The crisp autumn breeze brings the scent of warm spices and buttery pastry into the kitchen. It’s pumpkin’s turn to shine, and the Milk Bar Pumpkin Pie is a seasonal gem. Christina Tosi’s creation combines rich pumpkin, decadent salted caramel, and white chocolate ganache in a flaky crust.
Looking for a special pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving or just a fall treat? This guide will help you make the Milk Bar Pumpkin Pie at home. Get ready to enjoy the layers of flavors and textures that make this pie a crowd-pleaser.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Milk Bar’s Famous Pumpkin Creation
Milk Bar, a famous dessert spot, was started by chef Christina Tosi in 2008. It’s known for its creative and tasty treats. The Milk Bar Pumpkin Pie is a modern take on the classic pumpkin pie.
This pie has a buttery oat cookie crust. It’s crumbly and rich, making it perfect with the filling.
The Story Behind Hilly’s Viral Pumpkin Caramel Pie
Hilly O’Hanlon, a chef at Milk Bar’s Brooklyn spot, made the Milk Bar Pumpkin Pie. It’s also known as Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie. This pie became famous for its unique flavors.
It has a homemade salted caramel layer, creamy white chocolate pumpkin ganache, and a crunchy streusel topping. Its mix of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors made it a hit.
What Makes This Pie Different from Traditional Recipes
The Milk Bar Pumpkin Pie is different from traditional pumpkin pies. It has a unique oat cookie crust and a tangy cream cheese filling. This makes it creamier than usual.
The pie also has a lot of sugar, adding to its rich taste. These special ingredients and methods make it a standout dessert for Thanksgiving.
Essential Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make the signature Milk Bar Pumpkin Pie, you need special ingredients and tools. The pie is unique because of pumpkin purée, white chocolate, and a special pie crust with cornmeal.
First, let’s look at the key ingredients:
- 1 can (14 ounces) of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 3/4 cups of canned pumpkin purée
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1/2 cup of white sugar
- 3/4 cup of heavy cream
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup of corn syrup
- 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup of chopped white chocolate
You’ll also need a 9-inch pie tin, mixing bowls, a saucepan for caramel, and baking sheets. These tools will help you make the ultimate Milk Bar Pumpkin Pie.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sweetened Condensed Milk | 1 can (14 oz) |
| Pumpkin Purée | 1 3/4 cups |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Salt | 3/4 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ginger | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Nutmeg | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cloves | 1/8 teaspoon |
| White Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Heavy Cream | 3/4 cup |
| Unsalted Butter | 1/4 cup |
| Corn Syrup | 1/4 cup |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1 1/4 cups |
| Cornmeal | 1/4 cup |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| White Chocolate | 1 cup, chopped |
Also, you’ll need:
- 9-inch pie tin
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan (for caramel)
- Baking sheets (for roasting pumpkin and streusel)
With these ingredients and tools, you can make the signature Milk Bar Pumpkin Pie at home.
Preparing the Signature Salted Caramel Base
The salted caramel base is the heart of the Milk Bar Pumpkin Pie. It brings a deep, indulgent flavor to the pumpkin filling. Making perfect caramel takes patience and care, but it’s worth it.
Tips for Perfect Caramel Consistency
Getting the right caramel consistency is key. Here are some tips to help you:
- Use a wet pastry brush to stop crystals from forming around the pan’s edges as it cooks.
- Take the pan off the heat when you see smoke. This means the caramel is getting too dark.
- Slowly add butter and cream to make a smooth, shiny caramel base.
Troubleshooting Common Caramel Issues
Don’t worry if you face caramel problems. Here are solutions for common issues:
- Crystallized caramel: This can happen if sugar cooks too fast or if the pan has moisture. Stir gently to cook evenly.
- Burnt caramel: If caramel starts smoking or turns dark amber, it’s too cooked. Start over.
- Grainy caramel: Grainy texture means sugar wasn’t cooked enough. Keep cooking, stirring constantly, until it’s smooth.
Perfect salted caramel comes from patience and careful attention. With practice, you’ll get the rich, velvety base that makes the Milk Bar Pumpkin Pie special.
Crafting the Perfect Cornmeal Pie Crust
Creating the Milk Bar pumpkin pie starts with a homemade cornmeal pie crust. This crust is a twist on the traditional flaky crust. It adds a delightful texture and subtle sweetness that complements the pumpkin filling.
To make the perfect cornmeal pie crust, you need a few ingredients. You’ll need all-purpose flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, and cold unsalted butter. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Then, cut in the cold butter until it looks like coarse crumbs.
