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Milk Bar's Hilly's Pumpkin Caramel Pie

A decadent pumpkin pie with a rich caramel topping, perfect for fall gatherings. This recipe recreates the beloved Milk Bar classic.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, Pie
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Caramel Ingredients
  • 2 sticks Unsalted Butter
  • 1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1/2 cup Light Corn Syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt
Pumpkin Custard Ingredients
  • 1 15 ounce can Pumpkin Puree
  • 1 12 ounce can Evaporated Milk
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Crust Ingredients
  • 1 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 stick Unsalted Butter chilled and cubed
  • 1/4 cup Vegetable Shortening chilled and cubed
  • 1/4 cup Ice Water

Equipment

  • 9-inch pie plate
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk
  • Saucepan
  • Pastry blender or food processor
  • Oven

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Make the crust: Whisk together flour and salt. Cut in butter and shortening using a pastry blender or food processor until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing until dough just comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out dough and fit into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp edges. Prick bottom with a fork and bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
  3. Make the caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine butter and sugar over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved and mixture is amber in color. Carefully whisk in cream and corn syrup (it will bubble). Stir in salt.
  4. Make the pumpkin custard: In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, sugar, and salt until smooth.
  5. Pour caramel into the pre-baked pie crust. Pour pumpkin custard over the caramel.
  6. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until custard is set and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before serving.
  7. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving for best results.

Notes

For a richer caramel flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the top before baking.