I have no idea what to call this pie. Other than life-changing, that is.
The idea of making a pie crust used to terrify me. I knew that it involved a food processor, which I owned, but couldn’t put together. Seriously. The directions were so confusing. But then, I found a way around it for an easy crust you can make in a bowl. More details on that later.
By the way, I know how to use my food processor now. But whatever. What makes this pie so amazing is peanut butter caramel. Salted peanut butter caramel. Yes, that exists. And it’s easy to make!
What was life like before people knew about salted caramel? Or sushi? Or cake pops that you put in the freezer and eat when they’re super cold?
I really, really have a thing for the freezer. Some people put baked goods into the freezer as a deterrent. Not me. I put baked goods in the freezer, wait a couple of hours, and then start gnawing away. Frozen cheesecake is the best. Frozen brownies are even fudgier than those at room temp. Now that it’s getting hot out, everything I bake (except cookies or giveaway treats) goes straight into the freezer. I strongly encourage you to give it a shot!
If you’ve decided that I’m crazy at this point, I’m okay with that. Liking things a certain way is my right, and if you care to judge, go right ahead. I won’t say anything to you if you’re wearing flats, though I might judge you privately. How do people wear flats? I would like to, in theory. They just make my calves look huge. And my legs look shorter. And maybe I just have a high arch, because heels are more comfy cozy.
If there’s one thing we can agree on, I hope, it’s that pie crust should be easy to make. The recipe below uses melted butter instead of cubed cold butter, which is more standard. This crust can be made in a bowl in less than five minutes, and if you aren’t into the chocolate flavor, just omit the cocoa. I hope this cures you of your pie crust fears forever. Amen.
Now, I had to make this pie crust chocolate to accommodate the happiness that comes next. The first layer of filling is a very simple, thick ganache. It looks almost like a brownie, doesn’t it? But nope, it’s ganache, made purposely on the heavier side to give the pie more heft.
Layered on top is my favorite part: salted peanut butter caramel. This stuff is so simple to make that it’s almost not a recipe. Ready? You take one cup of peanut butter and melt it with a can of SCM (that’s sweetened condensed milk for you laypeople out there) until it’s smooth. Donesies! And then I sprinkle coarse sea salt on top.
All of this comes together, gets chilled in the fridge, and you’re done. And for all this effort (i.e., almost none at all), you get some seriously impressive pie. Might I say, brilliant pie. And if you want to eat it all right away, great. But if not, freeze it! I’m telling you, people. Wave of the future!
Ingredients
Instructions
You know what food bloggers hate the most? Not recipe epic fails, though that is certainly near the top of my list. Not a lack of inspiration. Not the sinking realization that even though you made an amazing cake, someone needs it as a gift so you can’t take photos of individual slices.
Nope. The rain.
Confession: when it comes to bread dough, I’m a total hack.
It has nothing to do with a fear of yeast, which has never really bothered me. It’s pretty easy to use, unless the yeast is dead. And that doesn’t happen very often. No, it’s more about the ultimate convenience and endless wonder of a bread machine. Why work on the dough myself when there’s a lovely machine sitting on my counter that can do all the heavy lifting for me?
Now, now, bread enthusiasts. Back off. I’m sure that my machine can’t do the wonderful things you can do, but it sure can make some cinnamon rolls lickety-split. I made these (and they’re dairy-free, too!) the night of our big snowstorm, and they made a perfect breakfast to wake up to.
Welcome back to Thanksgiving Pie Week on Just About Baked! I’ve been having way too much fun with this, everyone. I’m getting my pastry chef alter ego out and dusting her off!
Today’s pie is really a tart, and I’m feeling rather European because it’s a Linzer tart. Translation: it’s got an almond base and there’s raspberry involved. I also worked in some dark chocolate for good measure. Can’t hurt, right?
Mir – I love everything about this pie. Peanut butter with caramel is such a dangerous combination! I don’t think that this would last very long in my house. :p
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg recently posted…Cherry Almond Smoothie
It’s at my office as we speak, Erin! I cannot keep this baby at home!
Whoa! That ganache totally looks like a brownie! Salted caramel peanut butter = brilliant! I’m not so sure I can get on board with heels being comfy cozy, but I’m all in for this pie! 🙂
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks recently posted…Roasted Beet, Orange, and Fennel Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Well, I do love my fuzzy slippers, Rachelle. But during the day, heels all the way. I’m sure I’m doing terrible things! Thanks so much!
