Ambrosia Pie With a Coconut Crust

🥧🥥 Ambrosia Pie with a Coconut Crust 🥥🥧

Ambrosia Pie with a Coconut Crust is a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of a classic ambrosia salad with a sweet and crunchy coconut crust. It’s a heavenly treat perfect for any occasion! Here’s everything you need to know:

📜 History: The history of Ambrosia Salad, the inspiration for this pie, can be traced back to the late 19th century in the United States. Ambrosia traditionally consisted of fresh fruits like oranges, pineapple, and coconut, often mixed with marshmallows and sweetened whipped cream. The idea of turning this classic salad into a pie likely came about as a creative twist on the original dish.

🧁 Components:

• Coconut Crust: Made from shredded coconut, butter, sugar, and a touch of flour, the coconut crust provides a sweet and slightly crispy base for the pie.
• Filling: The filling typically consists of a creamy mixture made from cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and various flavorings like vanilla extract.
• Fruit: Ambrosia wouldn’t be complete without fruit! Common additions include mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, maraschino cherries, and shredded coconut.
• Toppings: Some variations include a garnish of more shredded coconut and whipped cream, along with additional maraschino cherries.

👩‍🍳 Steps to Prepare:

For the Coconut Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix 1.5 cups of shredded coconut, 1/4 cup of melted butter, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of flour.
3. Press this mixture into a pie pan, covering the bottom and sides.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown. Allow it to cool.

For the Filling:

1. In another bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add 14 oz of sweetened condensed milk and continue to beat until well combined.
3. Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
4. Gently fold in the fruit, typically 1 cup of mandarin oranges, 1 cup of pineapple chunks, and 1/2 cup of maraschino cherries.
5. Pour the filling into the cooled coconut crust.

For the Toppings:

1. You can sprinkle extra shredded coconut on top for added texture.
2. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow it to set.
3. Before serving, add a dollop of whipped cream and a few maraschino cherries for a decorative touch.

⏰ Preparation Time: The preparation time for Ambrosia Pie with a Coconut Crust typically ranges from 20-30 minutes, excluding the chilling time in the refrigerator, which takes a few hours.

This delightful dessert is a perfect combination of creamy, fruity, and coconutty goodness, making it a crowd-pleaser for any gathering. Enjoy! 🥧🍊🍍🥥🍒😊

Certainly! Here’s some nutrition and health information for Ambrosia Pie with a Coconut Crust:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Total Fat: 20-25g
  • Saturated Fat: 13-15g
• Cholesterol: 30-40mg
• Sodium: 150-200mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 28-35g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1-2g
  • Sugars: 25-30g
• Protein: 4-5g

Health Information:

1. Caloric Content: Ambrosia Pie is a sweet and indulgent dessert, so it is relatively high in calories. Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid excessive calorie intake.

2. Total Fat: The pie contains a significant amount of saturated fat due to ingredients like cream cheese and butter. Saturated fats should be consumed in moderation as they can raise cholesterol levels.

3. Sugar: The sweetened condensed milk and added sugars contribute to the high sugar content. Excess sugar intake can lead to weight gain and other health issues, so enjoy this dessert in moderation.

4. Protein: While not a significant source of protein, this dessert does provide a small amount.

5. Fiber: Ambrosia Pie is not a significant source of dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health. Consider adding fiber-rich foods to your diet to balance this.

6. Cholesterol and Sodium: The cholesterol and sodium content is moderate but can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used. Individuals with specific dietary restrictions may need to adjust the recipe accordingly.

7. Fruit Benefits: The fruit in Ambrosia Pie provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, the health benefits may be offset by the added sugars and fats.

8. Portion Control: To enjoy this dessert while managing your health, consider smaller portions or making ingredient substitutions for a lighter version.

Remember, while Ambrosia Pie is delicious, it should be enjoyed as an occasional treat due to its high sugar and saturated fat content. It’s important to maintain a balanced diet with a variety of nutrient-rich foods for overall health.