAQs

Conclusion: Indulge in the Delight of Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie

This Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie recipe is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. From the rich, buttery caramel to the smooth, spiced pumpkin custard, every bite is a testament to the art of baking. The detailed steps and tips provided aim to guide you through the process, transforming you into a pumpkin pie master. This recipe is perfect for sharing with loved ones, creating lasting memories, and celebrating the best of autumn. The reward? A pie so delicious, it’s practically guaranteed to disappear quickly!

We encourage you to try this recipe and share your baking journey with us in the comments below. Don’t forget to share your stunning creations on social media using #MilkBarHillyPumpkinPie and tag us! For more delicious fall recipes, check out our other articles like our Roasted Pumpkin Seeds with Cinnamon Sugar or our Pumpkin Pancakes with Cinnamon Butter. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious moment!

And don’t forget to pin this recipe to your Pinterest board for later! Check out more amazing recipes on my Pinterest!

Milk Bar's Hilly's Pumpkin Caramel Pie

This decadent pumpkin pie features a rich caramel base and a creamy pumpkin custard filling. A perfect fall dessert!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert, Pie

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Caramel Ingredients

• 2 sticks Unsalted butter cut into cubes
• 1.5 cups Granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup Light corn syrup
• 0.5 cup Heavy cream
• 0.25 teaspoon Sea salt

Pumpkin Custard Ingredients

• 1 15 ounce can Pumpkin puree
• 1 12 ounce can Evaporated milk
• 2 Large eggs
• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground ginger
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground cloves
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Crust Ingredients

• 1 9-inch pie crust Baked (store-bought or homemade)

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• 9-inch pie plate
• Whisk
• Large bowl
• Wire Rack

Method

 

Make the Caramel

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, sugar, and corn syrup. Do not stir.
2. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the sugar melts and the mixture is deep amber (10-15 minutes). Watch carefully to prevent burning.
3. Carefully whisk in heavy cream (it will bubble). Whisk until smooth.
4. Stir in salt. Pour caramel into the baked pie crust and spread evenly. Let cool completely.

Make the Pumpkin Custard

1. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Pour pumpkin custard over the cooled caramel in the pie crust.

Bake and Cool

1. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the custard is set around the edges and slightly jiggly in the center.
2. Cool completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving.

Notes

For a richer caramel flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the top of the pie before baking.