Slowly add ice water and apple cider vinegar. Mix until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and chill it for 30 minutes. This step relaxes the gluten, making the dough easier to roll out.
Roll the dough out to a 12-inch circle. Carefully place it in a 9-inch pie plate. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges. Freeze the crust for 15 minutes before baking.
Bake the crust at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, until it’s golden brown. This step ensures a flaky, sturdy base for the pumpkin filling. With this homemade cornmeal crust, you’re on your way to making the perfect Milk Bar pumpkin pie.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Cornmeal | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter, cold | 12 tablespoons |
| Ice water | 2-4 tablespoons |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
“The cornmeal pie crust adds a delightful crunch and sweetness that perfectly complements the rich pumpkin filling in Milk Bar’s signature dessert.”
Milk Bar Pumpkin Pie Recipe: The Complete Guide
Discover the secrets of Milk Bar’s famous pumpkin pie with this guide. We’ll cover everything from ingredient measurements to mixing steps. You’ll learn how to make this dessert that will wow your guests.
Ingredient Measurements and Proportions
The secret to a great Milk Bar pumpkin pie is the right mix of ingredients. Here’s what you need:
- Pumpkin Purée: 1 can (15 oz)
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: 1 cup
- Eggs: 3 large eggs, 1 large egg yolk
- Spices: 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ginger, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp cloves
- Salted Caramel Layer: 1/2 cup
- White Chocolate Pumpkin Ganache: 1 cup
Step-by-Step Mixing Instructions
Here’s how to make the perfect Milk Bar pumpkin pie:
- First, make the salted caramel base as the recipe says.
- Then, mix the pumpkin purée, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and spices until smooth.
- Next, pour the pumpkin mix into a pie crust and smooth it out.
- Now, add the salted caramel on top, letting it mix with the pumpkin.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, until it’s set.
- Let it cool, then chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Finally, top it with white chocolate pumpkin ganache and any garnishes you like.
Stick to these steps for the best pie. Enjoy your homemade Milk Bar pumpkin pie!
Roasting and Preparing the Pumpkin Purée
Make your Milk Bar Pumpkin Pie even better by roasting the pumpkin purée. This simple step makes the pumpkin sweeter and more flavorful. It adds a unique twist to the classic dessert.
Start by heating your oven to 325°F. Cut a sugar pumpkin in half, remove the seeds, and put the halves face-down on a baking sheet. Roast the pumpkin for 20-30 minutes, until it’s darker and has shrunk to about 2 cups of purée.
After the pumpkin cools, scoop its flesh into a food processor or blender. Blend until it’s smooth and creamy. This concentrated pumpkin purée will make your Milk Bar Pumpkin Pie filling incredibly rich.
| Roasting Time | Pumpkin Purée Yield | Flavor Intensity |
|---|---|---|
| 20-30 minutes | Approximately 2 cups | Deeply rich and concentrated |
Now, you have your flavorful roasted pumpkin purée. Mix it with homemade white chocolate ganache for a decadent filling. Enjoy the perfect mix of roasted pumpkin flavor and creamy texture in every bite.
“The key to a truly exceptional pumpkin pie is all in the preparation of the pumpkin purée. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness and depth of flavor that no other cooking method can match.”
Creating the White Chocolate Pumpkin Ganache
The heart of Milk Bar’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie is its white chocolate pumpkin ganache. This filling is what makes the pie special. To make it, you need to balance temperature and mixing skills.
Temperature Control Tips
When making the ganache, controlling the temperature is key. Start by heating heavy cream, corn syrup, and butter in a saucepan until it boils gently. Then, remove it from the heat and pour it over white chocolate pieces.
Let the chocolate sit for a minute. Then, blend the mixture with an immersion blender until it’s silky and creamy.
Achieving the Perfect Smooth Texture
For a smooth texture in the pumpkin ganache, blending is crucial. Make sure to mix in roasted pumpkin purée and warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg well. This ensures a uniform and velvety filling.
With careful temperature control and blending, you can turn simple ingredients into a white chocolate pumpkin ganache. This will take your Milk Bar Pumpkin Caramel Pie to the next level.
Assembling the Layered Components
Making a perfect layered dessert needs precision and care. For your Milk Bar Pumpkin Pie, layering in a certain order is crucial. This ensures the right texture and taste.
Start by spreading the salted caramel evenly in the pie crust. Then, layer the white chocolate pumpkin ganache on top. Use a spatula to smooth it out. This creamy layer adds a rich contrast to the caramel.
Next, add a layer of whipped cream to lighten the pie. This step makes the pie look beautiful. Finally, sprinkle the streusel topping over the cream. The crunchy topping adds a nice contrast to the soft layers.
