If you’ve never tried Pinto Bean Pie, you’re in for a delicious surprise. This unique dessert combines the rich, creamy texture of pinto beans with the warmth of spices and sweetness that will leave you craving more. Imagine the comforting flavor of a classic pie with a twist—it’s totally unexpected and absolutely delightful. Trust me, you’re going to love it!
Why You’ll Love Pinto Bean Pie
This pie is full of surprises! It’s like your traditional dessert, but with a bit of a twist. Here’s why it’s so special:
Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual get-togethers with friends.
Budget-Friendly: Pinto beans are affordable and can be a great way to make a delicious dessert without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: No need for fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. You can easily whip this up in under an hour!
Customizable: You can tweak the flavor by adding your favorite spices, like cinnamon or nutmeg, to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s one of those desserts that will have everyone asking, “What’s the secret ingredient?” It’s a guaranteed conversation starter!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Pinto Bean Pie
This pie comes together with just a few pantry staples. It’s simple, yet so flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need:
Pinto Beans: The unexpected base for this pie. Once cooked, they blend into a smooth, creamy filling that’s perfect for this dessert.
Sugar: Adds the sweetness that makes this pie irresistible.
Spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt bring all the flavors together and give the pie that warm, comforting taste.
Eggs: Help bind the filling together and give it a soft, custard-like texture.
Evaporated Milk: Adds creaminess and a rich flavor to the filling.
Vanilla Extract: The finishing touch to elevate the flavor of the pie.
Pie Crust: A buttery, flaky pie crust is the perfect base for this sweet filling.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s jump into the steps to create this unique, flavorful pie:
Prepare the Beans
Cook the pinto beans until they’re tender. Drain and mash them until smooth, removing any lumps. You can also blend them for an extra-smooth filling.
Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the mashed pinto beans, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, eggs, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Prepare the Pie Crust
Place your pie crust in a pie dish and crimp the edges. If you’re using a store-bought crust, make sure to pre-bake it for about 5-7 minutes before adding the filling.
Assemble the Pie
Pour the bean mixture into the prepared pie crust. Spread it evenly, making sure it’s level.
Bake the Pie
Bake the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let It Cool
Allow the pie to cool to room temperature. The filling will firm up as it cools, making it easier to slice and serve.
Serve and Enjoy
Once it’s cooled, slice the pie and enjoy! It’s perfect on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 250
(Note: The full nutritional breakdown is provided in the recipe card below.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
How to Serve Pinto Bean Pie
This Pinto Bean Pie pairs wonderfully with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra creaminess.
- A hot cup of tea or coffee for the perfect after-dinner treat.
- Fresh fruit on the side to add a refreshing balance to the sweet pie.
Additional Tips
- For an extra touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the pie before baking.
- Make sure your pie is completely cooled before slicing—it will help the filling set better.
- If you prefer a thicker filling, you can add an extra egg to the mixture.
- You can also add chocolate chips or a little cocoa powder to the filling for a chocolatey twist.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use other types of beans for this pie?
You can use other beans, but pinto beans are the best for this pie due to their smooth texture.
2. Can I make this pie in advance?
Yes, you can make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just let it cool completely before refrigerating.
3. Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw and then bake as instructed.
4. How long will the pie last?
The pie will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it properly.
5. Can I add other flavors to the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with flavors like coconut, almond extract, or a bit of orange zest for a unique twist.
6. Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Yes, a store-bought pie crust will work perfectly. Just make sure to pre-bake it for a few minutes before adding the filling.
7. What if my filling is too runny?
If your filling is too runny, try adding a bit more cornstarch or an extra egg to thicken it.
8. Can I make this pie without eggs?
Yes, you can use an egg substitute, such as a flaxseed mixture or a store-bought egg replacer.
9. What’s the best way to serve this pie?
This pie is delicious on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
10. Can I use fresh beans instead of canned beans?
Yes, fresh beans work perfectly! Just be sure to cook them until tender before mashing them.
Conclusion
Pinto Bean Pie is a truly unique and comforting dessert that will surprise and delight everyone who tries it. It’s simple to make, loaded with flavor, and a great way to use pantry staples in a totally unexpected way. So give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Pinto Bean Pie
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pinto Bean Pie is a classic Southern dessert that surprises with its rich, nutty, and slightly caramel-like flavor. Made with mashed pinto beans, sugar, eggs, and warm spices, this pie is a deliciously unexpected treat with a texture similar to pecan pie.
Ingredients
– 1 cup cooked and mashed pinto beans
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine mashed pinto beans, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir well.
3. Add the beaten eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
4. Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie crust, spreading it evenly.
5. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the filling is set and slightly golden on top.
6. Let the pie cool completely before slicing.
7. Serve plain or with a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
– Pinto Bean Pie tastes best when chilled for a few hours before serving.
– You can substitute navy beans or great northern beans for a slightly different flavor.
– For a richer taste, add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.
– This pie pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg