WELCOME TO homeasyrecipes.com Where Tradition Meets Taste I’m Anna, and this little corner of the internet is where I share the recipes that feel like home. HomeasyRecipes was born from afternoons in my grandmother Mary’s kitchen, where the air always smelled of melted butter and something sweet baking in the oven. She taught me that cooking isn’t just about feeding people—it’s about creating memories and comfort, one dish at a time.
On this site, you won’t find anything complicated or fussy. Just real recipes for real life the kind of meals and desserts that make your family linger a little longer at the table. Whether it’s a quick dinner after a long day or an indulgent dessert like today’s Caramel Brownie Pie, my goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen.
This recipe brings together everything I love about baking: rich chocolate, buttery crust, and that luscious caramel layer that makes each bite unforgettable. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat yet stunning enough for holidays or gatherings. And if you’re wondering how to nail that perfect gooey center without overbaking, I’ve got you covered.
So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and let’s dive into the delicious world of this pie. You’ll find step-by-step instructions, pro tips, and all the answers to your brownie questions right here.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What Is Caramel Brownie Pie and Why You’ll Love It
The Birth of Caramel Brownie Pie
Caramel Brownie Pie is the ultimate hybrid dessert. Imagine a flaky pie crust holding layers of rich chocolate brownie and velvety caramel. It’s a decadent combination that satisfies both pie lovers and brownie enthusiasts.
Why It’s the Perfect Dessert
This dessert wins hearts for its contrasting textures—crispy crust, gooey middle, and chewy brownie edges. Plus, it’s easy to customize with nuts, sea salt, or even a drizzle of chocolate ganache. Learn more about our famous Caramel Brownie Pie tips here.
This Caramel Brownie Pie features a buttery pie crust filled with rich, fudgy brownie and a luscious caramel layer for the ultimate indulgent dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
1 pre-made pie shell or homemade pie dough
11 ounces caramel bits or candies (e.g., Kraft baking caramels)
¼ cup heavy cream
¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs
¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pie dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine caramel bits and heavy cream. Microwave for 60 seconds, stir, then continue in 30-second intervals until melted and smooth. Chill for 5 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Mix with a hand or stand mixer for 1 minute.
Add eggs, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined, scraping down the bowl as needed.
Stir in all-purpose flour until just combined.
Spread half the brownie batter evenly over the pie crust.
Pour chilled caramel over the brownie layer, spreading gently if needed. Set aside a few tablespoons for drizzling later.
Spoon the remaining brownie batter over the caramel layer and spread carefully.
Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
Allow the pie to cool completely. Drizzle reserved caramel over the top and sprinkle with sea salt if desired before serving.
Notes
For a salted caramel variation, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel layer before baking.
Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
Cover crust edges with foil halfway through baking to prevent overbrowning.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
Nutrition
Serving Size:1 slice (1/8 of pie)
Calories:450
Sugar:36g
Sodium:290mg
Fat:22g
Saturated Fat:13g
Unsaturated Fat:7g
Trans Fat:0.5g
Carbohydrates:62g
Fiber:3g
Protein:4g
Cholesterol:70mg
Keywords: Caramel Brownie Pie, brownie pie recipe, caramel dessert, fudgy brownie pie, chocolate caramel pie
Ingredients and Equipment for the Perfect Caramel Brownie Pie
Your Essential Ingredients for Caramel Brownie Pie
Before you preheat your oven, let’s talk about what you’ll need to bring this decadent dessert to life. Each ingredient in Caramel Brownie Pie plays a role in building those dreamy layers of flavor and texture.
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Pie Crust: Start with a pre-made pie shell for convenience, or make your own buttery dough from scratch if you have time. A flaky, golden crust is the foundation of this dessert.
Caramel Filling: Use 11 ounces of caramel bits or unwrapped candies (Kraft baking caramels are a favorite) combined with ¼ cup heavy cream. This mixture creates that luscious caramel layer.
Brownie Batter: You’ll need ¾ cup unsalted butter (melted), ¾ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup light brown sugar, 2 large eggs, ¾ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. This combo delivers a rich, fudgy brownie texture.
Pro tip: If you’re wondering, “Can I add caramel bits to brownie mix?”—yes, you absolutely can. Folding caramel bits into your batter before baking adds pockets of caramel goodness throughout the pie.
Must-Have Kitchen Tools
For a smooth baking experience, gather these tools before starting your Brownie Pie:
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Hand or stand mixer for blending batter effortlessly
Mixing bowls, including one microwave-safe for melting caramel
Measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient portions
9-inch pie pan to shape your masterpiece
Silicone spatula to scrape every last bit of batter and caramel
Rolling pin (if making homemade crust)
A trusty spoon for mixing and layering
Having the right equipment ensures that each layer of your pie—crust, caramel, and brownie—comes together perfectly without a hitch.
Essential ingredients to make Caramel Brownie Pie
Step-by-Step Caramel Brownie Pie Recipe for Foolproof Results
Preparing the Crust and Caramel Filling
Start your Pie by preheating your oven to 375°F. If you’re using pre-made pie dough, roll it out carefully and place it into your 9-inch pie pan. Make sure the crust fits snugly, with no air pockets underneath. For a homemade crust, follow your favorite recipe to achieve a flaky and buttery base.
