Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that will impress friends and family alike, look no further than Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe. This delightful pie is not just another pumpkin dessert; it’s a rich and creamy creation that captures the essence of fall in every bite. The combination of spiced pumpkin, luscious white chocolate ganache, and salted caramel creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s perfect for cozy family gatherings or those busy weeknights when you want to treat yourself to something truly special.

What makes this pie even more wonderful is how it brings everyone together. Picture this: the aroma of baking wafts through your home as you prepare this pie, and when it comes out of the oven, everyone gathers around to share in the anticipation. Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or just a casual get-together with friends, this pie is sure to be the star of the show!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll find making this pie a breeze, even if you’re not an experienced baker.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: The creamy filling and sweet caramel are sure to please kids and adults alike, making it a hit at any gathering.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this pie in advance, so there’s less stress on the day of your event. Just bake it ahead of time and store it in the fridge!
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of pumpkin spice with white chocolate and caramel creates a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and indulgent.
• Gorgeous Presentation: With its layered textures and beautiful toppings, this pie looks as good as it tastes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering fresh ingredients is part of the fun! For Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe, you’ll need some simple yet wholesome components that create all those wonderful flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 play around with different flavors or ingredients based on what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas to inspire your creativity:

• Add nuts: Top your pie with chopped pecans or walnuts for an added crunch.
• Change up spices: Experiment with other spices like nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile.
• Use dark chocolate: Swap out white chocolate for dark chocolate if you prefer richer flavors.
• Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for both filling and whipped cream for a dairy-free option.

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

Step 1: Prepare Your Crust

Start by making your crust, as it needs some time to chill. Combine flour, fine ground cornmeal, sugar, salt, and cold butter in a bowl. Mixing these ingredients by hand helps keep everything nice and flaky! Add ice-cold water gradually until everything holds together.

Step 2: Bake the Crust

Once your dough is ready, roll it out into your pie dish. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling while baking. Bake until golden brown—this step ensures your crust has that perfect texture!

Step 3: Make the Pumpkin Filling

In another bowl, melt white chocolate gently over low heat until smooth. Stir in pumpkin puree along with heavy cream, corn syrup, spices, and salt until well combined. This mixture creates that rich filling you’ll love!

Step 4: Prepare Salted Caramel

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water until dissolved. Bring it to a boil without stirring until it turns golden brown; then carefully add butter and heavy cream while stirring continuously—this step is crucial for achieving that creamy caramel texture.

Step 5: Assemble Your Pie

Pour half of the pumpkin filling into your baked crust, follow with salted caramel drizzle, then top off with remaining filling. It’s okay if it seems full; that just means more deliciousness!

Step 6: Bake Everything Together

Bake your assembled pie until set but still slightly jiggly in the center—just like magic! Let it cool completely before adding any toppings.

Step 7: Make Whipped Cream Topping

Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form—this fluffy topping adds an airy finish to each slice.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Slice up your beautiful Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie and serve with dollops of whipped cream on top. Watch everyone smile as they dive into this delightful dessert!

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

Making this delightful pumpkin caramel pie can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially with a few helpful tips!

• Use high-quality white chocolate: The flavor of the chocolate is crucial in this recipe. Opt for a premium brand to ensure your ganache has a rich and creamy texture.

• Chill your heavy cream: For the best results when whipping cream, make sure it’s ice cold. This helps achieve stiff peaks faster, giving you that perfect, fluffy topping.

• Don’t skip the apple cider vinegar: Adding vinegar to your crust dough helps tenderize it, resulting in a flaky and flavorful crust that perfectly complements the filling.

• Taste as you go: When making the salted caramel sauce, taste it before adding more salt. Everyone’s palate is different, and adjusting to your preference ensures it’s just right for you.

• Let it cool completely before serving: Allowing the pie to set at room temperature before slicing helps all the flavors meld beautifully and makes cutting easier.

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

Presentation can elevate any dessert, so let’s explore how to serve this stunning pie!

Garnishes

• Whipped Cream: A light dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds an airy touch and enhances the overall presentation.
• Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of extra salted caramel over the pie adds visual appeal and a burst of flavor with every slice.
• Toasted Pumpkin Seeds: Sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds on top for added crunch and a beautiful contrast against the creamy filling.

Side Dishes

• Spiced Apple Crisp: This warm dessert features tender apples baked with cinnamon and topped with a crispy oat topping—perfect alongside a slice of pie.
• Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla bean ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warmth of pumpkin flavors in the pie.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: For a savory side that balances out the sweetness, try roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper until perfectly caramelized.
• Maple Glazed Carrots: These sweet and earthy carrots bring a delightful pop of color to your plate while complementing the flavors of pumpkin beautifully.

Enjoy crafting this delicious Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie! With these serving suggestions and pro tips in hand, you’re all set for a wonderful dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while saving you time on special occasions or weeknight dinners.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for up to 3 days.
• If possible, store the whipped cream separately to maintain its texture.

Freezing

• Wrap slices of the pie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• The pie can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

• If you prefer your pie warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the pie on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
• Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

What is Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe?

Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe is a delicious dessert that features a spiced pumpkin ganache, salted caramel, and a crunchy streusel topping. It’s a unique twist on traditional pumpkin pie that combines rich flavors and textures.

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

Yes! While white chocolate adds creaminess and sweetness, you can substitute with a non-dairy alternative or omit it entirely. Adjust the sugar slightly if needed to maintain flavor balance.

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

When stored properly in the refrigerator, this pie lasts up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices for up to 2 months.

Can I use different spices in Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the spices according to your taste. Adding extra cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance its warmth and flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe as much as I do! It’s not just a dessert; it’s a delicious way to celebrate special moments with loved ones. The blend of flavors and textures makes it truly memorable. Don’t hesitate to share your creations or variations—I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!