Prepare to embark on a journey of sweet indulgence with our delightful Southern Brown Sugar Pie recipe. This Southern classic combines rich brown sugar, velvety evaporated milk, and fragrant vanilla extract to create a pie that’s both comforting and decadent. With a buttery pie crust and a dusting of powdered sugar, this dessert is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving more. Join us as we dive into the world of Southern baking and explore the steps to creating this irresistible treat.
Ingredients
- 1 unbaked pie crust
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons flour
- A pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups evaporated milk
- Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the unbaked pie crust in a pie dish and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and salt. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the evaporated milk to the butter mixture, stirring constantly until well combined.
- Pour the butter and milk mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- 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.
- Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
- If desired, dust the top of the pie with powdered sugar before serving.
Cook Notes and Variations
- For added richness, you can use a homemade or store-bought pie crust made with butter.
- Feel free to customize the flavor by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling.
- To enhance the texture, you can mix in chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts before pouring the filling into the pie crust.
Keto and Low Carb Versions
For those following a keto or low carb lifestyle, here’s how to adapt this recipe:
- Replace the brown sugar with a low carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia.
- Substitute the flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a gluten-free and low carb alternative.
- Use a low carb pie crust made with almond flour or coconut flour, or skip the crust altogether and bake the filling in individual ramekins for a crustless option.
- Swap the evaporated milk for unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk to reduce the carb content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use a pre-made pie crust for this recipe? Yes, you can use a store-bought pre-made pie crust if you prefer. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for baking.
- How do I know when the pie is done baking? The pie is done baking when the filling is set and no longer jiggles when gently shaken. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of the pie – if it comes out clean, the pie is done.
- Can I make this pie ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the pie ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Alternatively, you can bake the pie in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just be sure to allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
- How should I store leftovers? Leftover pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze leftover pie slices for longer storage – simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
Southern Brown Sugar Pie is a timeless dessert that captures the essence of Southern hospitality in every bite. With its rich, caramelized flavor and buttery crust, this pie is sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Whether enjoyed on its own or topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this indulgent treat is guaranteed to delight your taste buds and warm your soul. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a slice of Southern sweetness today!