Sweet Tea Pie Recipe: A Taste of Southern Comfort
Greetings, dear readers! Today, I have a special treat for all of you who are fond of classic Southern desserts. I am here to share with you the recipe for a delicious and refreshing pie that will take your taste buds on a delightful journey. Have you ever tasted the classic Southern sweet tea? The one that makes your lips smack and your heart sing? Well, what if I told you that you could have that same flavor in a pie? Yes, you heard it right!
Introducing my new favorite dessert: Southern Sweet Tea Pie! It combines the sweet and tangy taste of freshly brewed tea with the flaky texture of a pie crust to create an incredible flavor explosion that truly tastes like the South. Whether you’re from the South or just appreciate its culinary art form, this tea pie will bring a taste of Southern comfort into your kitchen.
But don’t just take my word for it. This recipe has been tried and tested by countless bakers across the country, and every time it has earned rave reviews. The secret lies in the perfect blend of ingredients and technique, which elevates this humble dessert to something truly memorable. And the best part? It’s easy to make at home, even if you’re new to baking pies or working with tea flavors.
So, let’s get started on this culinary adventure! Follow along with me as we dive into the world of Southern Sweet Tea Pie and discover why it’s quickly becoming a favorite among dessert lovers everywhere.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are few things as quintessentially Southern as a perfectly brewed glass of sweet tea. Sure, biscuits and gravy and fried chicken are up there on the list, but there’s something special about the sweet, refreshing taste of sweet tea that can’t be beat. So when I heard about a Southern Sweet Tea Pie recipe that combines the goodness of sweet tea with the comfort of pie, I knew I had to give it a try.
And let me tell you, this recipe did not disappoint. The combination of tea and lemon gives the pie a tangy sweetness that’s unlike anything I’ve ever tasted before. The crust has just the right amount of crispness to complement the smooth, creamy filling.
But what really sets this pie apart is its authenticity. It’s a recipe straight from the heart of the South, born out of generations of family traditions and passed down through word of mouth. It’s got all the warmth and comfort you’d expect from a down-home dessert – this Southern Sweet Tea Pie recipe truly tastes like home.
So why will you love this recipe? Because it’s more than just a pie – it’s a slice of Southern culture. Every bite is an homage to the art form that is Southern cooking, and every memory it evokes is one worth savoring. Give this recipe a try and experience for yourself what makes Southern cuisine so beloved and enduring.
Ingredient List
Get ready to make your Southern Sweet Tea Pie by preparing the following ingredients, which can be purchased at your local grocery store:
- Unbleached all-purpose flour is the main ingredient for the pie crust.
- Cornmeal, which adds a subtle crunch and texture to the crust, will be mixed with flour.
- Lemon juice and apple cider vinegar are added to the crust to balance out the sweetness of the filling.
- A touch of vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the crust.
- Tea bags or freshly brewed tea leaves help create that perfect sweet tea flavor.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds some tanginess to the pie while balancing its sweetness.
- Granulated sugar is used in both the crust and filling, totaling 2 cups plus tablespoons.
- Cold, unsalted butter* adds richness and flakiness to the pie crust.
- Cream cheese, softened by leaving it outside of the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before using it, is used in the filling.
- Some recipes call for using sweet potato or buttermilk as part of this recipe. However, in this recipe we will only be using Southern sweet tea.
Make sure you have measured and organized all your ingredients before continuing with making your amazing Southern Sweet Tea Pie!
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to make the magic happen! Follow these easy steps to create your very own Southern Sweet Tea Pie.
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cornmeal, and salt. Mix well before adding in the unsalted butter and cream cheese. Use a pastry cutter or fork to combine until crumbly. Once this is done, gradually add water until a firm dough forms. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead the dough for a few minutes before rolling into a circle big enough to fit into a 9-inch pie dish.
Step 2: Brew Your Tea
In a teapot, brew 2 cups of tea using tea bags with orange pekoe or black tea leaves. Once finished, allow it to cool before removing the tea bags.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat together granulated sugar and unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Add in egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in all-purpose flour, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Stir in brewed sweet tea until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Crust and Filling
Carefully pour the sweet tea filling mixture into the prepared crust. Bake for approximately 50-60 minutes or until filling is slightly jiggly in the middle but has set on the outside edges.
Step 5: Let Cool and Serve
Let your Southern Sweet Tea Pie cool at room temperature for at least an hour before serving. Garnish with fresh sliced lemons, whipped cream or ice cream on top (optional).
