Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall, look no further than the Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe. This pie is a true showstopper, with layers of spiced pumpkin white chocolate ganache, rich salted caramel, and a crunchy streusel topping. It’s perfect for family gatherings, cozy dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress your friends with a homemade treat. Trust me; this pie has a way of making everyone feel warm and fuzzy inside!

What makes this recipe even more special is its balance of flavors and textures. The creamy pumpkin filling paired with the sweet and salty caramel is simply irresistible. Plus, making it from scratch allows you to add that personal touch that store-bought desserts just can’t compete with.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly Delicious: The combination of pumpkin and caramel creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a cozy night in, this pie fits right in.
• Easy to Follow: With simple steps, even novice bakers can create this masterpiece.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance, so you can enjoy your time with loved ones instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will savor every bite of this delightful dessert!

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to baking this delicious pie, you’ll find that the ingredients are simple and wholesome. Gather these quality items to create the perfect Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie.

For the Pumpkin 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

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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add Different Spices: Experiment with nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick in your pumpkin filling.
• Change Up the Nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into your streusel for added texture.
• Go Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious alternative.
• Try Different Toppings: Instead of whipped cream, top your pie with coconut cream for a tropical twist.

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

Step 1: Make the Pie Crust

Start by preparing your pie crust. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, white sugar, and salt. Add cold butter pieces and mix until crumbly. Then stir in ice-cold water and vinegar until dough forms. Chill for at least an hour—this step ensures your crust will be flaky and tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Filling

While your crust chills, make the filling! In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter and white chocolate together until smooth. In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, heavy cream, corn syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Slowly fold in the melted chocolate mixture until well combined.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Preheat your oven to a lovely golden brown temperature! Roll out your chilled dough and fit it into your pie dish. Bake it for about ten minutes until lightly golden—this pre-baking helps prevent sogginess later on.

Step 4: Make the Salted Caramel

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water; cook until sugar dissolves. Let it boil without stirring until it turns amber-colored—watch closely! Carefully add heavy cream while stirring continuously; then mix in butter, corn syrup, salt, and vanilla extract.

Step 5: Assemble Your Pie

Pour half of your pumpkin filling into the baked crust followed by half of your salted caramel. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used up—this creates beautiful swirls throughout!

Step 6: Add Streusel Topping

Combine flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt in a bowl; mix in melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle generously over filled pie before returning it to the oven.

Step 7: Bake It All Together!

Bake your pie for about forty minutes until set but still jiggly in the center—it will finish cooking as it cools down!

Step8: Serve with Whipped Cream

Once cooled completely, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Serve slices topped with this fluffy goodness—enjoy every bite!

Now you’re ready to enjoy this delightful dessert that’s sure to become a favorite at every gathering!

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

Creating this delightful pie is all about the little details that make a big difference. Here are some pro tips to ensure your pie turns out perfectly!

• Use quality white chocolate – Opting for high-quality white chocolate will enhance the flavor of your filling, making it rich and creamy without any waxy aftertaste.

• Chill your pie crust – Allowing your pie crust to chill before baking helps prevent shrinkage and ensures a flaky texture. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crust.

• Taste your caramel – Before pouring it into the pie, taste your salted caramel to adjust the saltiness as needed. This ensures a balanced flavor that complements the sweet pumpkin filling beautifully.

• Whip cream just before serving – For the best texture and freshness, whip the cream right before you’re ready to serve the pie. This keeps it light and fluffy, adding an irresistible touch to each slice.

• Let it cool completely – Allowing the pie to cool completely before slicing helps set the ganache and makes for cleaner cuts. This way, you’ll showcase those beautiful layers when serving!

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

Presentation can elevate even the simplest of desserts, and this pumpkin caramel pie is no exception! Here are some ideas on how to impress your guests with this sweet treat.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon dusting – A light sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds a warm spice note that enhances the fall flavors of the pie.
• Candied pecans – These provide a lovely crunch and complement the creamy texture of the filling while adding a hint of sweetness.
• Fresh mint leaves – A few sprigs of fresh mint not only brighten up the plate but also provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pie.

Side Dishes

• Spiced apple cider – A warm cup of spiced apple cider pairs beautifully with pumpkin desserts, enhancing their seasonal flavors with its comforting spices.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze – These savory sprouts offer a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the pie, making for a well-rounded meal.
• Maple-glazed carrots – Sweet and tender, these carrots complement the dessert while bringing in additional autumnal flavors.
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette – A light salad featuring mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the pumpkin caramel pie perfectly.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to wow your friends and family with this stunning Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delightful dessert without the last-minute rush. You can prepare it ahead of time and savor its flavors at your leisure.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
• It’s best enjoyed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• If you want to freeze the pie, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for added protection.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months—just make sure to label it with the date!
• To enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• For a warm slice, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the slice on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for about 20-30 seconds, but be cautious not to overheat.

FAQs

Here are some common questions readers might have about this delightful pie!

What makes Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie special?

The combination of spiced pumpkin white chocolate ganache and salted caramel creates a unique flavor profile that sets this pie apart from traditional pumpkin pies.

Can I use other types of chocolate in Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe?

While white chocolate is essential for the flavor and texture of this recipe, you could experiment with dairy-free chocolate options. Just ensure they melt smoothly!

How long does Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, this pie lasts about 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it!

Can I make changes to Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe?

Absolutely! You can adjust spices or try different toppings like nuts or additional seasonal spices according to your taste preferences.

Is there a way to make Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into making this decadent Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie! Its delightful layers of flavors and textures make it a truly special dessert that will impress everyone at your table. Enjoy crafting this delicious treat, and don’t forget to share your experience! Happy baking!