There’s something irresistible about the perfect blend of sweet and salty, and that’s exactly what you’ll find in my Salted Caramel Cashew Pie. Picture this: a warm slice emerging from the oven, its golden top glistening with gooey caramel, while crunchy roasted cashews peek through the luscious filling. This dessert is not just a treat; it’s an experience that invites you to savor each bite.
I discovered this pie when I was craving something a little different to impress my friends for a casual gathering. With its easy preparation and minimal ingredients, it became my go-to recipe for everything from potlucks to quiet evenings at home. And let me assure you, it’s so simple to whip up that even after a long day, you won’t find yourself stressed in the kitchen.
The combination of toasted cashews and rich caramel creates a delightful texture contrast that’s hard to resist. Trust me, one bite and you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a favorite for both family and guests alike. Let’s dive into the delightful world of this pie, and I’ll show you just how easy it is to make!
Why is Salted Caramel Cashew Pie a Must-Try?
Unique Flavor Fusion: The blend of sweet caramel and salty cashews creates a balance that will delight your taste buds.
Effortless Preparation: With minimal ingredients and a straightforward process, this pie is incredibly simple to whip up, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: It’s a stunning dessert that’s sure to impress friends and family at any gathering or occasion, becoming the highlight of your table.
Versatile Options: You can easily customize this recipe by substituting nuts or adding flavored extracts, ensuring it never gets boring.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy dinner, this Salted Caramel Cashew Pie suits every setting perfectly.
Plus, if you have more time, consider checking out a related cashew pie recipe to expand your dessert repertoire!
Salted Caramel Cashew Pie Ingredients
For the Crust
• 9-inch refrigerated prepared pie crust – This forms the base; opt for gluten-free or homemade if you prefer.
For the Filling
• 12 oz. jar prepared caramel sauce – Provides that rich sweetness and gooey texture; store-bought is convenient, but feel free to go homemade!
• 3 large eggs – These serve as the binder; no substitutions needed here.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Adds essential sweetness; you can reduce this for a less sugary pie.
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup – Ensures a smooth, luscious filling; honey or agave syrup work as great alternatives.
• 1/4 tsp. sea salt – Balances the sweetness, enhancing the flavor—use kosher salt if that’s what you have!
• 1/4 cup butter, melted – Adds richness and helps mix the filling; margarine is a suitable dairy-free option.
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract – Boosts the overall flavor; substitute with almond extract for a unique twist.
• 2 cups roasted salted cashew halves & pieces – This is the star ingredient providing crunch and flavor; opt for raw cashews for a less salty touch, or try other nuts for a fun variation.
For Topping (Optional)
• Whipped cream for topping – Adds a creamy finish that’s delightful; both store-bought or homemade versions work well!
Enjoy making your own Salted Caramel Cashew Pie, where each bite is filled with love and flavor!
How to Make Salted Caramel Cashew Pie
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This essential step ensures the pie bakes evenly and achieves that perfect golden crust.
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Prepare the pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate, crimping or scalloping the edges for an appealing finish. Make sure it fits snugly and looks inviting!
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Whisk together the caramel sauce, eggs, granulated sugar, corn syrup, and sea salt in a large bowl. Stir until well combined, creating a luscious filling.
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Add the melted butter and vanilla extract, mixing well to incorporate these rich flavors. Your filling should start to look smooth and shiny!
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Fold in the roasted cashews gently. Ensure the cashews are evenly distributed, adding that delightful crunch throughout the filling.
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Pour the gooey mixture into the prepared crust, making sure it’s evenly spread out. This is where your pie starts to take form!
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Bake for 45-55 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.
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Cool the pie on a wire rack completely before slicing. For cleaner slices, consider chilling in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before serving.
Optional: Dust with a sprinkle of sea salt on top before serving for a delightful finishing touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Salted Caramel Cashew Pie?
Indulging in a rich dessert can be enhanced with the right complementary dishes that balance flavors and textures beautifully.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds a creamy coldness, contrasting the warm, gooey filling of the pie for delightful harmony.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries introduce a tart brightness that cuts through the sweetness, refreshing your palate with each bite. Their vibrant colors also make for an appealing presentation!
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Coffee or Espresso: A hot cup brings out the pie’s caramel flavors, creating a cozy experience perfect for ending a meal or enjoying with friends.
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Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: This luscious addition enhances the richness while a hint of dark chocolate brings depth to the dessert. It’s sure to satisfy the chocoholics in your life!
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Toasted Coconut Flakes: Adding a sprinkle of these adds a fun texture and a tropical touch, making each bite feel like a mini escape to paradise.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling extra caramel on top deepens the sweet factor, perfect for those who crave that heavenly combination of saltiness and sweetness.
