Home
Recipes
Pies & Tarts
Cream Pies
Salted Caramel Cream Pie Recipe

Salted Caramel Cream Pie Recipe

By What’s Baking

A decadent layered pie featuring buttery caramel infused with flaky sea salt, topped with silky cream and a crisp graham cracker crust for the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
45 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Serves:
1 pie (8 slices)
An overhead shot of a perfectly sliced Salted Caramel Cream Pie on a vintage milk-glass cake stand, capturing the distinct layers of golden caramel and cloud-like cream against the amber graham cracker crust. Soft natural light streams across the surface, highlighting the delicate swirls of whipped cream topping, sprinkled with flaky sea salt crystals and drizzled with extra caramel sauce that elegantly cascades down the sides. A silver dessert fork rests alongside, with a partial slice revealing the luscious, slow-moving caramel layer beneath the pillowy cream filling. Scattered caramel pieces and graham cracker crumbs create an artful border around the presentation.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the Graham Cracker Crust:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g graham crackers (or digestive biscuits)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g unsalted butter, melted</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the Salted Caramel Layer:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">90g unsalted butter, cubed and at room temperature</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml heavy cream, at room temperature</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">8g flaky sea salt (plus extra for garnish)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the Cream Layer:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">250g cream cheese, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g powdered sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">300ml heavy cream, cold</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For Garnish:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50ml caramel sauce (reserved from main recipe)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Extra flaky sea salt</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">23cm (9-inch) pie dish</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Stand mixer with whisk attachment</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Heavy-bottomed saucepan</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Digital candy thermometer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Heatproof silicone spatula</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Food processor</li></ul>
BAKE SMARTER

Kitchen Converter

Quickly switch between common baking units without leaving the recipe.

Convert
⇄
Result—

Volume uses US cups, tablespoons, and teaspoons. Converting weight to volume depends on the ingredient.

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 180°C. In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until finely ground. Mix the crumbs with melted butter, sugar, and salt until the mixture resembles wet sand. The butter acts as a binding agent while baking, creating a firm crust once cooled.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Press the crumb mixture firmly into your pie dish, creating an even layer across the bottom and up the sides. Use the flat bottom of a measuring cup to compact the crust, ensuring it's tightly packed (this prevents crumbling when slicing). Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Cool completely on a wire rack.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>For the caramel, pour sugar into a heavy-bottomed saucepan and heat over medium heat. Watch carefully as the sugar begins to melt – resist the urge to stir initially! Once sugar starts melting, you can gently swirl the pan to help it melt evenly. Continue cooking until the sugar turns a deep amber color (around 170°C on a candy thermometer).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Once your caramel reaches the right color, carefully add the butter (it will bubble vigorously). Whisk until fully incorporated. Remove from heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly (caution: mixture will bubble up again). The sudden temperature change is what creates that perfect caramel consistency. Add 6g of the sea salt and whisk until smooth.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Reserve about 50ml of caramel for garnish. Pour the remaining warm caramel into the cooled crust and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set. The slow cooling process allows the caramel to develop its optimal texture – rushing this step may result in a runny filling.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>For the cream layer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until well combined. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream to medium-stiff peaks (cold cream whips better because the fat globules can maintain their structure). The air incorporated during whipping is crucial for that light, mousse-like texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in three additions, being careful not to deflate the air bubbles. The folding technique (rather than stirring) preserves the airy texture that makes this layer so luxurious.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Spread the cream mixture over the set caramel layer, creating decorative swirls with an offset spatula if desired. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together while the layers set to the perfect consistency for clean slicing.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Just before serving, warm the reserved caramel slightly (10-15 seconds in the microwave) and drizzle over the top of the pie. Sprinkle with the remaining flaky sea salt. For the cleanest slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts. Serve chilled for the perfect contrast between the soft cream and the thick caramel layer.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 slice
🔥 Calories: 425 calories
🥑 Fat: 28 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 17 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 42 g
🍭 Sugar: 32 g
🍗 Protein: 3 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 95 mg
🧂 Sodium: 380 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I make caramel sauce without a candy thermometer?

Yes, you can make caramel without a thermometer by watching for visual cues. Cook the sugar until it turns a deep amber colour (like honey), which indicates it's reached the right temperature. Just be vigilant as caramel can burn quickly once it starts to colour.

Why did my caramel sauce crystallise and how can I prevent it?

Crystallisation occurs when sugar crystals form during cooking. Prevent this by avoiding stirring initially (swirl the pan instead), washing down sugar crystals from the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush, and adding a teaspoon of corn syrup or lemon juice to the sugar before cooking.

What's the secret to getting clean slices when serving this pie?

For perfect slices, refrigerate the pie until completely set (at least 6 hours or overnight). Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. The heat helps the knife glide through the caramel layer while maintaining the distinct cream and caramel separation.

Want to try something else in ...

More recipes you might like

Keep exploring with more recipes from What's Baking.