Enjoy this unique dessert that’s sure to impress anyone who loves a southern-style twist on classic desserts!
Substitutions and Variations
In cooking, there’s always room for creativity and you can easily substitute or vary some ingredients to suit your preference. With the Southern Sweet Tea Pie recipe, there are a few ingredients that you can switch out or add to create different variations.
First, instead of using regular black tea, you can try using different types of tea bags such as green tea or even herbal tea. You can also use freshly brewed tea leaves instead of tea bags for a stronger tea flavor.
If you want to make the pie a bit tangier, you can add more lemon juice or even try substituting the apple cider vinegar with white vinegar or balsamic vinegar. Some people also like to add some zest from other citrus fruits such as oranges or grapefruits for an extra zing.
For the crust, if you prefer a crunchy texture, you can try adding some cornmeal to the all-purpose flour mixture. This will give the crust a slightly gritty texture and enhance its flavor.
If you’re not a big fan of cream cheese, you could substitute it with sour cream which will still provide that tangy taste but with a slightly lighter touch. Additionally, using half-and-half instead of buttermilk for the custard filling will result in a creamier pie that is equally delicious.
Finally, for an interesting variation, try adding mashed sweet potatoes to the custard filling mixture for a unique twist on the traditional Southern Sweet Tea Pie recipe.
Whatever adaptation you decide to make to this recipe, make sure it matches your taste preference while maintaining the Southern sweet tea pie taste so that it still adds up nicely in comparison to other desserts when taken after fried chicken; then only can we declare it as an art form.
Serving and Pairing
Southern Sweet Tea Pie is a dessert that is already an indulgence on its own, but there are additional elements that can be paired with it to either highlight or complement its unique flavors. Since it has a distinct tea and lemon flavor, it is best served with beverages that will not overpower it.
A perfect partner for this pie is a freshly brewed black tea, such as orange pekoe variant. The tea’s natural spiciness complements the sweetness of the pie and does not compete with the flavors. Another good option would be Thai tea, which adds an interesting twist to the traditional pairing.
If you want a non-tea option, try serving Southern Sweet Tea Pie with freshly squeezed lemon juice or lemonade to enhance its citrus notes, creating a delightful sweet-tart sensation in your mouth. Adding whipped cream on top of the slice gives an extra layer of creaminess and helps balance the overall taste of the dessert.
This pie’s subtle flavors also make it an excellent choice for pairing with savory dishes. It goes perfectly with classic Southern dishes like fried chicken or catfish for a Southern comfort meal that is sure to satisfy all your cravings.
For those who prefer contrasting flavors in their desserts, pair this pie with sweet potato pie or chess pie for a combination of spicy and sweet flavors. It can also serve as a delicious finale to a meal that includes buttermilk pie or other rich and creamy desserts.
When serving Southern Sweet Tea Pie, remember that moderation is key – small slices go a long way to savor its unique and delicious taste, so cut them thinner than you would usually slice other pies!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about Southern Sweet Tea Pie is that it can be made ahead of time and stored for later. This is especially useful when you’re busy and pressed for time. If you’re planning on serving this pie for a special event or dinner party, making it the day before will give you more time to focus on other dishes.
To make this pie ahead of time, simply bake it according to the recipe instructions and let it cool to room temperature. Once it’s cooled down, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. This pie can be stored for up to three days in the refrigerator without losing any of its flavors or textures.
When you’re ready to serve the pie, take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour. This will help bring the pie back to its best texture.
If you have leftover pie, store it in an airtight container in your refrigerator. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for too long as this may cause the cream cheese and butter in the filling to spoil.
To reheat leftover slices, preheat your oven to 350°F and warm up individual slices for 5-10 minutes, or until they’re warm all through. You can also briefly reheat slices in a microwave on a microwave-safe plate.
Overall, Southern Sweet Tea Pie is an excellent make-ahead dessert that won’t disappoint your guests’ taste buds if properly stored and reheated using the recommended guidelines.
Tips for Perfect Results
When making this Southern Sweet Tea Pie recipe, there are a few tips that can help ensure perfect results. The key to success is in the details. Here are some tips to keep in mind while baking the pie.
First of all, when mixing the ingredients for the pie filling, make sure that they are well-combined. Be especially diligent in mixing in the softened cream cheese and butter. For optimal results, mix these two ingredients together before adding them to the remaining filling ingredients. This will create a smoother filling.