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Simple Whipped Cream: Light and airy, freshly whipped cream balances the pie’s richness, making every slice feel a bit lighter and more elegant.
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Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing sorbet can cleanse the palate and offer a sharp contrast to the pie’s sweetness, making for a well-rounded end to a meal.
With these suggestions, you’ll create an experience that elevates your Salted Caramel Cashew Pie into a truly memorable dessert affair!
Salted Caramel Cashew Pie Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on this delightful pie and make it truly yours!
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Nuts Swap: Use pecans or walnuts instead of cashews for a new flavor profile. Each nut brings its unique taste, enhancing the pie’s character beautifully.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute melted butter with margarine or a plant-based butter to make the pie dairy-free. You won’t lose rich flavors, and everyone can enjoy it!
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Sweetener Alternatives: Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness. This twist adds a complex flavor that intrigues the palate.
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Flavor Boost: Incorporate flavored extracts, like coconut or almond, to give the filling a unique twist that surprises the taste buds.
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Salted Kick: Sprinkle extra sea salt on top just before serving for a robust salty contrast that perfectly balances the sweetness.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate on top before serving for an indulgent touch that adds depth to the flavors.
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Crunchy Topping: Add a mix of crushed nuts and oats on top before baking for an interesting textural twist with every slice.
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Spicy Heat: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising kick that enhances the sweetness and makes it even more exciting!
Expert Tips for Salted Caramel Cashew Pie
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Check Doneness: Ensure the pie’s top is golden brown and the center is set yet slightly jiggly. Undercooking may lead to a runny filling.
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Cool Completely: Let the pie cool at room temperature before refrigerating. This helps in slicing and prevents a messy presentation.
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Pre-Bake Option: For a firmer texture, consider using a pre-baked pie crust. It provides extra crispiness, enhancing the overall experience of the Salted Caramel Cashew Pie.
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Get Creative: Feel free to substitute cashews with pecans or walnuts for a different flavor twist. Experimentation can lead to delightful surprises!
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Whip it Good: For a delightful topping, consider whipping cream with a hint of vanilla extract. It complements the pie’s richness beautifully.
Make Ahead Options
These Salted Caramel Cashew Pies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance, simply whisking together the caramel sauce, eggs, sugar, corn syrup, and salt, then refrigerating it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Additionally, the pie can be fully baked and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember to cool the pie completely first to prevent sogginess, and if you plan to serve leftovers, reheat gently before serving to restore its delightful gooeyness. When ready to enjoy, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra touch of flavor that brings this pie back to life just as delicious as fresh!
How to Store and Freeze Salted Caramel Cashew Pie
Fridge: Store your Salted Caramel Cashew Pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
Freezer: You can freeze the pie for up to 1 month. For best results, slice and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container.
Thawing: To enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. This helps preserve the texture, making each slice delightful.
Reheating: If desired, warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive the gooey caramel without losing its flavor.
Salted Caramel Cashew Pie Recipe FAQs
What kind of cashews should I use for the Salted Caramel Cashew Pie?
I recommend using roasted salted cashew halves and pieces for the best flavor and crunch. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can opt for raw cashews instead, or even try substituting with pecans or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
How do I store leftover Salted Caramel Cashew Pie?
You can keep your Salted Caramel Cashew Pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh and delicious. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is also an option!
Can I freeze the Salted Caramel Cashew Pie?
Absolutely! For the best results, slice and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and then place them into an airtight container. This way, they stay fresh for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to savor a slice, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.
What if my pie is still runny after baking?
If your pie turns out runny, it may need more time in the oven. Ensure the top is a beautiful golden brown, and the center should be set yet still slightly jiggly—like a soft custard. If you find it undercooked, return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking closely.
Can my pets eat the cashews used in the pie?
While cashews are not toxic to pets, they shouldn’t be a regular part of their diet. The pie contains sugar and other ingredients that may not be suitable for them, so it’s best to keep this delicious pie for human enjoyment only.
Is there an alternative to the corn syrup in the filling?
Definitely! If you’d like to avoid light corn syrup, honey or agave syrup can be used as an alternative. Both will provide a nice sweetness and ensure a smooth texture in your Salted Caramel Cashew Pie.
Irresistible Salted Caramel Cashew Pie for Sweet Moments
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate, crimping or scalloping the edges.
- Whisk together caramel sauce, eggs, granulated sugar, corn syrup, and sea salt in a large bowl.
- Add melted butter and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Fold in the roasted cashews gently.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared crust.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool the pie completely before slicing.
- Optional: Dust with a sprinkle of sea salt on top.