Crack Pie Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Crack Pie Recipe: A Sweet, Buttery Indulgence You Can’t Resist

Crack Pie is a dessert that lives up to its intriguing name. This decadent treat, originally popularized by the Milk Bar bakery, is a luscious combination of sweet, salty, and buttery flavors wrapped in a rich, gooey texture. With an oatmeal cookie crust and a custard filling that’s perfectly balanced between caramelized sweetness and creamy smoothness, Crack Pie is the dessert you didn’t know you needed.

While the original recipe might seem intimidating, this step-by-step guide simplifies it so you can recreate this iconic pie at home. Prepare yourself for a dessert so good that one slice is never enough!

What Is Crack Pie?

Crack Pie is a dessert that combines an oatmeal cookie crust with a dense and rich butter-based filling. Its addictive quality comes from the interplay of textures—the crunch of the crust and the creamy smoothness of the filling—and its sweet-and-salty flavor profile. It's perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply indulging your sweet tooth.

Ingredients for Crack Pie

To make this pie, you’ll need two sets of ingredients: one for the oatmeal cookie crust and another for the filling.

For the Oatmeal Cookie Crust:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup light brown sugar
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 large egg
3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons powdered milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Oatmeal Cookie Crust

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and mix until well combined.
Add Dry Ingredients
Stir in the oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
Bake the Oatmeal Cookie
Spread the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, creating a large, even rectangle. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
Crumble the Cookie
Once cooled, break the oatmeal cookie into small crumbs. Place the crumbs in a bowl and mix with 1/4 cup melted butter and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish, creating an even crust. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, powdered milk, and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in the melted butter, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Incorporate Egg Yolks
Add the egg yolks one at a time, whisking gently after each addition. Be careful not to overmix, as this can incorporate too much air into the filling.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Pie

Pour the Filling
Pour the prepared filling into the oatmeal cookie crust, spreading it evenly.
Bake
Place the pie dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven at 350°F for 30 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 325°F and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes. The pie is done when the edges are set, but the center is still slightly jiggly.
Cool Completely
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for about 2 hours. Then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Dust with Powdered Sugar
Before serving, dust the top of the pie with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Slice and Indulge
Cut the pie into small slices—it’s rich, so a little goes a long way. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips for the Perfect Crack Pie

Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since the filling is simple, using good butter, cream, and vanilla makes a big difference.
Chill Thoroughly: The pie needs time to set in the fridge, so don’t skip this step.
Serve Small Portions: Crack Pie is incredibly rich, so small slices are perfect for serving.
Store Properly: Keep the pie refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 1 month.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crack Pie recipe is not only decadent but also surprisingly easy to make. The combination of the crunchy oatmeal cookie crust and the creamy, buttery filling creates a dessert that’s truly unforgettable. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again.

So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to bake a dessert that will steal the show—and your taste buds!