If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as unforgettable as it is indulgent, the Milk Bar Crack Pie is the ultimate treat. Originally crafted by Christina Tosi at Momofuku Milk Bar in New York City, this pie has gained cult-status for its irresistibly rich, buttery filling nestled inside a chewy oat cookie crust. Every bite is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and gooey decadence that will keep you coming back for more.
And hey, before you dive into this dangerously delicious recipe—make sure to “pin this moment to your dessert dreams” and save this pin for recipe later, because once you taste it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
What makes Crack Pie so addictive is its unique blend of humble pantry ingredients—brown sugar, butter, cream, and eggs—that transform into something extraordinary through a simple baking process. It’s not just pie; it’s an experience, with a texture somewhere between a caramel custard and a gooey butter cake.
Whether you’re serving it for a holiday dinner, a special celebration, or just a weekend indulgence, this pie is guaranteed to steal the spotlight and earn rave reviews from everyone lucky enough to grab a slice.
Milk Bar’s iconic Crack Pie is a rich, indulgent dessert created by pastry chef Christina Tosi.
This legendary pie features a buttery oat cookie crust filled with a gooey, caramel-like filling made from sugar, butter, cream, and egg yolks. Baked until golden and slightly jiggly, it’s dusted generously with powdered sugar for a signature finish.
Sweet, salty, and irresistibly addictive, the pie lives up to its name with a flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
Perfect for special occasions, holidays, or a decadent weekend treat, Crack Pie embodies the whimsical, over-the-top creativity of Milk Bar’s dessert philosophy.
The foundation of this pie begins not with a standard pie crust, but with a chewy oat cookie that will later be crumbled into a crust. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add in the egg yolk and beat until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until combined. Spread the dough onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet in a thin, even layer (about ¼-inch thick). Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow it to cool completely before moving to the next step.
Once the oat cookie has cooled, crumble it into fine pieces and transfer to a bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of softened butter and 1 ½ tablespoons of brown sugar. Mix until the mixture holds together like a moist crumb crust.
Press it firmly into a 9-inch pie dish, covering the bottom and sides evenly. This crust should feel rustic yet sturdy enough to hold the luscious filling.
Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and milk powder until well combined. Stir in the melted butter, followed by the heavy cream and vanilla.
Finally, whisk in the egg yolks, ensuring you don’t incorporate too much air. The mixture should be smooth, glossy, and golden in color.
Pour the filling into the prepared crust. Place the pie dish onto a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and transfer to the oven. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 300°F (150°C) and continue baking for an additional 25–30 minutes. The pie should be set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center when gently shaken.
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely. For best results, chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 2–3 hours or overnight before serving. This resting time helps the filling firm up and makes slicing cleaner.
Before serving, dust the top of the pie generously with powdered sugar to give it that signature snowy finish. Slice into thin wedges—this pie is incredibly rich, so smaller portions are usually best.Servings 8
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Milk Bar Crack Pie, now officially renamed Milk Bar Pie, is one of the most iconic desserts created by Christina Tosi of Milk Bar in New York. Known for its buttery oat cookie crust and its rich, gooey, custard-like filling, this pie is intensely sweet, decadent, and unforgettable.
While the recipe has a few steps, it’s completely doable at home with the right guidance. Below are some essential tips for baking success, along with clever serving tricks to make your pie even more impressive.
This pie keeps well in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped, for up to five days. It can also be frozen for up to a month; simply thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
What makes Milk Bar Crack Pie so unforgettable is the contrast of textures and flavors. The oat cookie crust is rustic, nutty, and slightly chewy, while the filling is silky, buttery, and deeply sweet. Together, they create a dessert that’s both nostalgic and innovative. Every bite delivers a comforting richness with just the right hint of salt to balance the sweetness.
It’s a pie that demands attention and lingers in your memory long after the last crumb is gone. Whether you serve it at a holiday gathering, special dinner, or as a treat for yourself, this dessert embodies indulgence at its finest.
Making Milk Bar Crack Pie at home might seem like a labor of love, but each step is worth it. The process of baking the oat cookie, transforming it into a crust, and then filling it with a custard so decadent it borders on addictive is truly rewarding. If you’ve ever wanted to bring a slice of New York’s Milk Bar into your kitchen, this recipe is the way to do it.
Milk Bar Pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. The contrast between the chewy oat cookie crust and the silky, gooey filling creates something both nostalgic and gourmet.
By following careful baking steps and using thoughtful serving tricks, you can transform this indulgent pie into a showstopping centerpiece for gatherings or an unforgettable sweet treat for yourself. Just remember—small slices, lots of sharing, and maybe a cup of strong coffee to balance the sweetness!
One bite and you’ll understand why this dessert became a phenomenon. Rich, sweet, and undeniably delicious, this pie isn’t just a treat—it’s an experience.