View all
An overhead shot of a perfectly sliced coconut cream pie, revealing its three distinct layers: the golden brown flaky crust, the velvety pale yellow coconut custard filling, and the billowing white whipped cream topping. Toasted coconut flakes are scattered across the surface, creating a beautiful contrast against the cream. The pie is presented on a vintage blue ceramic plate atop a distressed wooden table, with a silver pie server nearby and scattered fresh coconut shavings surrounding the plate. Soft natural light streams in from a side window, highlighting the creamy texture of the filling and the delicate flakiness of the pastry.
Pies & Tarts
Cream Pies

Coconut Cream Pie Recipe

A tropical paradise of silky coconut custard nestled in buttery pastry, crowned with clouds of whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
45 mins
Serves:
1 pie (8 slices)
View recipe
An overhead shot of a perfectly sliced banana cream pie on a vintage white ceramic cake stand, captured in soft natural light streaming through a kitchen window. The golden, flaky pastry crust contrasts beautifully with the pale yellow banana custard filling, topped with swirls of cloud-like whipped cream that peak elegantly. Fresh banana slices and a light dusting of grated nutmeg decorate the surface, while a few scattered vanilla bean specks are visible in the cream. A slice has been removed, revealing distinct layers of crust, banana slices, and velvety custard. The pie sits on a rustic wooden table alongside a vintage silver pie server and a small bowl of additional fresh banana slices.
Pies & Tarts
Cream Pies

Banana Cream Pie Recipe

A luscious, silky banana custard nestled in a buttery crust, topped with clouds of fresh whipped cream for the perfect balance of creamy richness and delicate sweetness.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
45 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Serves:
1 pie (8 slices)
View recipe
An overhead shot of a Banoffee Pie showcasing its distinct layers - the golden biscuit base, amber-colored caramel, perfectly arranged banana slices, and cloud-like whipped cream topped with delicate chocolate shavings. The pie is presented on a rustic ceramic plate against a light wooden table, with a slice being removed to reveal the beautiful cross-section of layers. Natural light streams in from a nearby window, highlighting the glossy caramel dripping slightly at the edges and the contrasting textures between the crunchy base and creamy toppings. A few fresh banana slices and scattered chocolate curls surround the pie, with a vintage cake server poised beside it.
Pies & Tarts
Cream Pies

Banoffee Pie Recipe

A heavenly layered dessert with buttery biscuit base, luscious caramel, sweet bananas, and billowy whipped cream topped with chocolate shavings.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Serves:
1 pie (8 slices)
View recipe
An overhead shot of a perfectly sliced coconut cream pie reveals its beautiful layers - a golden-brown flaky crust supporting a velvety coconut custard filling topped with pillowy whipped cream. The pie sits on a vintage glass cake stand against a light blue linen, with coconut flakes toasted to various shades of golden brown scattered across the cream. A cross-section view shows the distinct layers with the creamy filling holding its shape perfectly. Natural window light creates subtle shadows that highlight the pie's textures, while a few whole coconuts and scattered coconut shavings frame the composition, emphasizing the main ingredient.
Pies & Tarts
Cream Pies

Coconut Cream Pie Recipe

This tropical delight showcases a buttery crust filled with silky coconut custard, topped with billowy whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes for the perfect balance of crisp, creamy, and nutty flavors.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
40 mins
Serves:
1 pie (8 slices)
View recipe
An overhead shot of a perfectly sliced Banoffee Pie on a vintage white ceramic cake stand, revealing distinct golden-brown biscuit base, amber-colored toffee layer, neat rows of banana slices, and pillowy whipped cream swirls dusted with cocoa powder and chocolate shavings. Soft natural light streams across the scene, highlighting the glossy toffee and creating gentle shadows that emphasize the pie's multiple textures. The surrounding setup features scattered banana slices, a small jar of caramel, and a rustic wooden table that adds warmth to the composition, while a silver dessert fork rests alongside, ready for the first heavenly bite.
Pies & Tarts
Cream Pies

Banoffee Pie Recipe

A decadent layered dessert combining buttery biscuit base, rich toffee, fresh bananas, and cloud-like whipped cream for an irresistible sweet sensation.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Serves:
1 pie (8 slices)
View recipe
An overhead shot of a perfectly sliced key lime pie revealing its pale green, silky filling against a golden graham cracker crust. The slice rests on a white ceramic plate with delicate key lime slices and zest scattered nearby for visual context. Soft natural light streams in from the side, highlighting the contrast between the smooth filling and textured crust edge. A dollop of freshly whipped cream crowns each slice, with fine lime zest speckled across the top creating a beautiful color contrast. In the background, a vintage pie dish contains the remainder of the pie, while a rustic wooden table and a small bowl of fresh key limes complete the summery, refreshing composition.
Pies & Tarts
Cream Pies

Key Lime Pie Recipe

Tangy, creamy key lime filling nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with pillowy whipped cream for the perfect balance of zesty brightness and sweet indulgence.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Serves:
1 pie (8 slices)
View recipe