Best Mamaw Pie Recipe: A Slice of Heaven
Picture this: a freshly baked pie, straight out of the oven, with layers of coconut and pecans. The smell wafts through the kitchen, causing mouths to water in anticipation. This is Mamaw Pie – named after my dear grandmother who passed down this recipe to me. It’s a recipe that has earned its name, made with love in every layer of delicious flavor.
This pie recipe holds a special place in my heart and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share it with you. It’s an easy pie that will become your guilty pleasure. In fact, it’s so good that some people can’t resist having a slice for breakfast – don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.
The Mamaw Pie recipe is a classic, passed down from generation to generation in my family. In fact, my great-grandmother Mamaw Martha used to make her pumpkin pie with the same crust as this one. But over time, we’ve adapted the recipe by adding coconut and pecans for an even more delicious treat.
As a baker with years of experience, I’ve tested just about every recipe out there – but this one always stands out as a fan favorite. It’s perfect for special occasions or casual get-togethers – the kind of dessert that everyone will be asking for seconds and thirds.
But enough talking about it – it’s time to taste it for yourself! Follow along with me as we break down the ingredients and steps necessary to make this Mamaw Pie recipe come alive in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: a rich, decadent pie, filled with layers upon layers of sweetened condensed milk, cream cheese, pecans, and flaked coconut. Each bite is a guilty pleasure that you can’t resist. Welcome to the world of Mamaw Pie.
If you’re a fan of easy pies that still feel homemade and delicious, then this Mamaw Pie recipe is perfect for you. Not only is it simple to make, but the ingredients come together in a way that creates a flavor explosion that you’ll be craving long after the last crumb has been eaten.
What sets Mamaw Pie apart from other desserts is its combination of textures and flavors. The pie crust is perfectly buttery and flaky, while each layer inside provides a delightful contrast in texture. From the creamy filling to the crunchy pecans and coconut, each bite is a treat for your taste buds.
But don’t just take my word for it. This recipe has been passed down through generations in the Mamaw kitchen, each one swearing by its perfection. This pie has earned its name, made with the delicious combination of coconut and pecans that will leave your mouth watering for more.
So if you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make and hard to forget, look no further than Mamaw Pie. With every bite, you’ll understand why this recipe has become a beloved classic in households across the country.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you need to make this delicious layered pie:
- 2 deep dish pastry pie crusts
- 1 cup (2 sticks) of salted butter
- 7 oz (half can) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese
- ½ cup of caramel
- 2 cups sugar
- 7 oz (half can) coconut cream
- 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1 cup flaked coconut
The easy-to-find ingredients and classic combinations in this recipe earned it the name “Mamaw Guilty Pleasure Pie”. Each layer is filled with delicious flavor as coconut, pecans, cream cheese, and caramel are layered upon each other creating a little slice of heaven in every bite.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered your ingredients and prepared your pie crust, it’s time to move on to the fun part – making of the Mamaw Pie itself!
Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C).
Prepare Filling
The filling is what makes this pie extra special, and trust me, you won’t regret taking the extra steps. In a mixing bowl, combine a cup of sugar, 1 stick of salted butter, and 8 oz of softened cream cheese until smooth. Mix in two cups of sweetened condensed milk and blend it all together.
In a separate bowl, mix together the flaked coconut (1 package) and chopped pecans (1 cup) until they are well-combined.
Assemble the Pie
Take your first pie shell and add half of the coconut-pecan mixture into it. Add a layer of your cream cheese filling on top of it, making sure it covers entirely. Repeat with another layer of coconut-pecans mixture followed by cream cheese filling. For the final touch, generously sprinkle more coconut-pecans mixture on top of the pie.
Repeat with the second shell – adding a thick layer upon layer will give you all those delicious flavors combined that will make this easy pie worth making.
Bake it Beautiful
Place your two prepared pies in the oven and bake for around 30 minutes until they start to turn golden brown. Take them out from the oven and let them cool down completely for an hour or two so that they can set accordingly.
Serve Up Your Guilty Pleasure
Now comes our final step – enjoy your mamaw guilty pleasure pie with some whipped cream or caramel drizzle for added richness! This recipe may be somewhat lengthy but each step is incredibly easy to follow through with the help of mamaw’s love.
