Carrot Pecan Crunch Pie Recipe
This Carrot Pecan Crunch Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the earthy sweetness of carrots with the rich, nutty flavor of pecans, all wrapped up in a flaky pie crust. With its creamy filling, crunchy topping, and aromatic spices, this pie is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, holiday gathering, or just as a sweet treat, this pie is sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into the process of making this mouthwatering dessert!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Carrots | 2 cups (about 2 large carrots) |
| Eggs | 1 ¼ cups |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1 can (14 oz) |
| Pumpkin pie spice | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Brown sugar | 1 cup |
| Butter | ¼ cup (melted) |
| Pecans | 1 cup (chopped) |
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Value | Per Serving (1 slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3896.2 kcal |
| Fat Content | 211.4 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 73.9 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 675.1 mg |
| Sodium Content | 2439.7 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 462.8 g |
| Fiber Content | 31.7 g |
| Sugar Content | 355.8 g |
| Protein Content | 65.5 g |
Directions
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Prepare the Carrots
If using fresh carrots, begin by cooking the carrots. Place the carrots in a pot with about 1 cup of water. Cook them for 30 to 40 minutes, or until they are very tender. Once cooked, drain the carrots and set them aside to cool slightly. -
-
Puree the Carrots
Using a blender or food processor, puree the cooked carrots until smooth. You should end up with about 2 cups of carrot puree. If you’re using canned carrots, simply blend them to create the same smooth consistency. -
Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sweetened condensed milk, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until well combined. Stir in the carrot puree until everything is evenly mixed. The mixture should be smooth and creamy, with a pleasant orange hue from the carrots. -
Prepare the Pie Shell
Pour the carrot mixture into a prepared pie shell. You can use a store-bought pie crust or make your own if you prefer. Spread the mixture evenly in the crust, ensuring that it reaches all the edges. -
Prepare the Crunch Topping
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and melted butter. Stir thoroughly until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Then, fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are well coated in the sugar-butter mixture. -
Top the Pie
Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the carrot filling. The nuts will create a beautiful, crunchy texture on top of the smooth carrot filling, adding flavor and contrast to the pie. -
Bake the Pie
Cover the edges of the pie with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning during baking. Place the pie in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25 minutes with the foil on. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center of the pie comes out clean. -
Cool the Pie
Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Let it cool for at least an hour before slicing, as this will allow the filling to firm up and set. -
Serve and Enjoy
Once cooled, slice the pie into wedges and serve. The Carrot Pecan Crunch Pie is perfect on its own or paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
Tips for Making the Perfect Carrot Pecan Crunch Pie
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Carrot Preparation: For a smoother texture, make sure the carrots are cooked until they are very tender. The longer they cook, the easier it will be to puree them into a silky consistency.
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Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient adds sweetness and richness to the filling, so make sure not to substitute it with regular milk. The consistency and flavor would differ significantly.
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Pecan Topping: Be sure to coat the pecans well in the brown sugar and butter mixture. This will help them stay crunchy during the baking process and prevent them from burning.
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Pie Crust: If you’re using a homemade crust, consider blind-baking it before adding the filling. This ensures the crust remains crisp and doesn’t become soggy from the carrot filling.
Why You’ll Love This Pie
This Carrot Pecan Crunch Pie is not just a twist on traditional pumpkin pie – it’s a unique dessert that blends the natural sweetness of carrots with the nuttiness of pecans. The crunchy topping adds a delightful texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, creamy filling. It’s a pie that’s perfect for anyone looking for something a little different, yet still comforting and familiar. It’s a great addition to your dessert table for holidays, special gatherings, or whenever you want to enjoy a delicious homemade treat.
Whether you’re a fan of carrot cake or just looking for a new pie recipe to try, this Carrot Pecan Crunch Pie is a must-try. It combines the best of both worlds – a classic pie with a fresh, modern twist. Try it today and share it with your family and friends – they’ll be asking for seconds!
