Oh, possum pie—what a delightful and unique dessert! If you’ve never had the pleasure of tasting this sweet treat, let me tell you, it’s a creamy, dreamy blend of flavors that just dances on your palate. The first time I tried possum pie was at a family reunion in Arkansas, where it’s a beloved classic. My aunt whipped it up, and I was instantly hooked! The combination of sweetened condensed milk and cream cheese gives it a luscious texture, while the fluffy meringue topping adds that perfect lightness. Honestly, it’s one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your recipe repertoire!
Ingredients for Possum Pie
You’ll want to gather these simple yet delightful ingredients to create the perfect possum pie. Each one plays a crucial role in bringing out that creamy, sweet flavor you’ll love!
- 1 pre-baked pie crust (homemade or store-bought works just fine!)
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (make sure it’s nice and creamy for easy mixing)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (fresh is best, but bottled will do in a pinch)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 egg whites (make sure they’re at room temperature for the best results)
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (this helps stabilize the meringue)
Gathering these ingredients will set you up for success. I can already smell that deliciousness coming together!
How to Prepare Possum Pie
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this delectable possum pie! It’s a pretty straightforward process, and I promise the end result will be worth every minute you spend in the kitchen. Let’s get to it!
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, softened cream cheese, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. You want to make sure there are no lumps, so take your time with this step—it really sets the stage for the rest of the pie!
Step 2: Pour into Crust
Once your filling is nice and smooth, it’s time to pour it into your pre-baked pie crust. Make sure you spread it evenly to avoid any uneven cooking later on. I like to use a spatula to help smooth it out. It’s all about that gorgeous layer of filling that waits to be topped with meringue!
Step 3: Make the Meringue
Now for the fun part! In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form—this usually takes a few minutes. Be patient! Then, gradually add the sugar while continuing to beat the mixture until you reach stiff peaks. It should look glossy and hold its shape beautifully. Remember, if you beat too long, you can end up with dry meringue, so keep an eye on it!
Step 4: Spread the Meringue
Carefully spread the meringue over the filling, making sure to cover it completely. I like to create little peaks and swirls with my spatula because it gives that lovely texture once baked. Just be gentle as you do this; we don’t want the meringue to collapse!
Step 5: Bake the Pie
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and pop that beauty in! Bake it for about 10-15 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown. Keep an eye on it, as ovens can vary. You want that perfect, toasted look that gives away all the deliciousness that’s about to happen!
Step 6: Cool Before Serving
Once it’s out of the oven, let your possum pie cool down completely. This step is super important, as cooling allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together. Trust me, the wait is worth it! Once it’s cool, you can slice it up and serve it chilled for the best flavor experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique flavor: The combination of sweetened condensed milk and cream cheese creates a delightful taste that’s hard to resist!
- Quick prep time: You can whip this up in just 15 minutes, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the moment.
- Easy to make: Even if you’re a beginner, the steps are straightforward and forgiving—no fancy techniques required!
- Delicious dessert for gatherings: Impress your friends and family with this showstopper; it’s sure to be the star of any dessert table!
Honestly, once you’ve tasted this pie, you’ll be hooked and want to share it with everyone you know!
Tips for Success
To make sure your possum pie turns out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some handy tips to keep in mind. These little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference!
- Room temperature egg whites: Make sure your egg whites are at room temperature before you start beating them. This helps them whip up to that glorious volume we’re after!
- Keep your bowls clean: When making the meringue, use a clean, dry bowl. Any grease can prevent the egg whites from whipping up properly, so give your mixing bowl a quick wipe with some vinegar or lemon juice if needed.
- Don’t overmix: When you’re beating the meringue, stop as soon as you hit stiff peaks. Overmixing can lead to a dry and crumbly meringue. You want that perfect glossy finish!
- Watch the baking time: Ovens can be sneaky! Keep an eye on your pie while it’s baking. You want it to be just golden brown on top—too long in there, and it can get burnt fast.
- Cool completely: Patience is key! Allow your pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps it set up nicely and makes for cleaner slices—and trust me, you want that beautiful presentation!
With these tips, you’ll be a possum pie pro in no time! Enjoy the process, and have fun in the kitchen!
Variations on Possum Pie
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix things up with your possum pie! Here are some delightful variations that will keep your taste buds dancing:
- Lime Twist: Swap out the lemon juice for lime juice for a zesty twist! It gives the pie a refreshing tang that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
- Berry Delight: Top your finished pie with fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The tartness of the fruit pairs beautifully with the sweet filling!
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some melted chocolate over the meringue before baking for a rich, decadent addition. It’s a chocolate lover’s dream!
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, on top of the meringue for added texture and a lovely crunch.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for fall.
- Caramel Swirl: Before baking, swirl in some caramel sauce into the meringue for a sweet, gooey surprise in every bite!
These variations are a great way to personalize your possum pie and keep things interesting. So go ahead, get creative, and make it your own! You might just discover your new favorite version!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made your delicious possum pie, you might find yourself with some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Storing it properly will help keep all that creamy goodness intact for you to enjoy later.
To store your pie, simply cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days, but I’m betting it won’t last that long! The flavors actually get better as it sits, allowing all those lovely ingredients to meld together beautifully.
If you want to reheat a slice, I recommend doing it gently. You can place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to take the chill off, but be careful not to overdo it—no one likes a rubbery meringue! Alternatively, you can leave it out at room temperature for a little while before serving, which will help restore some of that lovely texture.
Enjoy that possum pie goodness, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family if you can resist the temptation to gobble it all up yourself!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Before we dig into this delicious possum pie, I want to remind you that the nutritional information provided can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Things like the type of pie crust or the brand of sweetened condensed milk can make a difference in the final nutritional values. So, while I strive to give you the best estimates, be sure to check your own labels for the most accurate information. Enjoy your pie, and remember that every bite is a little piece of happiness!
What to Do Next
Now that you’ve whipped up this delicious possum pie, I’d love to hear from you! Did you enjoy making it? How did it turn out? Your thoughts and feedback mean the world to me, so please take a moment to leave a comment below. If you’re feeling generous, rate the recipe too! Sharing your experiences not only helps me, but it also inspires others who might be eager to try their hand at this delightful dessert.
And if you’ve got your own twists or tips for making possum pie, don’t hold back! I’m always on the lookout for new ideas and flavors. Let’s keep the conversation going—let’s celebrate all things possum pie together!
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Possum Pie: 7 Reasons It’s Your New Favorite Dessert
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Possum pie is a unique dessert made with a blend of sweet and creamy ingredients, topped with a fluffy meringue.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-baked pie crust
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, cream cheese, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the pre-baked pie crust.
- In another bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the meringue over the pie filling.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until the meringue is golden brown.
- Cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve chilled for best flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- You can substitute lime juice for lemon juice for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: possum pie, dessert, pie, American dessert
