Crack Pie Recipe: Easy Step-by-Step Guide
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INGREDIENTS
- 3½ tablespoons/50 grams butter
- 1 tablespoon/15 grams Demerara sugar
Crust:
- 7 tablespoons/100 grams butter
- ¼ cup/60 grams sticky brown sugar
- ¼ cup/50 grams sugar
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup/100 grams flour
- 1 cup/100 grams rolled oats
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
Filling:
- 10.5 tablespoons/150 grams butter
- ½ cup/100 grams Demerara sugar
- 1 cup/200 grams sugar
- 6 egg yolks
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste
- ¾ cup/120 grams heavy whipping cream
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Mix until smooth. Add the egg and mix well. Then add flour, rolled oats, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix until you get a sticky dough.
- Spread the dough on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and let cool completely. Break the baked dough into pieces and process in a food processor with melted butter and Demerara sugar until you get moist crumbs.
- Press the crumbs firmly into a 10-11 inch (26-28 cm) pie dish, forming an even crust. Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine both sugars, add melted butter, and mix well. Add salt, vanilla paste, and heavy cream, whisking together. Finally, add the egg yolks and mix until smooth. Pour the filling into the baked crust.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 340°F (170°C) for about 30 minutes. Let the crack pie cool at room temperature, then refrigerate until fully chilled.
- Dust with powdered sugar, slice into equal portions, and enjoy!
MY NOTES
FAQ
Ideal oven temperature and time for baking crack pie
The ideal oven temperature for baking crack pie is 340°F (170°C). Bake the pie for about 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are golden brown. The center of the pie should still have a slight jiggle, as it will continue to set as it cools. Make sure to preheat the oven before baking to ensure even cooking. For best results, use the middle rack of the oven to avoid overbrowning. Adjust the time if needed based on your oven’s performance.
What makes crack pie different from traditional pies?
Crack pie stands out due to its rich, gooey filling and buttery, crunchy crust. Unlike traditional pies that often have fruit or custard fillings, this pie features a sweet, caramel-like filling made with butter, sugar, and egg yolks, which results in a creamy, slightly chewy texture. Its crust, made from oats and sugar, adds a unique crunch. The pie’s sweetness and texture, combined with its indulgent flavor, give it a distinctive, addictive quality, hence its name.
Can I make the pie ahead of time and freeze it?
Crack pie can be made ahead of time and frozen. To freeze, ensure the pie is completely cooled and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in an airtight container or a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. When ready to serve, thaw the pie in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. You can reheat it in the oven at a low temperature if desired, but it’s best enjoyed chilled. Freezing may slightly alter the texture, but it remains delicious.
How do I prevent the pie from being too sweet?
To prevent the pie from being too sweet, you can adjust the amount of sugar used in both the crust and filling. Reducing the sugar by a quarter cup can help balance the sweetness. Additionally, using a mix of Demerara sugar and regular sugar can moderate the overall sweetness. Incorporating a pinch of salt in the filling can also help counteract excessive sweetness. However, be cautious not to alter the recipe too much, as it might affect the texture and overall taste of the pie.
What can I substitute the oats with in this crack pie recipe?
You can substitute the oats in the crust with other ingredients if desired to make this crack pie recipe. For a different texture, you might use crushed graham crackers, crushed nuts, or even crushed pretzels. Each substitute will impart its unique flavor and texture to the crust. However, keep in mind that the original oats contribute to the characteristic crunch and flavor of crack pie. If using alternatives, be sure to adjust the amount of butter and sugar to achieve a similar consistency and taste in the crust.
What is the best way to store leftover pie?
To store leftover pie, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it. The pie will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze it by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or placing it in an airtight container. Thaw the pie in the refrigerator before serving. It’s best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating is optional and should be done gently to avoid altering the pie’s texture.
How long does the pie need to cool before serving?
The pie needs to cool completely before serving. After baking, allow it to cool at room temperature for at least 1-2 hours. It’s crucial to let the pie cool thoroughly to set the filling and achieve the desired texture. For best results, refrigerate the pie for several hours or overnight after it has cooled to room temperature. This chilling period helps the pie firm up and makes it easier to slice. Serve it cold or at room temperature for the best flavor and consistency.
Can I make this pie gluten free?
Yes, a gluten free version of this crack pie recipe can be made by substituting gluten free ingredients. For the crust, use gluten free oats and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten free. You can also use gluten free flour blends if needed. Be cautious with sugar and baking powder to ensure they are gluten free. The filling can remain the same, as it doesn’t contain gluten. It’s important to check labels for any potential gluten-containing ingredients to make sure the entire pie is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Why is my crack pie filling too runny?
A runny crack pie filling can result from not baking it long enough or at too low a temperature. The filling needs to set properly during baking to achieve the correct consistency. Ensure that you bake the pie at the recommended temperature and for the full time specified in the recipe. Additionally, overmixing the filling or using too many egg yolks can affect its texture. If your pie is still runny, try baking it a bit longer and check for a jiggle-free center before removing it from the oven.
Can I use regular sugar instead?
You can use regular granulated sugar instead of Demerara sugar in this crack pie recipe. Demerara sugar is less refined and has a larger grain, which gives a slightly different texture and flavor. If you use regular sugar, the pie will still be delicious, though it may lack the slight caramel-like flavor and crunch that Demerara sugar provides. To mimic the texture, you can consider lightly browning the regular sugar in a pan before using it, though this step is optional.
