We’ve got a soft spot for Southern classics, and our Grape Nuts Southern Pie recipe is a fun twist on tradition. This hearty pie hails from the heart of the South where simple ingredients like Grape Nuts cereal shine in a buttery filling making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
What we love most is how it blends crunchy texture with sweet Southern flavors evoking memories of family gatherings. Join us as we dive into this easy-to-make delight that’s sure to become your go-to dessert.
Ingredients
In our Grape Nuts Southern Pie recipe, we gather simple yet flavorful ingredients that create a delightful blend of crunchy texture and sweet Southern charm, featuring the star of the show: Grape Nuts cereal. This cereal adds a unique, nutty crunch to the pie’s buttery filling, making it a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings and special occasions. Below, we list the ingredients in the order they are typically used, from the crust to the filling, with precise measurements and prep notes for effortless preparation.
- Grape Nuts cereal (2 cups, crushed): We start with this iconic cereal as the base for a crisp, toasted crust that provides that signature crunch we love in Southern pies.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Melt this to bind the cereal together for the crust, ensuring a rich, golden finish that enhances the pie’s buttery appeal.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Used next in the filling mixture, this sweetens the pie perfectly, balancing the cereal’s hearty flavor for a comforting Southern taste.
- Large eggs (3, beaten): Whisk these into the filling to add structure and a silky smoothness that makes every bite irresistibly creamy.
- Evaporated milk (1 can, 12 ounces): Pour this in for a creamy, Southern-style custard that complements the cereal’s texture without overwhelming it.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Stir this in to infuse a warm, aromatic essence that elevates the pie’s overall flavor profile.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Add a touch of this spice for a subtle warmth that ties into traditional Southern desserts, enhancing the pie’s inviting aroma.
- Optional add-ins: If desired, include 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, or 1 cup of fresh grapes for a fruity twist, prepared by washing and halving them beforehand.
These ingredients come together effortlessly to deliver the authentic taste of our Grape Nuts Southern Pie, ready to impress with its easy prep and delicious results.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our Grape Nuts Southern Pie seamlessly after gathering the ingredients, we rely on a few key tools that ensure precise mixing, even baking, and a perfect finish. Let’s outline the essential equipment below, emphasizing items that contribute to the pie’s signature crunchy texture and creamy filling.
- Pie Dish (9-inch): We use this for holding the pie mixture, as its depth allows for even baking and helps create the pie’s golden, crisp edges that complement the Grape Nuts cereal’s crunch.
- Mixing Bowls (medium and large): Essential for combining ingredients like crushed Grape Nuts and melted butter; the larger bowl accommodates the full mixture for thorough blending without spills.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key for our recipe, so we recommend a set to measure dry ingredients like sugar and wet ones like evaporated milk precisely, ensuring the pie’s balanced sweetness and creaminess.
- Whisk or Wooden Spoon: We opt for a whisk to beat eggs and mix the batter smoothly, incorporating air for a lighter filling, or a spoon for folding in add-ins like chopped nuts.
- Food Processor or Rolling Pin with Ziplock Bag: For crushing the Grape Nuts cereal into fine pieces, we prefer a food processor for efficiency, but a rolling pin inside a ziplock bag works for a hands-on approach, preserving the cereal’s nutty texture.
- Oven and Oven Mitts: A standard oven preheated to the right temperature is crucial for baking the pie to perfection, while mitts protect us during handling to avoid burns and ensure safe removal of the hot dish.
- Spatula or Rubber Scraper: We use this to scrape down bowl sides and transfer the mixture into the pie dish evenly, preventing waste and achieving a uniform bake.
With these tools in hand, we’re set to transition smoothly into the preparation steps, making our Grape Nuts Southern Pie a straightforward delight.
Instructions
In our Grape Nuts Southern Pie recipe, we take the simple ingredients and tools we’ve gathered to create a delightful, crunchy dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings. Let’s walk through the steps with precision to ensure a pie that’s irresistibly sweet and textured.