Now it’s time
for the star of the show: the caramel layer. Combine 11 ounces of caramel bits (or unwrapped caramel candies) with ¼ cup heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 60 seconds, then stir well. Continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the caramel is smooth and velvety. Set the caramel mixture in the fridge for about 5 minutes to cool slightly—it will thicken just enough to make layering easier later.
Making the Brownie Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup melted unsalted butter, ¾ cup granulated sugar, and ½ cup light brown sugar. Blend with a hand or stand mixer for about one minute until the mixture looks creamy.
Next, add two large eggs, ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix until everything is well incorporated. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure no dry cocoa hides at the edges. Finally, add ¾ cup all-purpose flour and mix again until just combined—overmixing can make your brownie layer tough instead of fudgy.
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Assembling Your Caramel Brownie Pie
Here’s where the magic happens. Spread half of your brownie batter evenly over the prepared pie crust. Be patient—use a silicone spatula to get a smooth layer.
Pour the cooled caramel over the brownie layer. Pour it evenly to avoid the need for spreading, which can mix the layers too much. Set aside a few tablespoons of caramel for a finishing drizzle later.
Gently spoon the remaining brownie batter over the caramel layer. Again, try to distribute it evenly to keep the caramel from seeping out. Use the back of your spoon or spatula to smooth the top layer. It’s fine if some caramel swirls into the batter—that only adds to the beauty of the finished pie.
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Bake in your preheated oven for 50–60 minutes. Start checking at 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with moist crumbs but no raw batter.
Once baked, allow your Caramel Brownie Pie to cool completely in the pan. This resting time helps the caramel set and makes slicing cleaner. Finish with a drizzle of the reserved caramel and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt if desired.
Looking for other showstopper desserts? Don’t miss our Boston Cream Poke Cake—another crowd favorite for special occasions.
ding" id="pro-tips-for-baking-the-best-caramel-brownie-pie">Pro Tips for Baking the Best Caramel Brownie Pie
Mastering the Layers Without the Mess
One of the biggest challenges with this recipe is keeping the caramel layer intact during baking. To avoid having your layers mix too much, make sure the caramel filling is slightly cooled and thickened before pouring it over the first brownie layer. Using a silicone spatula helps gently spread batter without disturbing the gooey caramel below.
How to Avoid Overbaking
Overbaking is the fastest way to ruin the rich, fudgy texture of a brownie pie. Start checking for doneness at 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. For this dessert, you want a few moist crumbs to cling to the toothpick—not a completely dry center. Remember, the pie continues to set as it cools.
Making It Picture-Perfect
For an irresistible finish, drizzle the reserved caramel over the cooled pie in a crisscross pattern. If you’re feeling fancy, add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or let it chill for a firmer slice.
ding" id="bonus-flavors-to-try">Bonus Flavors to Try
Want to take your Caramel Brownie Pie up a notch? Here are some delicious variations:
Salted Caramel Brownie Pie: Sprinkle sea salt directly on the caramel layer before adding the top brownie batter.
Nutty Caramel Brownie Pie: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the caramel for extra crunch.
Espresso Caramel Brownie Pie: Stir a teaspoon of instant espresso powder into the brownie batter for a rich mocha twist.
People Also Search For—Your Top Caramel Brownie Pie Questions Answered
Can I Add Caramel Bits to Brownie Mix?
Absolutely. Adding caramel bits to brownie mix is a great way to enhance the gooey factor of your Caramel Brownie Pie. The bits melt slightly during baking, creating delightful pockets of caramel throughout the brownie layer. For best results, fold them gently into the batter to avoid overmixing.
ding" id="what-is-brownie-pie">What Is Brownie Pie?
Brownie pie is a creative dessert where fudgy brownie batter is baked inside a pie crust, blending the best of both worlds. It offers the crispy edges and chewy center of a brownie with the buttery flakiness of a traditional pie crust. Caramel Brownie Pie elevates this concept by adding a luscious layer of caramel in the middle, making it the ultimate dessert fusion.
Do You Put Caramel in Brownies Before or After Baking?
For Caramel Brownie Pie, the caramel is added before baking. It’s sandwiched between two layers of brownie batter, allowing it to bake into a soft, gooey center. You can also drizzle extra caramel on top after baking for added decadence.
Why Put Sour Cream in Brownies With Brownie Mix?
Sour cream in brownies is a secret ingredient for achieving a moist and tender crumb. It helps balance the richness of chocolate while keeping the texture soft. Though this recipe doesn’t require sour cream, it’s a great tip for experimenting with boxed brownie mixes.
ding" id="bonus-tip-can-i-use-a-boxed-brownie-mix-for-caramel-brownie-pie">Bonus Tip: Can I Use a Boxed Brownie Mix for Caramel Brownie Pie?
Yes, you can simplify the recipe by using your favorite boxed brownie mix for the batter. Follow the box directions but reduce the baking time slightly since it’s layered in a pie crust.
