How to Make Crack Pie: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Most Addictive Dessert

Crack pie, also known as caramel pie or sometimes even sex in a pan (yes, it’s that good!), is a truly indulgent dessert with a wonderfully descriptive name. This rich and decadent pie boasts a buttery, graham cracker crust filled with a gooey, caramel-like filling that’s both crispy and chewy in all the right ways.

The origin of the name “crack pie” is actually quite interesting. It was supposedly coined at a bake sale in the 1980s due to its addictive nature, and the name stuck! While I can’t promise you won’t be craving more after a single slice, I can assure you that making it at home is easier than you might think. Let’s get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Tools of the Trade

• 9-inch pie plate
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Let’s Make Crack Pie!

Making the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In your medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and salt.
3. Pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
4. Press the mixture into an even layer on the bottom and up the sides of your pie plate.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown. Set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

Creating the Irresistibly Gooey Filling:

1. In your large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, heavy cream, melted butter, and corn syrup.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.

Assembling and Baking the Pie:

1. Pour the filling into the cooled pie crust.
2. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set around the edges and slightly jiggly in the center. The center will continue to set as it cools.

Crack Pie Baking

Cooling and Chilling:

1. Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack. This is crucial to allow the filling to fully set.
2. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This will give you those perfect, irresistible crackly bits on top.

Slice of Crack Pie

Tips and Tricks for Crack Pie Perfection:

• Blind baking the crust is optional, but it does help prevent a soggy bottom. If you choose to blind bake, simply prick the bottom of the crust with a fork, line it with parchment paper, and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
• Don’t overbake the pie! The filling should still be slightly jiggly in the center when you take it out of the oven. It will continue to set as it cools.
• For a fun twist, try adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the pie before baking.

FAQs about Crack Pie:

Q: Can I freeze crack pie?

A: Yes, you can freeze crack pie for up to 2 months. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Q: My crack pie cracked a lot on top. Is that okay?

A: Absolutely! Cracking is normal for this type of pie. It’s actually what gives the pie its signature crackled appearance and addictive texture.

Q: What can I serve with crack pie?

A: Crack pie is rich and decadent on its own, but it’s even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Time to Get Baking!

So there you have it—a complete guide to making your own irresistible crack pie. Now that you’re armed with the knowledge and the recipe, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get baking! I’m confident that this pie will become a new family favorite. Don’t forget to share your baking triumphs (and perhaps even mishaps—we’ve all been there!) in the comments below. Happy baking!

P.S. If you’re looking to expand your baking repertoire, check out our recipes for other delectable desserts like meringue, princess cake, chocolate sandwich cookies, anise drops, and biscuit roulade. Happy baking!