Prepare Ingredients
Before we begin mixing, we’ll prepare our ingredients for optimal results. Start by crushing 2 cups of Grape Nuts cereal using a food processor or rolling pin until it reaches a fine, crumbly consistency—this adds the signature crunch to our pie. Next, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in a microwave or on the stovetop until fully liquid, then set it aside to cool slightly. Beat 2 large eggs in a medium bowl until smooth and frothy for better incorporation. Measure out 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 can (12 ounces) of evaporated milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ensuring all are at room temperature to blend seamlessly. If adding optional enhancements like 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, toast them lightly in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, enhancing the pie’s nutty depth.
Make the Filling
We combine the prepared ingredients to craft the rich, creamy filling that defines our Grape Nuts Southern Pie. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, granulated sugar, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and well-blended—this creates a luscious base with warm, aromatic flavors. Gradually fold in the crushed Grape Nuts and melted butter, stirring gently with a wooden spoon to maintain the cereal’s texture without over-mixing. The result should be a thick, golden batter that promises a buttery, satisfying filling once baked.
Assemble the Pie
With the filling ready, we assemble our Grape Nuts Southern Pie for a straightforward path to baking success. Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish to prevent sticking, then pour the filling mixture evenly into the dish, using a rubber spatula to smooth the top and ensure an even distribution. If you’re incorporating optional add-ins like chopped nuts or fresh grapes, sprinkle 1/2 cup over the top now for added contrast and flavor. Tap the dish gently on the counter to release any air bubbles, creating a polished, professional finish that will bake up beautifully.
Bake
Finally, we bake our Grape Nuts Southern Pie to achieve a perfectly golden, aromatic crust. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the assembled pie on the middle rack for even heat distribution. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is set with a slight jiggle in the center and the edges turn a deep golden brown—watch closely after 40 minutes to avoid over-browning. Once done, remove the pie from the oven using oven mitts and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up for the ultimate Southern treat.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve explored this Grape Nuts Southern Pie with us. It’s a simple yet crowd-pleasing treat that brings warm, nostalgic flavors to your table.
By trying it yourself, you’ll discover how easy it is to create memorable moments with loved ones. Let’s make this pie a staple in our kitchens—it’s sure to delight every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grape Nuts Southern Pie?
Grape Nuts Southern Pie is a delightful Southern dessert that uses Grape Nuts cereal for a crunchy texture in a buttery, sweet filling. It’s a simple twist on classic pies, blending flavors like vanilla and cinnamon for a comforting treat perfect for family gatherings or any occasion.
What ingredients are needed for Grape Nuts Southern Pie?
Key ingredients include crushed Grape Nuts cereal for the crust, melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, beaten eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Optional add-ins like chopped nuts or fresh grapes can enhance it. These combine to create a creamy, flavorful pie with minimal effort.
What equipment is required to make this pie?
You’ll need a 9-inch pie dish for baking, medium and large mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a whisk or wooden spoon, and a food processor or rolling pin for crushing cereal. Don’t forget oven mitts for safety and a spatula for transferring the mixture.
How do I prepare Grape Nuts Southern Pie?
Start by crushing Grape Nuts and mixing with melted butter. Whisk together eggs, sugar, evaporated milk, vanilla, and cinnamon to make the filling, then fold in the cereal mixture. Grease a pie dish, pour in the batter, and bake at the preheated oven temperature until golden. Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Can I customize the Grape Nuts Southern Pie recipe?
Yes, you can add extras like chopped nuts, fresh grapes, or other fruits for more texture and flavor. Stick to the base ingredients for the best results, but experiment with add-ins to suit your taste while keeping the pie’s Southern charm intact.
How long does it take to bake Grape Nuts Southern Pie?
Baking typically takes 30-40 minutes in a preheated oven at around 350°F, depending on your oven. Monitor it until the crust turns golden and the filling sets. Allow time for cooling afterward to let flavors meld, making it ready in under an hour total prep and bake time.
How should I store Grape Nuts Southern Pie?
Store the cooled pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped in plastic for up to a month. Reheat in the oven for the best texture, ensuring it stays fresh and delicious for later enjoyment.