Zesty Crunch Orange Yogurt Pie

Crunchy Orange Yogurt Pie Recipe Guide

Recipe Name: Crunchy Orange Yogurt Pie
Total Time: 32 minutes (Chill time not included)
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Category: Pie
Keywords: Dessert, Grains, Fruit, < 60 Mins, Refrigerator, Easy
Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: 249.1

Description:
This Crunchy Orange Yogurt Pie is a refreshing, light, and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its vibrant citrus flavor combined with a crunchy cereal-coconut crust makes it a hit with everyone who tries it. Best of all, it can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to focus on enjoying your gathering. Note that the chill time is not included in the preparation time, so plan accordingly.

Ingredients

Crust

• 2 cups cereal (suggestions: cornflakes, rice cereal, or similar)
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup margarine, melted

Filling

• ¼ cup sugar-free orange gelatin powder
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 ¼ cups plain yogurt
• ¾ cup mandarin oranges (canned or fresh), drained

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 249.1
• Fat: 18.1g
• Saturated Fat: 10.1g
• Cholesterol: 4mg
• Sodium: 216.4mg
• Carbohydrates: 22.7g
• Fiber: 5.4g
• Sugar: 9.7g
• Protein: 4.1g

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

   • Combine 2 cups of your preferred cereal, 1 cup of shredded coconut, and 1 cup of melted margarine in a mixing bowl. Ensure that the mixture is well-combined so that all the cereal and coconut are evenly coated with margarine.
   • Press this mixture firmly onto the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan, making sure to cover the base evenly to form the crust.
   • Place the pie pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the crust turns a light golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Once baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • In a medium-sized bowl, dissolve ¼ cup of sugar-free orange gelatin powder in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
   • Blend in 1¼ cups of plain yogurt into the gelatin mixture. Stir until the yogurt is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
   • Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 1 hour or until it is slightly thickened. This step is crucial to ensure the proper consistency of the filling.

3. Assemble the Pie:

   • Once the gelatin-yogurt mixture has thickened, use a hand mixer or whisk to beat it until it becomes light and fluffy. This will give your filling a nice airy texture.
   • Drain ¾ cup of mandarin oranges and arrange them evenly over the cooled pie crust. Reserve a few orange sections for garnish later if desired.
   • Pour the light and fluffy gelatin-yogurt mixture over the mandarin oranges, spreading it evenly to cover the entire pie.

4. Chill and Garnish:

   • Place the assembled pie in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 3 hours or overnight. This will help the filling to set properly.
   • Before serving, garnish the pie with the reserved mandarin orange sections for a decorative touch.

5. Serve:

   • Cut the chilled pie into slices and serve. Enjoy the delightful combination of crunchy crust and creamy, citrusy filling.

Additional Tips

• Cereal Choices: For the crust, you can use any cereal that has a good crunch. Cornflakes, rice cereal, or even granola can work well. The choice of cereal can slightly alter the texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment.
• Coconut Variation: If you are not a fan of coconut, you can substitute it with finely chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for a different flavor profile.
• Margarine Substitution: If you prefer, you can use butter instead of margarine. It will give a richer flavor to the crust.
• Yogurt Options: For a creamier filling, you can use Greek yogurt. If you want a tangier flavor, consider using a flavored yogurt that complements the orange, such as vanilla or honey.
• Sweetening the Filling: If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can add a small amount of sweetener or sugar to the yogurt mixture before chilling.

Storage

• Refrigerator: The pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it is covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Freezer: While it is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pie for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.

Variations

• Lemon Yogurt Pie: Substitute the orange gelatin with lemon gelatin and use lemon-flavored yogurt for a zesty twist.
• Berry Delight Pie: Use berry-flavored gelatin and mixed berry yogurt, and top with fresh berries instead of mandarin oranges.
• Tropical Pie: Incorporate pineapple or mango yogurt and top with tropical fruits like pineapple chunks or mango slices.

Serving Suggestions

• Whipped Cream: Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra layer of decadence.
• Fresh Mint: Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
• Extra Citrus: Add a sprinkle of orange zest over the top for a more pronounced citrus aroma.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a store-bought crust?
A: Yes, a store-bought graham cracker or shortbread crust can be used as a convenient alternative. However, the homemade cereal-coconut crust provides a unique texture and flavor that complements the filling beautifully.

Q: Can I make this pie vegan?
A: To make a vegan version, use a plant-based margarine and a vegan gelatin substitute. Ensure that the yogurt used is also plant-based.

Q: How can I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
A: Ensure that the crust is baked until golden and fully cooled before adding the filling. Additionally, the slight thickening of the gelatin mixture before adding to the crust helps to maintain the crust’s crunch.

Q: Can I add more fruit to the filling?
A: Yes, additional fruits such as chopped strawberries or blueberries can be mixed into the filling for added flavor and texture. Just ensure they are well-drained to avoid excess moisture.

Final Thoughts

The Crunchy Orange Yogurt Pie is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience that brings together the refreshing taste of citrus and the comforting crunch of a homemade crust. It’s an excellent choice for summer picnics, family gatherings, or just as a treat to brighten your day. With its quick preparation time and make-ahead convenience, it’s bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy experimenting with different variations and making it your own!