Pumpkin Caramel Pie

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### **Instructions**

#### **Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Filling**
1. **Preheat the oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Mix the filling ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
3. **Pour into the crust**: Pour the pumpkin filling into the graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
4. **Bake the pie**: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be slightly puffed up and the center should still have a slight jiggle.
5. **Cool the pie**: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours to help the filling set properly.

#### **Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce**
1. **Melt the butter**: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. **Add the sugar**: Stir in the brown sugar and cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble.
3. **Add cream and salt**: Slowly add the heavy cream and a pinch of salt to the pan, whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken. Allow it to simmer for about 3-5 minutes.
4. **Remove from heat**: Stir in the vanilla extract and remove the caramel sauce from the heat. Let it cool slightly before pouring it over the pie.

#### **Step 3: Assemble the Pie**
1. **Top with caramel sauce**: Once the pie has cooled and set, pour the caramel sauce over the top of the pumpkin filling. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the pie’s surface.
2. **Refrigerate**: Place the pie back in the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes to allow the caramel to firm up slightly.

#### **Step 4: Serve and Enjoy**
1. **Garnish (optional)**: If desired, garnish the pie with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or even some chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) for added texture and flavor.
2. **Slice and serve**: Slice the pie into wedges and serve chilled. Enjoy the layers of smooth pumpkin filling and rich caramel goodness with every bite!

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### **Why This Pumpkin Caramel Pie is a Must-Try**

1. **The Perfect Balance of Flavors**: The creamy, spiced pumpkin filling pairs perfectly with the sweet and buttery caramel topping, creating a well-balanced dessert that isn’t overly sweet or too heavy.
2. **Elegant and Festive**: The caramel topping gives this pie a luxurious look, making it the perfect dessert to serve at holiday gatherings, special occasions, or dinner parties.
3. **Comforting Autumn Dessert**: Pumpkin pie is already a favorite fall dessert, but the addition of caramel elevates the flavors, making it an irresistible treat during the cooler months.

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### **Tips and Variations**

1. **Homemade Crust**: If you have the time and prefer a homemade crust, you can make one from scratch using crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter. It adds a personal touch to the pie.
2. **Nutty Twist**: Add a bit of texture to your pie by topping it with chopped pecans or walnuts before serving. These nuts pair beautifully with the pumpkin and caramel.
3. **Vegan Option**: For a vegan version, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a plant-based butter for the caramel. Additionally, use an egg replacer in the pumpkin filling.
4. **Extra Spice**: If you like your pumpkin pie with a bit of extra spice, increase the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even add a pinch of allspice to enhance the flavor profile.

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### **Serving Suggestions**

– **With Whipped Cream**: This pie is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, which complements the creamy texture of the filling and the sweet caramel sauce.
– **With Ice Cream**: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. The cool ice cream contrasts nicely with the warm caramel and pumpkin flavors.
– **Coffee Pairing**: This pie is the perfect dessert to serve alongside a warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea, making it an ideal treat for cozy fall gatherings.

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### **Conclusion**

Pumpkin Caramel Pie is a delightful, decadent dessert that brings together the best flavors of the fall season—smooth, spiced pumpkin and rich, gooey caramel. It’s a perfect twist on the classic pumpkin pie, adding an extra layer of indulgence that will have your guests coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, a fall gathering, or simply looking for a comforting dessert, this pie is sure to impress. Try this easy and delicious recipe today, and enjoy the sweet, spiced flavors of autumn in every bite!