Dive into the luscious world of a dessert that combines the crunch of cornflakes, the creaminess of custard, and the irresistible allure of caramel. This Decadent Caramel Cornflake Cream Pie is a delightful fusion of textures and flavors, making it a showstopper for any occasion. Perfectly balanced with a buttery crust, caramelized topping, and velvety cream filling, this pie is a dream for dessert lovers.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 3 cups cornflakes, crushed
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Cream Filling:
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 3 large egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Caramel Topping:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- A pinch of sea salt
Optional Garnish:
- Whipped cream
- Crushed caramelized cornflakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Cornflake Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine crushed cornflakes, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until well coated.
- Press the mixture evenly into a 9-inch pie pan to form a crust. Ensure the base and sides are well covered.
- Bake for 10 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
- Make the Cream Filling
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk and heavy cream. Heat until warm but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Allow the custard to cool slightly before pouring it into the prepared crust. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until set.
- Prepare the Caramel Topping
- In a medium saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat until it melts and turns a deep amber color. Avoid stirring; instead, swirl the pan occasionally.
- Add butter and stir until fully incorporated. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble vigorously.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. Add a pinch of sea salt and mix until smooth.
- Let the caramel cool slightly before drizzling it over the chilled cream pie.
- Assemble and Serve
- Once the caramel has set, garnish the pie with whipped cream and crushed caramelized cornflakes for added texture and visual appeal.
- Slice and serve this indulgent dessert, savoring the interplay of crunchy, creamy, and caramelized elements.
This Decadent Caramel Cornflake Cream Pie is a feast for the senses, offering a symphony of flavors in every bite. Perfect for celebrations or a simple indulgence, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and again.