Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that captures the cozy essence of fall, let me introduce you to the Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe. This pie is a delightful twist on traditional pumpkin pie, featuring a luscious filling of spiced pumpkin and white chocolate ganache, layered with sweet salted caramel and topped with fresh whipped cream and a crunchy streusel. It’s a dessert that brings smiles to faces, making it perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or just because you deserve a treat!

What I love most about this recipe is how it combines comfort food with a touch of elegance. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this pie will impress everyone at your table. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent flavor: The combination of pumpkin and white chocolate creates a rich taste that’s hard to resist.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this pie, making it a hit for any gathering.
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare components in advance, saving time on busy days!
• Visually stunning: With its layers and toppings, this pie is as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this pie is simple! You’ll find that these are wholesome items you likely already have in your pantry or can easily pick up from the store. Let’s get started!

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 get creative with these variations:

• Add chocolate chips: Stir in some semi-sweet chocolate chips into the pumpkin filling for added richness.
• Spice it up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique flavor twist.
• Nutty streusel: Toss in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the streusel topping for extra crunch.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Start by making your homemade crust. In a large bowl, combine flour, fine ground cornmeal, white sugar, and salt. Cut in unsalted butter until crumbly. Gradually add ice-cold water and apple cider vinegar until dough forms. Chill it in the fridge while preparing your filling.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Filling

In a saucepan over low heat, melt white chocolate and butter together until smooth. In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree with heavy cream, corn syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until well combined. Fold in the melted chocolate mixture until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Prepare the Salted Caramel

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine white sugar and water. Cook without stirring until it turns golden brown. Carefully add heavy cream and butter; stir until smooth. Add corn syrup and salt to taste.

Step 4: Assemble Your Pie

Preheat your oven while rolling out your chilled pie crust into a greased pie pan. Pour half of the pumpkin filling into the crust followed by drizzling some salted caramel over it. Top with remaining filling before baking.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake your assembled pie in a preheated oven until set. Allow it to cool completely before adding whipped cream.

Step 6: Finish with Whipped Cream and Streusel Topping

Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread over cooled pie generously. For an added crunch, sprinkle homemade streusel topping over everything before serving.

And there you have it! A show-stopping Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie that’s sure to be loved by everyone who tries it. Enjoy every bite!

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

Creating a stunning pumpkin caramel pie is a delightful journey, and these tips will guide you to success every step of the way!

• Use high-quality white chocolate: The flavor of your ganache relies heavily on the type of chocolate you choose. Opting for quality white chocolate will ensure a rich, creamy texture and a beautiful sweetness that complements the spices perfectly.

• Chill your mixing bowl: Before making your whipped cream, chill your mixing bowl in the fridge. This helps the cream whip up faster and hold its shape better, giving your pie that perfect fluffy topping.

• Taste as you go: When preparing your salted caramel, taste it before adding more salt. Everyone’s palate is different; adjusting to your preference ensures a well-balanced flavor that you’ll love.

• Keep an eye on the crust: Since this pie has several layers, it’s important to monitor the crust while baking. If it starts browning too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent burning while allowing the filling to cook through.

• Let it cool completely: After baking, allow your pie to cool at room temperature before refrigerating. This helps set the filling properly and enhances the flavors, making each slice even more delicious!

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

Presenting your Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie can be as enjoyable as making it! Here are some ideas to elevate its appearance and flavor profile.

Garnishes

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream not only adds visual appeal but also enhances creaminess on each slice.
• Cinnamon Dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds warmth and a hint of spice that beautifully complements pumpkin flavors.
• Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce on top brings an extra layer of sweetness and makes for a stunning presentation.

Side Dishes

• Spiced Apple Compote: This warm dish brings out seasonal flavors and pairs wonderfully with the sweet notes in your pie.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The nutty flavor and crispy texture balance out the richness of the pie perfectly, making for a delightful contrast.
• Mixed Green Salad with Vinaigrette: A light salad with tangy dressing offers a refreshing counterpoint to the dense dessert, cleansing the palate beautifully.
• Cheese Platter: Featuring mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese can provide a savory element that complements the sweet profile of your pie.

Now that you’re armed with these pro tips and serving suggestions, get ready to impress friends and family with this show-stopping dessert! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it for a special occasion or just to enjoy throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It’s best enjoyed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
• If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing portions instead.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices of the pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• The pie can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, allow the pie to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• For serving, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.
• Enjoy with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for an extra treat!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe.

How do I make Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie?

To make this delicious pie, you’ll start by preparing a homemade crust, then create a spiced pumpkin white chocolate ganache filling, layer it with salted caramel, and top it off with fresh whipped cream and streusel. Follow the detailed instructions above for perfect results!

Can I use a store-bought crust for Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, feel free to substitute a store-bought pie crust. Just remember that making your own adds a lovely homemade touch that complements the rich flavors of this pie.

What should I do if my caramel is too hard when making Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie?

If your caramel ends up too hard, gently reheat it on low heat with a splash of water or cream until it’s soft and pourable again. Be patient; slow heating will help revive your caramel without burning it!

Is there a vegan alternative for Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe?

Yes! You can replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use plant-based butter alternatives. Look for high-quality vegan white chocolate to maintain the delicious flavor profile while keeping it dairy-free.

Final Thoughts

This Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie Recipe is not just a dessert; it’s an experience filled with warmth and comfort. The combination of spiced pumpkin and luscious caramel creates a delightful treat that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. I hope you enjoy making this pie as much as I do! Let your kitchen fill with those wonderful aromas, and don’t forget to share your creations. Happy baking!