After assembling, chill the pie in the fridge for at least 8 hours. Or, even better, let it rest overnight. This allows the flavors to blend and the textures to set perfectly.
| Layer | Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Salted Caramel | 1 cup |
| Middle | White Chocolate Pumpkin Ganache | 2 cups |
| Top | Freshly Whipped Cream | 1 cup |
| Topping | Homemade Streusel | 1/2 cup |
The secret to a great pie assembly is in the layering. With patience and attention, your Milk Bar Pumpkin Pie will wow everyone.
Making the Signature Streusel Topping
No Milk Bar pumpkin pie is not complete without its signature streusel topping. This topping adds a crunchy texture that contrasts with the creamy filling. To make the perfect streusel, you need a few ingredients that bring fall flavors.
Begin by mixing flour, brown sugar, and old-fashioned oats in a bowl. These ingredients form the base of the streusel. Then, add cold unsalted butter, cinnamon, cardamom, and a bit of salt. Rub the butter into the dry mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. Don’t overmix to keep the crunchy topping texture.
When the streusel topping is ready, spread it over the whipped cream layer of your pie. This adds a crunchy texture and a warm spice flavor. Chill the pie for at least 2 hours to set the topping before serving.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Old-fashioned oats | 1/2 cup |
| Unsalted butter, cold and cubed | 1/2 cup |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cardamom | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
The oat topping is the perfect finish for your Milk Bar pumpkin pie. It adds a delightful crunch and a cozy autumn flavor. Enjoy this unique twist on a classic dessert!
Professional Tips for Storage and Serving
Enjoying the Milk Bar Pumpkin Pie to the fullest means knowing how to store and serve it. Here are some expert tips to help you enjoy this dessert to the max.
Temperature Guidelines
Chill the pie for at least 8 hours or overnight for the best taste and texture. This lets the flavors mix well. Serve it chilled, with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a fancy look.
Make-Ahead Instructions
The Milk Bar Pumpkin Pie is perfect for making ahead. Prepare the caramel, crust, and pumpkin ganache separately before assembling. This saves time and lets the flavors get richer.
- The streusel topping can be made up to a week ahead and stored at room temperature in an airtight container.
- The caramel and pumpkin ganache can be prepared a few days in advance and refrigerated until ready to assemble.
- The pie crust can be blind-baked and stored at room temperature until needed.
- Assemble the pie no more than 24 hours before serving for best results.
Follow these tips for the best pie storage, serving temperature, and make-ahead experience. Impress your guests with this unique and tasty pumpkin pie!
Time-Saving Shortcuts and Variations
Making the iconic Milk Bar pumpkin pie is rewarding, but it can be time-consuming. You can use store-bought caramel or a pre-made pie crust to save time. This way, you can still enjoy the pie’s flavor and texture without the long prep time.
Want to put your own twist on the Milk Bar pumpkin pie? Try adding more cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg for extra spice. Adding chopped nuts to the streusel topping gives a nice crunch. For a creamy touch, mix in maple syrup or vanilla extract into the whipped cream.
These shortcuts and variations let you make a quick pumpkin pie that’s both tasty and unique. It’s perfect for satisfying your cravings or impressing your guests.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Honey Graham Cracker Crumbs | 6 oz |
| Pumpkin Puree (Libby’s Brand) | 2 cups |
| Sweetened Condensed Milk | 14 oz |
| Eggs (at room temperature) | 3 |
| Heavy Cream | 1/2 cup |
| Cinnamon, Ginger, Allspice, Cloves, Nutmeg | Various Amounts |
| Powdered Sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Maple Syrup | 1 tablespoon |
By using these shortcuts and variations, you can make a quick pumpkin pie that’s just as good as the original. Whether you use pre-made parts or try new spice mixes, your pie will be a hit with everyone.
“The Milk Bar pumpkin pie is a true showstopper, but with these time-saving tips, you can recreate the magic in your own kitchen without the fuss.”
Conclusion
The Milk Bar Pumpkin Pie is a standout dessert for Thanksgiving. It combines the creamy taste of pumpkin with a crunchy crust. This mix creates a perfect balance of old and new flavors.
Whether you’re having a big gathering or just want to enjoy a fall treat, this pie will wow everyone. It’s filled with warm spices, rich pumpkin ganache, and you can add your favorite toppings. This thanksgiving dessert is a gourmet treat that really captures the holiday spirit.
By using the Milk Bar recipe, you can make this beloved pie at home. It will become a special part of your Thanksgiving celebrations for many years.