Mir, oh my gawd, girl. Salted peanut butter caramel. Yes!!!!! I put baked goods in the freezer, cheesecakes, cakes etc, so I can get a nice sharp clean cut when I slice for photos . . but I’ll have to try the frozen thing. . you may be starting a trend here! 😛 and that layer of salted peanut butter caramel. oh my gawd. perfection! Happy Monday!!!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom recently posted…Gluten Free Blueberry Banana Bread
I do SO want to start a trend, Alice! You know, people will be eating frozen brownies by 2030. Maybe? I hope!
This pie definitely looks life changing, Mir! I’m in love with the caramel and pb combo. And ganache is pretty much the best ever! Such a great dessert!
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Toasted Caprese Garlic Bread
Thanks, Gayle! It changed my life, that I know!
Well, I’m six feet tall, so I love wearing flats haha! And I’ll have to try that whole “put the baked good in the freezer thing”. As of now, I eat it straight out of the oven and put burning chocolate in my mouth because I’m inpatient like that, haha. Great recipe!
Heather – Butter & Burlap recently posted…Mini Orange Muffins with Sweet Brown Sugar Orange Glaze
I’m the total opposite, Heather! I’m weird. Don’t like almost anything right out of the oven. It blocks the taste for me. But I wish I were tall and could wear heels like you!
Gorgeous pie and delicious flavor combination Mir! Love salted caramel! Need to make it for a birthday party this weekend! Pinning !
mira recently posted…Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza – Itallian Summer Grilling With Colavita
Really, Mira? Yay! Let me know how it turns out. And thanks for the pin!
This looks amazing! Peanut butter/chocolate/caramel/salty-sweet? I’m swooning over here. Pinned 🙂
Medha @ Whisk & Shout recently posted…10-Minute Vegan + GF Fried Rice (For One!)
Thanks so much, Medha! It’s all my weaknesses in one pie. Yay!
Yummmmmm!! Peanut butter + caramel = best. combo. ever. I love the hidden layer of chocolate ganache beneath it too – ahhhh this dessert looks like complete heaven!!!!
Harriet Emily recently posted…CHOCOLATE CARAMEL COOKIE SUNDAE
I am in complete agreement, Harriet Emily! That’s my all-time, no exceptions, favorite combo!
I’m sold on anything salted caramel! The combination with PB sounds just fantastic Mir!
Manali @ CookWithManali recently posted…Chunky Arrabbiata Sauce
Thanks, Manali! It’s pretty addictive, I must say…
life changing is RIGHT! salted caramel things have been my obsession lately and with that chocolaty center! wow! looks amazing!
Michele @ Two Raspberries recently posted…Chocolate Brownie Donuts -Vegan -Gluten Free -Soy Free
Thanks, Michele! They’ve always been my obsession. Can’t stop eating it!
I love this pie Mir, it looks so, so fantastic! Peanut butter caramel? That’s a thing? Why haven’t I heard of this!! Also, I don’t understand how you can wear heels, I force myself to occasionally, but really can’t walk in them! 🙂
Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. recently posted…Lemon Roasted Asparagus
It’s a thing! Or at least, I just decided it was. 🙂 I guess we’re all different. Heels are actually more comfy for me. Bizarre, I know…
So much awesomeness in one pie! Seriously! That peanut butter caramel on top is just genius.
Danielle recently posted…Chocolate Chip Greek Yogurt Pancakes
Thanks, Danielle! It’s so easy to make, too!
I am loving how yummy you made this caramel ganache pie look, Mir! Fabulous combination of peanut butter and caramel!
Thanks, Anu! Turns out that PB and caramel are a great combo!
I have a strong feeling that if I were left unattended with this pie I would eat the whole thing in under 2 minutes. It sounds fantastic!
Sam @ SugarSpunRun recently posted…S’mores Cookies
That’s why I brought it to work, Sam!
A melted butter pie crust. That’s genius!! And the filling. OMG!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted…Peanut Butter Ice Cream Topping
It is amazingly easy to make, Dorothy. So I guess food processor fear can work out for the best! Thanks so much!
You said salted caramel and peanut butter…I’m so there! This pie is totally calling my name!
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life recently posted…Salted Caramel Brownie Brittle Ice Cream Cake
This one was calling my name WAY too loudly, Jocelyn. Thus, the need to give it away FAST!
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