Let’s Talk About This Pie (Trust Me, You’re Going to Love It)
Oh, you guys. This Pumpkin Pecan Caramel Pie is everything you didn’t know you needed. Imagine a buttery, flaky pie crust that cradles a spiced, velvety pumpkin filling, topped with crunchy, toasted pecans and drizzled with rich caramel sauce. Each bite is a little piece of dessert heaven, balancing the warm, earthy flavors of pumpkin with the sweet, nutty crunch of pecans and that gooey caramel goodness.
Whether you’re baking this beauty for the holidays, a special occasion, or just because you’re craving something seriously indulgent, this pie is sure to impress. It’s got all the cozy fall flavors wrapped up in one perfect dessert. If you love pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and caramel anything (who doesn’t?), then this is the recipe for you.
Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Pecan Caramel Pie
This pie isn’t just about satisfying your sweet tooth—it’s about creating moments of joy and warmth. Let’s break down why you’ll fall head over heels for it:
Comforting Flavors: The combination of pumpkin and pecans is classic and cozy, but the addition of rich caramel takes it to a whole new level. It’s a dessert that feels like a hug from the inside.
Impressive Yet Simple: Don’t let the multiple layers fool you—this pie comes together fairly easily and looks absolutely stunning when you present it. You’ll be getting compliments left and right, and you won’t have to spend all day in the kitchen.
Perfect for Fall and Beyond: While it’s the perfect treat for fall gatherings (hello, Thanksgiving), this pie is so delicious that you’ll want to make it all year round.
Balance of Textures: Creamy, crunchy, gooey—all in one bite! The contrast between the smooth pumpkin filling, the crispy pecans, and the sweet caramel sauce is perfection.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

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Ingredients in Pumpkin Pecan Caramel Pie
This pie comes together beautifully with just a few simple ingredients, and trust me, you’ll want to savor each and every one.
Pie Crust
You can go with a store-bought crust for convenience, but if you have the time, a homemade buttery pie crust makes a huge difference. It’s flaky, tender, and the perfect base for all the delicious layers.
Pumpkin Puree
The heart of this pie. You’ll need good-quality pumpkin puree for that rich, smooth texture and earthy flavor. Fresh or canned, as long as it’s pure pumpkin—no sweetened stuff!
Eggs
These help give the pie its lovely, smooth texture and set the filling perfectly.
Brown Sugar
Adds sweetness and depth to the pumpkin filling. The molasses in brown sugar gives the pie that rich, comforting taste.
Spices
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger bring all the warm fall vibes to this pie. These spices really bring out the pumpkin flavor and give it that cozy, “I’m home” taste.
Heavy Cream
For a silky, decadent filling. This ingredient helps make the pumpkin custard rich and smooth.
Pecan Topping
Toasted pecans add crunch and a little nuttiness. They pair so beautifully with the pumpkin filling and caramel sauce.
Caramel Sauce
The star of the show, this caramel sauce is sticky, sweet, and just the right amount of indulgent. You can use store-bought or make your own—it’s up to you!
Instructions
Ready to bake this beauty? Here’s how to make it step by step:
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the pie bakes evenly and that golden crust forms just right.
Prepare the Crust
If you’re using a store-bought crust, simply unroll it and fit it into your pie pan. If you’re making a homemade crust, roll it out and place it in the pan, crimping the edges to make it pretty. Set it aside.
Make the Pumpkin Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and heavy cream. The mixture should be smooth and well-combined. Pour it into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
Bake the Pie
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the center is slightly firm to the touch. You might want to cover the edges of the crust with foil to prevent them from burning.
Toast the Pecans
While the pie is baking, toast the pecans. Just place them in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re fragrant and lightly browned. Set them aside.
Add the Caramel Sauce
Once the pie is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 30 minutes. Once it’s cooled a bit, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the pie. Feel free to go wild with it—there’s no such thing as too much caramel here!
Add the Toasted Pecans
Top the pie with the toasted pecans, gently pressing them into the caramel sauce so they stick. You can also drizzle a little extra caramel over the nuts for good measure.
Let It Set
Allow the pie to cool completely before serving. This will help the filling set properly, and trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve it up with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling extra. This pie is a showstopper that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Nutrition Facts
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Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
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Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Pumpkin Pecan Caramel Pie
This pie is rich and decadent, so it pairs wonderfully with lighter sides or a warm drink. Here are a few suggestions for serving:
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream balances out the richness of the pie beautifully.
- Ice Cream: Vanilla, cinnamon, or even salted caramel ice cream would be an amazing complement.
- Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Pair it with a warm beverage for the ultimate cozy dessert experience.
- Fresh Fruit: A side of tangy cranberry sauce or some sliced apples can add a lovely contrast to the sweet pie.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: This pie can be made a day ahead—just store it in the fridge after it’s cooled and drizzle the caramel on right before serving.
- Make Your Own Caramel: If you’re feeling adventurous, make your own caramel sauce from scratch. It’s easier than you think and adds that special homemade touch.
- Storage Tips: Keep leftover pie in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
- Double the Batch: This pie freezes beautifully, so make two while you’re at it!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?
A1: Absolutely! Walnuts work just as well if you prefer them or if they’re what you have on hand.
Q2: Can I make this pie without caramel?
A2: Sure! It will still be delicious, but the caramel adds that irresistible extra sweetness and depth of flavor.
Q3: Can I make this pie gluten-free?
A3: Yes! Just use a gluten-free pie crust, and you’re good to go.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you’ve added caramel, it might firm up a bit, but you can gently warm the pie before serving.
Q5: Can I freeze this pie?
A5: Yes! Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Q6: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
A6: Definitely! Just roast or steam fresh pumpkin, then puree it for a homemade twist on the classic.
Q7: Can I make this ahead of time?
A7: Yes! This pie can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and drizzle with caramel right before serving.
Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Yes! If you want to make two pies, just double everything and divide it between two pie crusts.
Conclusion
And there you have it—Pumpkin Pecan Caramel Pie, the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and indulgent sweetness. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or just treating yourself to something extraordinary, this pie is sure to be a hit. Get ready for a dessert that everyone will rave about!
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Pumpkin Pecan Caramel Pie
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (including cooling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pumpkin Pecan Caramel Pie is a decadent dessert that marries the smooth, spiced pumpkin filling with a crunchy, nutty pecan topping and a luscious caramel glaze. It’s a perfect blend of autumn flavors that’s sure to be a showstopper at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a pie dish with the pie crust and press gently into the bottom and sides. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture into the partially baked pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the pie cool completely at room temperature.
- While the pie cools, make the caramel topping. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture starts to bubble.
- Add the heavy cream and stir continuously until the caramel thickens slightly (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Let the caramel cool for a few minutes.
- Once the pie has cooled, pour the caramel sauce over the top, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the chopped pecans on top of the caramel, pressing them gently into the sauce.
- Chill the pie in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the caramel to set. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pie crust or make a homemade almond flour crust.
- If you prefer a firmer pie, add 1 tbsp of cornstarch to the filling mixture to help thicken it further.
- The pie can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For an extra touch, serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg