If you have been dreaming of a dessert that combines the creamy luxury of custard with the satisfying crunch of caramelized sugar, this Creme Brulee Pie Recipe is your ticket to sweet heaven. This delightful twist on the classic creme brulee transforms the luscious, velvety custard into a pie form, making it easier to slice and serve while still delivering the signature rich flavor and that irresistible crispy top. It’s an elegant yet approachable dessert that promises to impress at any gathering, bringing warmth and smiles with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creme Brulee Pie Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: from the creamy texture given by the milk and heavy cream, to the depth of flavor infused by real vanilla, and the perfect balance of sweetness and structural support from sugar and cornstarch. Together, they create a harmonious dessert that’s pure deliciousness.
- Pre-baked pie crust: Provides the perfect buttery, flaky base that holds the creamy custard without getting soggy.
- Heavy cream (2 cups): Adds richness and a luscious mouthfeel essential to authentic creme brulee texture.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Lightens the custard slightly while keeping it smooth and creamy.
- Vanilla bean, split and scraped, or vanilla extract (1 bean or 2 tsp): Infuses the custard with a warm, fragrant vanilla flavor that’s the heart of this dessert.
- Large egg yolks (5): These help thicken and bind the custard, delivering that velvety consistency we all crave.
- Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the custard just enough without overpowering the vanilla.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Gives the custard a stable, sliceable texture that holds its shape perfectly in pie form.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Sprinkled on top and caramelized for the signature crunchy, crackly finish.
How to Make Creme Brulee Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature when you’re ready to bake the pie. Having a pre-baked pie crust ready is a timesaver, so if you don’t have one made from scratch, a store-bought crust works beautifully here.
Step 2: Infuse the Cream
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and your split vanilla bean (or vanilla extract). Heat this mixture gently over medium heat until it just starts to simmer. As it heats, the vanilla releases its aromatic oils, adding that unmistakable flavor. Remove it from heat and let it sit for about 10 minutes to deepen the infusion.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture
While the cream is infusing, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and velvety. This base is critical to achieving the perfect custard texture.
Step 4: Combine and Thicken the Custard
Gradually pour the warm cream into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking prematurely. Then, pour everything back into the saucepan and cook over low heat. Stir continuously until the custard thickens to the right consistency—it should coat the back of a spoon and set up nicely once cooled.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Pie
Pour this luscious custard filling into your pre-baked pie crust, smoothing it out evenly. Pop the pie into your oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until the custard is fully set but still has a little jiggle in the center. The baking time ensures a creamy texture without overcooking, which can cause cracks.
Step 6: Chill to Set
Once baked, allow the pie to cool at room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator. Chilling for at least four hours, or overnight if possible, lets the custard firm up beautifully and meld the flavors.
Step 7: Caramelize the Topping
Just before serving, sprinkle the top evenly with brown sugar. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it’s beautifully golden and crisp. This caramelized layer adds a wonderful contrast in both texture and flavor that makes this Creme Brulee Pie Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Creme Brulee Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Garnish your creme brulee pie with fresh berries for a pop of color and tartness that complements the creamy sweetness. A few mint leaves add a refreshing touch and elevate the presentation. You can also dust a little powdered sugar around the edges for an elegant finish.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with a light, fruity side such as a simple citrus salad or homemade berry compote. For coffee lovers, a strong espresso or a cup of rich black coffee alongside will perfectly balance the dessert’s sweetness, making each bite truly satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this pie in individual glass dishes for a personalized touch that showcases the layers beautifully. For a more dramatic presentation, top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Experiment with torching patterns on top to create a stunning caramel crust that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creme Brulee Pie should be covered loosely with plastic wrap or foil and stored in the refrigerator. Consume within 2-3 days to enjoy peak freshness and texture. The custard remains creamy, and the crust holds up well if refrigerated properly.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s not ideal for creme brulee pie because the custard texture can become grainy upon thawing. If you must freeze, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and thaw it slowly in the refrigerator before serving. The caramelized sugar crust will need to be redone with a quick torch before enjoying.
Reheating
This pie is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t typically necessary. If you prefer a slightly warmer custard, allow it to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the custard to curdle or lose its silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade pie crust for this Creme Brulee Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! A homemade buttery pie crust adds extra flavor and texture. Just be sure to pre-bake it so it remains crisp under the custard filling.
What can I substitute if I don’t have a vanilla bean?
Using high-quality vanilla extract works perfectly as a substitute. Use about 2 teaspoons for a richly flavored custard similar to vanilla bean’s aromatic profile.
Is it necessary to use cornstarch in the custard?
Cornstarch helps stabilize and thicken the custard so it cuts nicely in a pie format. You can experiment without it, but you might find the filling a bit runnier and harder to slice neatly.
Can I prepare this pie in advance for a party?
Definitely! This Creme Brulee Pie Recipe is ideal for make-ahead entertaining. Prepare it the day before, chill overnight, and caramelize the sugar right before serving for a spectacular dessert.
What should I do if I don’t have a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar?
You can place the pie under a hot broiler for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. The result won’t be quite as precise, but the crunchy caramel layer will still form nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Creme Brulee Pie Recipe is truly a showstopper that blends elegance with ease, making it perfect for impressing friends or family without hours of fuss. The creamy custard, infused with vanilla, paired with that perfectly caramelized top, creates a dessert experience you’ll want to repeat again and again. Give it a try soon and watch it become your go-to recipe for indulgent moments.
Print
Creme Brulee Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Description
This Creme Brulee Pie combines the rich, creamy texture of classic creme brulee custard with a crisp pre-baked pie crust. Infused with vanilla and topped with caramelized brown sugar, this dessert offers a delightful contrast between smooth custard and crunchy topping, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a luxurious treat at home.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 pre-baked pie crust
Custard Filling
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Topping
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for the topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pie later.
- Infuse Cream: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and the scraped vanilla bean seeds along with the pod. Heat over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Remove from heat and let it steep for 10 minutes to allow the vanilla to infuse fully.
- Mix Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This will help create a silky custard texture.
- Combine Mixtures: Slowly whisk the warm cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture, tempering the eggs by gradually increasing the temperature to avoid curdling.
- Thicken Custard: Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat while stirring constantly. Continue until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, indicating it is ready.
- Fill Pie Crust: Pour the thickened custard filling into the pre-baked pie crust evenly.
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the custard is just set but still slightly trembling in the center.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the pie and allow it to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours to fully set the custard.
- Caramelize Sugar: Before serving, evenly sprinkle the brown sugar over the pie’s surface. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it melts and forms a golden, crisp crust characteristic of creme brulee.
Notes
- Using a vanilla bean provides a more authentic flavor, but vanilla extract is a convenient substitute.
- Ensure constant stirring during custard thickening to prevent scrambling the eggs.
- Cooling and chilling the pie thoroughly helps the custard set properly for the best texture.
- If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can briefly place the pie under a broiler to caramelize the sugar, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