Another important tip for achieving great results is to dust the pie crust with flour before rolling it out. This helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to transfer the crust to your pie dish. Don’t be tempted to skip this step, even if you’re using a nonstick surface.
When it comes to brewing the tea for the pie’s flavor, stick with freshly brewed black tea using high-quality tea leaves. Although store-bought tea bags may be convenient, they won’t impart as much flavor as freshly brewed tea made from loose leaves.
Additionally, choose a high-quality cornmeal and all-purpose flour for both the crust and filling of your pie. Avoid low-quality flours as they tend to give unfavorable results both in texture and taste.
Lastly, let your sweet tea pie cool completely before serving or storing it in the fridge. This allows the filling to set properly and ensures that it slices neatly when you’re ready to slice into it.
These tips will help ensure stellar results and transform this recipe from good to amazing. Enjoy your delicious Southern Sweet Tea Pie!
FAQ
Now that you have learned how to create this scrumptious Southern Sweet Tea Pie, it’s essential to answer any questions that might arise. In this section, we’ll provide answers to some frequently asked questions regarding this recipe. These will help you tackle any issues that may come up while preparing or storing the pie while also ensuring that every aspect of the recipe is thoroughly understood. Let’s clear up any possible question marks so you can move ahead confidently and enjoy your delicious creation!
How do you make Paula Deen’s Southern sweet tea?
For this recipe, we will need a significant amount of cold water, specifically about 3 quarts. Additionally, we will require four large teabags that are perfect for making cold brew tea. While making the tea, we will use one cup of water, and we will add three-quarters of a cup of sugar to enhance the sweetness. We can also prepare some lemon slices and fresh mint sprigs to garnish the iced tea.
What is Southern sweet tea made of?
Sweet tea is a popular Southern beverage made by brewing black tea, adding sugar while it’s still hot, and chilling it until cold. The tea is then served over ice for a refreshing beverage.
Why is Southern sweet tea so sweet?
When preparing sweet tea, it is customary to sweeten the tea leaves and water blend while it is still hot. This is usually done using an orange pekoe blend, which is a popular choice.
How much sugar for 1 gallon of sweet tea?
Looking to whip up a refreshing batch of homemade iced tea for a summer day? Let me walk you through it! First, we’ll start by boiling 2 cups of water. Once the water is at a rolling boil, add in 2 cups of sugar and 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda. Be sure to remove the mixture from the heat before adding in the baking soda.
Next up, it’s time to steep our tea. We recommend using 4 family-sized tea bags for optimal flavor. Allow the tea to steep according to the instructions on the tea packaging.
Once your tea has steeped, it’s time to add in the final 14 cups of cold water. This will allow you to stretch your recipe into a full gallon of delicious, refreshing iced tea.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Southern Sweet Tea Pie recipe is a must-try for any dessert lover. The combination of sweet tea and lemon creates a unique taste that is a true representation of the South. By following the step-by-step instructions and using high-quality ingredients, you’ll create a pie that tastes like it was made in a professional bakery.
You can also experiment with variations of the recipe by adding different fruits or trying out different types of tea. Whether you prefer sweet potato pie or buttermilk pie, this sweet tea pie recipe is sure to impress your taste buds.
Baking is an art form, and this Southern Sweet Tea Pie recipe is one of the best examples of how delicious and beautiful desserts can be. So why not gather your family and friends together, bake this pie and enjoy it while sipping on iced tea? Trust me; this delightful pie will leave a lasting impression on everyone who tries it.
Finally, I want to thank you for taking the time to read through this article. I hope it has been helpful in guiding you through the process of making this fantastic dessert. Remember to have fun while baking, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations of the recipe. Happy baking!
Southern Sweet Tea Pie Recipe
Ingredients
Crust
- 3 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, unbleached
Filling
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 lemon, zest of
- 8 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup orange pekoe tea, warm, strong
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, unbleached
- 2 teaspoons cornmeal
Instructions
- In bowl of electric mixer, beat cream cheese and butter until well combined. Add flour and mix at low speed until dough forms a ball. Pat dough into 9-inch pie pan.
- Place pie shell in freezer while preparing filling. Heat oven to 350°F.
- In bowl of electric mixer, beat butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar. Add lemon zest. Add egg yolks a little at a time allowing each addition to incorporate; scraping bowl often.
- Slowly add tea, vanilla, vinegar, and lemon juice. Add flour and cornmeal.
- Remove crust from freezer and fill.
- Bake at 350F for 50 minutes. Cool on wire rack. Chill at least 2 hours before serving.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
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.