Happy Baking!
Substitutions and Variations
My dear bakers, I know you’re always on the lookout for ways to make your pies stand out from the rest. That’s why I’ve put together this section on substitutions and variations for my Mamaw Pie recipe.
First up, let’s talk about the crust. If you don’t have access to pre-made pie shells, or just prefer to make your own pastry, go ahead and use your favorite pie crust recipe instead. Whether it’s a traditional flaky pastry or a graham cracker crust, any crust will work perfectly with this pie.
For those who love nuts in their desserts, try swapping out the pecans for walnuts or hazelnuts. The nutty flavor will be equally delicious and add a new dimension to the Mamaw Pie’s layers of flavor.
If you’re looking for a way to incorporate some extra candy-like sweetness, drizzle some caramel over each slice before serving. Or try adding a layer of chocolate chips in between the cream cheese and coconut mixture for a decadent twist.
For those who prefer a pumpkin pie flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon and nutmeg to the filling to create a creamy pumpkin pie filling that is perfect for Thanksgiving or Fall dessert table.
And if you’re feeling extra bold in your baking endeavors, try out Mrs. Glenda ‘Mamaw’ Martha’s other famed recipes like her chocolate pie, coconut cream pie, miracle pie or pecan pie. These recipes from her personal cookbook are perfect alternatives that will delight all taste buds!
No matter what variation you choose to experiment with, remember that recipes have no soul; only a cook can bring soul and warmth to his creations. So when showcasing your dessert masterpiece just serve and enjoy the happiness you’ve created with every slice!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve whipped up this guilty pleasure pie, let’s talk about how you can best serve and pair it. This dessert is an absolute crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings or dinner parties with friends. You can serve it slightly warmed, after letting it set for a few hours. Serve it up with a dollop of whipped cream or caramel sauce to really accentuate its rich and decadent flavors.
When it comes to pairing mamaw pie, there are numerous options to choose from. I personally enjoy a nice hot cup of coffee or tea with my slice, which balances the sweetness of the pie. Other popular drink options include milk or hot cocoa. This is a great dessert to enjoy after a savory meal – think pot roast or meatloaf – as the sweetness provides a refreshing contrast after a hearty and savory main course.
If you’re looking to take the dessert pairing up another notch, try out some ice cream! A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with mamaw pie; the coldness of the ice cream complements the warm pie, and the vanilla flavor adds another level of complexity to the dish.
Overall, Mamaw Pie is versatile enough to pair with several different types of dishes and drinks. Experiment and find your perfect pairing – but rest assured that no matter what you serve it with, the delicious layers of coconut, pecans, sweetened condensed milk and cream cheese will always be easy to see in every single bite!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As tempting as it may be to devour the entire pie as soon as it comes out of the oven, sometimes it’s best to exercise a bit of self-restraint and save a slice or two for later. Fortunately, this Mamaw Pie recipe is as delicious the next day as it is fresh out of the oven.
If you want to make this pie ahead of time for a special occasion or just to save some time on a busy day, you can easily prepare it the day before and refrigerate overnight. Simply bake the pie according to the instructions and then cover it with plastic wrap before placing it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature before slicing.
Storing this pie is also a breeze. Simply cover any leftover slices with plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep your pie for longer, consider freezing individual slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This will keep them fresh for up to three months.
When it comes time to reheat your pie, there are a few options. For best results, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place your slices on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave each slice for 10-20 seconds until warm.
Remember, if you do choose to freeze your remaining slices, be sure to thaw them completely before reheating. Trust me when I say that nothing beats biting into a warm slice of this sweet and decadent Mamaw Pie after a long day – it’s the perfect guilt-free indulgence!
Tips for Perfect Results
Baking is a science, and just like every experiment, certain conditions must be met to achieve perfect results. Here are some tried-and-true tips and tricks to help you create the perfect Mamaw Pie:
1. Room temperature ingredients:
Allow your cream cheese and butter to come to room temperature before starting baking. This will ensure that they mix well with each other and form a smooth texture.
