Cooked Can Pie (aka O'Charley's Caramel Pie)

Right now, I feel like I am holding a golden ticket. I have a recipe for a dessert that is just as delicious as it is easy to make. And today is your lucky day, because I have decided to share it with each of you. I came across this recipe during the summer when and a friend and I were told about this amazing carmel pie that you can order at O'Charleys. After slowly enjoying the piece of O'Charley's Caramel Pie, we were both astonished to learn how easy the pie was to make at home.


Let's begin with our cast of characters. Ladies and gentlemen, this recipe only includes 4 ingredients, yes, I said 4 ingredients. 1 Graham Cracker Pie Crust. (Of course, if you are feeling domestic, you can make a homemade crust - I on the other hand am a new Graduate student, and don't have the time) 1 bag of Chocolate Chips. (Mini, Regular, Milk, Semi-sweet, the decision is all yours - whatever floats your boat.) Milk Chocolate floats mine. 1 container of Whipped Cream.

Now, the star of the show - Sweetened Condensed Milk. You will need 2 cans of this happiness in a can.

Let's begin. Take your 2 cans of Sweetened Condensed Milk and put them in a large pot. Add cold water to the pot until the cans are completely covered underwater. Slowly bring the pot to a rolling boil. Once the pot begins to boil, keep the boil rolling and cover the pot. Let the cans continue to boil for 3 hours. Yes, I said 3 hours. Hey, I said this recipe was easy, not quick. Soon after the cans begin to boil, the labels from the can will come off, just use some kitchen tongs and remove them from the boiling water.

VERY IMPORTANT: During the boiling process, water will quickly evaporate from the pot, be sure and add water during the process so that the cans are always covered. (I had to add water 3 times) Now, go find something to do while your sweetened condensed milk is turing into the most creamy, decadent and rich caramel sauce you have ever tasted. I was able to clean my house, do some laundry and hang some pictures, (You will learn more about the pictures I hung later this week.) while my milk was transforming into caramel.


Once the cans have cooked for 3 hours, turn the stove off and let the cans begin to cool down. I left mine in the same pot filled with the water for about two hours. Once the caramel has had time to cool down, and only when it has cooled down, you may open the cans. 


VERY IMPORTANT: If you open the cans before they have cooled, you will be cleaning carmel off of your ceiling for the next week. BE PATIENT!


Trust me, it is worth the wait! 

Pour each can of  caramel into the pie crust; spread until it evenly coats the crust.

Top the caramel with the tub of cool whip and add your chocolate chips. (Side note - you can also add nuts, coconut, whatever you fancy to the top of your pie.) Me? I am simple, just like this pie, and I only wanted chocolate chips on mine. 

Now, sit back, relax and enjoy your pie. You can wait until after you finish eating the pie to send me a thank you letter, as I already know how much you value our friendship and how you are so lucky to have someone in your life that is like me. 

Your welcome.