Variations and Flavor Twists for Caramel Brownie Pie
Salted Caramel Brownie Pie
For those who love the sweet-salty contrast, transform your recipe into a salted version. Simply sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel layer before adding the top brownie batter. After baking, finish with another light sprinkle of salt over the caramel drizzle. This variation balances the richness with a pop of flavor that keeps each bite exciting.
Nutty Caramel Brownie Pie
Add texture and depth by incorporating chopped pecans, walnuts, or even toasted almonds into your caramel layer. Nuts pair beautifully with the silky caramel and fudgy brownie, giving your pie a satisfying crunch that dessert lovers will rave about.
ding" id="peanut-butter-caramel-brownie-pie">Peanut Butter Caramel Brownie Pie
Swirl a few tablespoons of creamy peanut butter into the caramel layer for a nutty, indulgent twist. Peanut butter lovers will appreciate how it melts into the caramel, creating a velvety, peanutty ribbon between the brownie layers.
Mocha Caramel Brownie Pie
For coffee enthusiasts, mix a teaspoon of instant espresso powder into your brownie batter. The subtle coffee flavor enhances the chocolate notes and gives your Caramel Brownie Pie a sophisticated mocha twist.
Why Not Try White Chocolate Drizzle?
Instead of finishing your pie with caramel, melt some white chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled brownie pie for a striking look and sweet contrast.
ding" id="storing-and-serving-caramel-brownie-pie-like-a-pro">Storing and Serving Caramel Brownie Pie Like a Pro
How to Store Your Caramel Brownie Pie
After baking your luscious Caramel Brownie Pie, proper storage is key to maintaining its texture and flavor. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
At Room Temperature: Keep the pie covered with foil or plastic wrap and store it in a cool, dry place for up to 3 days.
In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the pie in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to a week. This also helps the caramel layer firm up slightly, making slicing easier.
Freezer-Friendly Option: Want to save some for later? Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Delight
Warm up slices slightly in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds to bring back that gooey caramel center. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly decadent experience. For a more gourmet presentation, add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce and a sprinkle of crushed nuts.
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Troubleshooting Your Caramel Brownie Pie
Why Is My Caramel Brownie Pie Runny?
A runny center usually means the pie was underbaked or sliced before it had time to cool. Remember, the caramel layer needs time to set as the pie cools. Allow at least an hour before cutting into your masterpiece.
How Do I Prevent My Pie Crust From Burning?
The edges of a pie crust can brown too quickly during baking. To avoid this, cover the crust edges with foil or a pie shield halfway through baking. This protects them while allowing the center to finish baking perfectly.
My Brownie Layer Is Too Dry. What Went Wrong?
Overbaking is often the culprit. Start checking your Caramel Brownie Pie at the 50-minute mark using a toothpick test. Look for moist crumbs clinging to the toothpick, which signals a fudgy texture.
ding" id="final-thoughts-on-caramel-brownie-pie">Final Thoughts on Caramel Brownie Pie
If there’s one dessert that deserves a spot at every table, it’s Caramel Brownie Pie. With its layers of buttery pie crust, gooey caramel, and fudgy brownie, it delivers a taste experience that’s both nostalgic and unforgettable. Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or simply because you deserve something indulgent, this pie never fails to impress.
Remember, you can customize your Brownie Pie to suit any mood or season—try adding a sprinkle of sea salt for a salted caramel twist, swirling in peanut butter for added richness, or pairing it with a cool scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort food experience.
People also search for related treats like molten lava cakes, chocolate caramel bars, and brownie cheesecake pies, showing just how much everyone loves the combination of chocolate and caramel. So why not start here and explore them all?
Sour cream is often added to brownie mix to make the texture extra moist and tender. It adds richness without making the brownies heavy. Though it’s not needed for this Caramel Brownie Pie recipe, it’s a great hack if you’re working with a boxed brownie mix.
Do you put caramel in brownies before or after baking?
In Caramel Brownie Pie, the caramel layer is added before baking. It’s placed between two layers of brownie batter to create a soft, gooey center that melts in your mouth. For extra flair, drizzle caramel over the top after baking for an irresistible finish.
Yes, adding caramel bits directly to your brownie mix is a fantastic way to make your Caramel Brownie Pie even more gooey and indulgent. The bits will melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of caramel in the brownie layers. For best results, gently fold them into the batter before pouring it into the pie crust.
Conclusion: Why Caramel Brownie Pie Deserves a Place in Your Recipe Box
This isn’t just another dessert—it’s a masterpiece that brings together everything we love about baking. With its buttery pie crust, rich fudgy brownie layers, and gooey caramel center, it’s the perfect treat for celebrations or just because you’re craving something decadent.
This recipe is simple enough for weeknight baking yet impressive enough to wow your friends and family at any gathering. Whether you enjoy it warm with ice cream or chilled with a drizzle of caramel on top, each bite is pure comfort and indulgence.
Ready to make your o
wn Caramel Brownie Pie? Roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma of chocolate and caramel. And once you’ve tried it, don’t be surprised if this dessert becomes a regular on your baking list.
Looking for more sweet inspiration? Don’t miss our Honey Garlic Chicken Bites for the perfect savory follow-up to your dessert session.