Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Few desserts capture indulgence quite like a caramel brownie pie. Imagine a fudgy brownie base, topped with a luscious layer of gooey caramel, all tucked inside a buttery pie crust—it’s the kind of dessert that makes everyone stop after the first bite. I love making this when I want something that feels special yet familiar, a dessert that combines the comfort of brownies with the elegance of pie. The caramel adds a luxurious sweetness that balances perfectly with the rich chocolate, and the crust gives it that satisfying crunch. I tried this once with a sprinkle of sea salt on top, and it elevated the flavor to a whole new level. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy it cold the next day, this caramel brownie pie is guaranteed to be unforgettable.
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Decadent Caramel Brownie Pie – The Dessert You’ll Dream About
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and indulgent dessert combining fudgy brownies, gooey caramel, and a flaky pie crust, topped with a drizzle of caramel for the ultimate sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- In another bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir into wet ingredients.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Spread half of the brownie batter into the prepared pie crust. Pour caramel sauce evenly over the batter.
- Top with remaining brownie batter, spreading carefully to cover the caramel.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the top is set but slightly fudgy in the center.
- Cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
Notes
- For an extra indulgent version, sprinkle chopped pecans over the caramel layer before baking.
- Do not overbake; the pie should remain slightly gooey in the center.
- Best served warm, but can also be stored at room temperature for 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pie crust – The foundation of the dessert. A buttery, flaky crust holds everything together and adds texture. Store-bought or homemade both work well.
Unsalted butter – Essential for the brownie base, giving it richness and a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the brownie layer and balances the dark chocolate flavors.
Brown sugar – Adds depth and a subtle caramel undertone that complements the filling.
Eggs – Bind the brownie batter and provide structure, ensuring it sets properly when baked.
Vanilla extract – Enhances both the chocolate and caramel flavors, adding a warm aroma.
All-purpose flour – The main dry ingredient in the brownie layer, keeping the texture soft yet fudgy.
Cocoa powder – Delivers intense chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness of the caramel.
Salt – A small amount sharpens the chocolate flavor and prevents the pie from being overly sweet.
Caramel sauce – The star of the show. Use thick, high-quality caramel for the best gooey layer.
Chocolate chips – Stirred into the brownie batter, they create extra pockets of chocolatey goodness.
Directions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, trimming and crimping the edges as desired. Place parchment paper over the crust, fill with pie weights, and blind bake for about 10 minutes to ensure it stays crisp. Remove the weights and parchment, then set aside.
Prepare the brownie layer by melting butter in a saucepan, then whisking in granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Allow to cool slightly before whisking in eggs and vanilla extract. Stir in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Pour half the brownie batter into the pie crust and spread evenly. Drizzle a generous layer of caramel sauce over the batter, then top with the remaining brownie batter, spreading it carefully to cover the caramel. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is set but the center is still slightly soft. Allow the pie to cool before slicing. For extra indulgence, drizzle with more caramel before serving.
Servings and timing
This pie serves 8–10 slices. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, baking requires 35–40 minutes, and cooling adds another 30 minutes. In total, expect about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store the pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or enjoy chilled straight from the fridge. This pie also freezes well—wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Variations and Customizations
Salted caramel brownie pie – Sprinkle sea salt over the caramel layer for a sweet-salty contrast.
Nutty caramel brownie pie – Add toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch and extra richness.
Peanut butter swirl – Swirl peanut butter into the caramel for a decadent flavor twist.
Espresso brownie pie – Mix a teaspoon of espresso powder into the brownie batter for depth.
Triple chocolate version – Use dark, milk, and white chocolate chips in the brownie base.
Cookie crust base – Replace the pie crust with a crushed cookie crust (like Oreos) for extra chocolate flavor.
Blondie caramel pie – Swap the brownie base for blondie batter for a caramel-forward variation.
Bourbon caramel brownie pie – Stir a splash of bourbon into the caramel for a grown-up dessert.
Mini brownie pies – Make individual portions using a muffin tin for party-ready servings.
Holiday spiced version – Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the brownie batter for a festive twist.

FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Yes, it works perfectly and saves time.
Should I use homemade or store-bought caramel?
Either works, but homemade caramel gives a richer flavor.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The top should look set, but a toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Conclusion
Decadent caramel brownie pie is the definition of indulgence, combining fudgy chocolate, gooey caramel, and a flaky crust in one unforgettable dessert. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party, bringing it to a holiday gathering, or simply making it to treat yourself, this pie always impresses. With endless ways to customize—from salted caramel to nutty add-ins—it’s as versatile as it is delicious. One slice is rich enough to satisfy any sweet tooth, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself going back for seconds. This dessert isn’t just a pie—it’s an experience worth savoring.