Chocolate caramel cream pie is a rich and indulgent dessert that brings together the perfect blend of silky chocolate, smooth caramel, and a buttery crust. This no-bake pie is an easy yet impressive treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent layers of chocolate and caramel
- Smooth, creamy texture with a crunchy crust
- No baking required for a hassle-free dessert
- Perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence
- Easily customizable with different toppings and flavors
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Crust:
- Chocolate cookie crumbs
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
For the Caramel Layer:
- Soft caramel candies or caramel sauce
- Heavy cream
- Sea salt (optional, for a salted caramel twist)
For the Chocolate Filling:
- Semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- Heavy cream
- Granulated sugar
- Egg yolks
- Cornstarch
- Whole milk
- Vanilla extract
- Butter
For the Whipped Topping:
- Heavy whipping cream
- Powdered sugar
- Cocoa powder (optional, for dusting)
- Chocolate shavings or caramel drizzle (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the crust: Mix chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter until combined. Press the mixture into a pie dish and refrigerate while preparing the filling.
- Make the caramel layer: Heat soft caramels with heavy cream over low heat, stirring until smooth. Pour over the crust and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Prepare the chocolate filling: In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Gradually add milk and heat over medium until thickened.
- Melt the chocolate: Remove from heat and stir in chopped chocolate, butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Chill the filling: Pour the chocolate mixture over the caramel layer and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- Prepare the whipped topping: Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe over the chilled pie.
- Garnish and serve: Dust with cocoa powder, drizzle caramel on top, or add chocolate shavings for an extra indulgent touch.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 slices
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Chill time: 4 hours
- Total time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Variations
- Oreo crust: Use crushed Oreos instead of chocolate cookie crumbs for extra richness.
- Salted caramel twist: Sprinkle sea salt over the caramel layer for a sweet-salty balance.
- Nutty addition: Add chopped toasted pecans or hazelnuts for extra crunch.
- Espresso kick: Stir in a teaspoon of instant espresso powder into the chocolate filling for a mocha twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Serving tip: Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes! High-quality store-bought caramel sauce works well for convenience.
What’s the best chocolate to use?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate gives the best balance of richness and sweetness.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! It’s best made a day in advance for the flavors to meld.
How do I prevent the caramel from hardening too much?
Mix in a little extra heavy cream to keep the caramel soft and smooth.
Can I use a pre-made pie crust?
Absolutely! A store-bought crust saves time and works well in this recipe.
How do I get clean slices when serving?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat slices.
Can I add a layer of peanut butter?
Yes! A thin layer of peanut butter between the caramel and chocolate adds a delicious twist.
What can I serve with this pie?
It pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a cup of coffee.
How can I make this pie less sweet?
Use dark chocolate and reduce the sugar slightly for a more balanced flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free chocolate, coconut milk, and plant-based butter alternatives.
Conclusion
Chocolate caramel cream pie is an irresistibly rich and satisfying dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this creamy, chocolatey, and caramel-filled delight is a must-try!
PrintChocolate Caramel Cream Pie
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake / Chilled
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This chocolate caramel cream pie is a luscious, layered dessert with a crunchy chocolate crust, gooey caramel filling, and velvety chocolate custard. It’s finished with fluffy whipped cream and an extra drizzle of caramel for the ultimate indulgence!
Ingredients
- For the Chocolate Cookie Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreos, without filling)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- For the Caramel Layer:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, for salted caramel)
- For the Chocolate Custard:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Caramel sauce and chocolate shavings, for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Make the Chocolate Cookie Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until combined.
- Press the mixture into a 9-inch pie pan, covering the bottom and sides evenly.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, then let cool completely.
- 2. Prepare the Caramel Layer:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water, swirling (not stirring) until it turns a deep amber color (5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and carefully whisk in heavy cream (it will bubble).
- Stir in butter and salt, then let cool slightly before pouring over the cooled crust.
- Chill in the fridge while preparing the chocolate custard.
- 3. Make the Chocolate Custard:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together milk, sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly pour ½ cup of the warm milk mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly (to prevent scrambling).
- Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped chocolate, vanilla extract, and butter until smooth.
- Pour the chocolate custard over the chilled caramel layer.
- Cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the filling to prevent a skin from forming) and chill for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
- 4. Make the Whipped Cream Topping:
- In a bowl, beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- 5. Assemble & Serve:
- Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the pie.
- Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and sprinkle with chocolate shavings for garnish.
- Slice and enjoy your Chocolate Caramel Cream Pie!
Notes
- No-bake option: Skip baking the crust and chill for 30 minutes instead.
- Make it extra indulgent: Add toasted pecans or hazelnuts to the caramel layer.
- Storage: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Recipe Details
Nutrition
- Calories: ~400
- Sugar: ~30g
- Sodium: ~180mg
- Fat: ~25g
- Saturated Fat: ~15g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~8g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Protein: ~5g
- Cholesterol: ~90mg
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