A Decadent Dessert You’ll Fall in Love With – Chocolate, Caramel, and Graham Goodness in Every Bite!
Looking for the ultimate indulgent treat to satisfy your sweet cravings? This Rich and Gooey Caramel Brownie Pie is a dreamy fusion of buttery graham crust, rich fudgy brownie, and a heavenly caramel layer that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a weekend dessert, a potluck, or a special occasion, this pie will steal the show every time!
Introduction
Dessert doesn’t get much more indulgent than this. A gooey, chocolatey brownie layered with luscious caramel, all nestled in a crisp graham cracker crust—yes, please! This Caramel Brownie Pie is like three desserts in one: part pie, part brownie, and all decadence. The contrast between the buttery crust, the rich cocoa filling, and the sweet-salty caramel center makes every bite unforgettable.
Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or a night when you simply need chocolate, this pie is easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress.
Tools Needed, Serving Size, and Cook Time
Tools You’ll Need:
- 9-inch pie dish
- Medium mixing bowls
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sifter or fine mesh sieve
Serves: 8 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Brownie Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
For the Caramel Layer:
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt (optional, for added flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish generously with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure a clean release.
Step 2: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Pour it into your greased pie dish and press it evenly across the bottom and up the sides using your fingers or the back of a spoon.
Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before adding the filling.
Step 3: Make the Brownie Batter
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined and slightly frothy.
Slowly add the melted chocolate mixture to the sugar and egg mixture, stirring gently until smooth.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
Sift in the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Use a spatula to fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the brownies rich and fudgy.
Step 5: Layer the Caramel and Brownie Filling
Pour half of the brownie batter into the cooled graham crust, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
Next, drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the brownie batter. If you’re using sea salt, sprinkle it lightly across the caramel layer to add a delicious contrast.
Pour the remaining brownie batter over the caramel layer, gently spreading it to completely cover the caramel. Don’t worry if some caramel peeks through—it’ll look delicious and gooey once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the pie in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is set and the center is still just slightly soft. You want the brownies to remain moist and fudgy rather than dry.
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for about 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers settle and makes slicing easier.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Caramel Brownie Pie warm for the best texture. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a dessert that’s absolutely unforgettable.
Tips for Recipe Success
- Cool the crust completely before pouring in the brownie batter to prevent a soggy bottom.
- Don’t overbake – the center should still be slightly soft when you take it out of the oven. It will continue to cook a bit as it cools.
- Use good-quality caramel sauce for a more flavorful filling. If making your own, a touch of sea salt elevates it beautifully.
- Allow the pie to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Cutting into it too early may cause the layers to run.
- Line your pie dish with parchment paper for an easier cleanup and neater slices.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions:
- Top each slice with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Drizzle with extra caramel or a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings or chopped toasted pecans for added texture.
Storage:
- Store leftover pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- To reheat, microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds for that warm, gooey texture.
- This pie also freezes well. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of crust?
Yes! A chocolate cookie crust or even an Oreo crust would work well with the brownie and caramel layers. Just make sure to bake the crust before adding the filling.
2. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can make the entire pie a day in advance. Store it in the fridge, then reheat individual slices before serving for that warm, fresh-baked feel.
3. Can I use boxed brownie mix?
You can, though the homemade brownie filling adds a richer, fudgier texture. If using boxed mix, follow the box instructions but use only enough batter to fill the pie crust without overflowing.
4. What’s the best caramel sauce to use?
A thick, creamy caramel works best. You can use store-bought caramel (look for one labeled “thick” or “premium”) or make a homemade version with butter, brown sugar, and cream. Salted caramel enhances the flavor beautifully.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust and substitute the flour in the brownie batter with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Always double-check the labels on your caramel and chocolate chips for hidden gluten.
Conclusion
There’s just something magical about the combination of fudge brownie, sweet caramel, and a buttery graham crust—especially when they’re all baked together in one stunning pie. This Rich and Gooey Caramel Brownie Pie is a showstopper dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make and delivers bakery-level results with every slice.
Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or anytime you need a little indulgence, this pie is bound to become a new favorite in your dessert rotation. With its layers of textures and flavors, every bite is pure joy.
Ready to treat yourself?
Gather your ingredients and whip up this indulgent Caramel Brownie Pie today—you deserve it!
