Looking for a dessert that’s rich, sweet, and reminiscent of Southern hospitality? Look no further than our Southern Brown Sugar Pie recipe! This delightful pie features a luscious filling made with brown sugar, butter, and evaporated milk, all nestled in a flaky pie crust. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a comforting treat, this pie is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you wanting more. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover the magic of Southern baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 unbaked pie crust
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 1 pinch salt
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups of evaporated milk
- Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Fit the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, crimping the edges as desired.
- Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Melt the butter and add it to the dry ingredients along with the vanilla extract and evaporated milk. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour into Crust: Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Cool: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. Optionally, dust the top with powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
- Serve: Slice the pie and serve it on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Texture Variation: For a smoother filling, you can blend the ingredients in a food processor or blender until well combined before pouring into the pie crust.
- Nutty Addition: Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the pie before baking for added texture and flavor.
- Enhance with Spices: For a spiced version of this pie, add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the filling mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use a store-bought pie crust? A: Yes, a store-bought pie crust works perfectly fine for this recipe. Simply follow the instructions on the packaging for best results.
Q: Can I use a different type of milk? A: While evaporated milk provides a rich and creamy texture, you can substitute it with whole milk or half-and-half if preferred.
Q: How do I know when the pie is done baking? A: The pie is done when the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. You can test the doneness by gently jiggling the pie; it should have a slight jiggle in the center but not be overly liquidy.
Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the pie ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving or reheat slices in the microwave or oven.
Q: Is this pie overly sweet? A: While this pie is indeed sweet, the richness of the brown sugar is balanced by the butter and evaporated milk, resulting in a decadent yet well-rounded flavor profile.
Keto Version:
- Crustless Option: Omit the pie crust altogether or use a keto-friendly crust made with almond flour or coconut flour.
- Low-Carb Sweetener: Substitute brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to reduce the carb content.
- Creamy Substitute: Replace evaporated milk with a combination of heavy cream and unsweetened almond milk for a keto-friendly alternative.
Low Carb Version:
- Almond Flour Crust: Make a crust using almond flour, coconut flour, butter, and a keto-friendly sweetener for a low-carb crust option.
- Reduce Sweetener: Decrease the amount of brown sugar or substitute with a low-carb sweetener to suit your dietary preferences.
- Portion Control: Enjoy smaller slices to keep your carb intake in check while still indulging in the delicious flavors of this pie.
With its rich, caramelized filling and buttery pie crust, our Southern Brown Sugar Pie is a true Southern classic that’s sure to please any dessert lover. Whether you’re serving it up at a holiday gathering or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this pie is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the irresistible sweetness of this beloved Southern delicacy!