2. Measure ingredients precisely:
Especially when it comes to baking, measuring the ingredients precisely is crucial for the final outcome. Invest in a good food scale and measuring cups to ensure accurate measurements.
3. Use good quality pecans:
Pecans are a crucial component of the Mamaw Pie recipe, so be sure to use fresh and high-quality pecans, preferably raw, for maximum flavor.
4. Pre-bake your pie crust:
For best results, pre-bake your pie crust before adding the filling mixture. This ensures that the crust stays crispy and doesn’t become soggy later on.
5. Bake at the right temperature:
Bake your pie at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown for optimum results.
6. Let it cool completely:
Letting your Mamaw Pie cool completely before slicing it is important as it allows the filling to set properly, resulting in neat slices that hold their shape.
7. Store properly:
Store leftover Mamaw Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze for long-term storage.
8. Experiment with variations:
The beauty of baking is experimenting with different twists and techniques! Try variations such as adding caramel or chocolate sauce on top of your Mamaw Pie or using different types of nuts like almonds or walnuts.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to recreate Mamaw’s Guilty Pleasure Pie with ease and have everyone at the table asking for seconds!
Bottom Line
You’ve made it to the end of this delicious recipe article, and I hope you’re as excited as I am to try making this Mamaw Pie recipe! With its layers of flavor and easy-to-follow instructions, this pie is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Plus, with simple substitutions and variations, there’s no limit to how you can customize it to your liking.
So why should you give this pie a try? Well, for starters, it’s earned its name as Mamaw’s guilty pleasure pie. And if that doesn’t convince you, just imagine sinking your fork into layer upon layer of creamy sweetness from the cream cheese, condensed milk, and coconut cream. It’s pure heaven!
But beyond taste alone, making this pie is also an opportunity to connect with family traditions and memories. For some, Mamaw Pie may remind them of their great grandmother’s famous holiday dessert or a special treat enjoyed at a backyard barbecue. And for others, it may become a new tradition that they can pass down to future generations.
In a world where we often rely on pre-packaged and processed foods, there’s something special about taking the time to create homemade desserts like this one. So don’t hesitate to dust off your rolling pin and get baking! Trust me – once you taste this Mamaw Pie recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it in your life.
Thank you for reading this recipe article, and remember – the only thing better than eating pie is sharing it with loved ones. Happy baking!
Mamaw Pie Recipe Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 (9 inch) deep dish pastry pie crusts
- 1/4 cup butter (salted)
- 1 (7 ounce) package flaked coconut
- 1 cup pecans (rough chopped, the texture makes this pie what it is)
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened (you can use full fat or 1/3 fat, but I wouldn't do fat free})
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 (8 ounce) containers whipped topping, thawed
- 1 (14 ounce) jar caramel ice cream topping (this salted caramel one is fantastic, just use unsalted butter, instead)
Instructions
- Bake your pie shells according to package directions and let them cool completely.
- While your pie shells are baking, melt the butter in a skillet over medium and add the pecans and coconut. Toast your coconut and pecans in the butter until they become golden brown (roughly 10 minutes). Keep stirring constantly -- these can scorch easily. Set them aside to let them cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk together until creamy. Fold in your whipped topping by hand -- be careful not to "break it down" too much, but still get it incorporated nicely (it's such a fine line, isn't it?).
- Have your baked and cooled pie shells ready to fill -- it’s time to start layering!
- Start by using 1/2 of your cream cheese mixture and divide that evenly between the two pie shells (so, technically, each pie will get 1/4 of the mixture).
- Drizzle 1/4 of your caramel sauce over the cream cheese mixture on each pie, use 1/4 per pie and 1/2 the jar total for this layer.
- Sprinkle 1/4 of the pecan/coconut mixture over the caramel on each pie. Again, use 1/2 of the mixture total.
- Repeat the layers, using the remaining ingredients. Place pies in the freezer overnight.
- You'll pull them out about about 20-30 minutes before serving to let them thaw a bit. You can store them in your freezer for about a month. I double wrap mine in Press-N-Seal and then add an additional layer of foil on top of that, to prevent any freezer burn.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.