Irresistibly Sweet Pinto Bean Pie Recipe for Cozy Gatherings

Southern kitchens buzz with unexpected delights, and this unique pinto bean pie recipe challenges every dessert expectation.

Creamy, sweet pinto beans blend seamlessly into a rich, custardy filling that surprises and delights adventurous bakers.

The humble legume takes center stage in this unconventional dessert that defies traditional pie norms.

Smooth and velvety, the pie offers a remarkable twist on classic Southern comfort food.

Each slice tells a story of culinary creativity and regional ingenuity.

Bold bakers seeking to impress their guests will love this conversation-starting treat that transforms an everyday ingredient into a decadent dessert.

Prepare to experience a flavor journey that redefines your understanding of pie.

Pinto Bean Pie That You’ll Want to Make Again and Again

• Savor Seafood Extravaganza: Dive into a luxurious pasta dish packed with succulent shrimp, tender scallops, and rich lobster meat that transforms an ordinary meal into a gourmet experience.
• Craft Creamy Comfort: Create a velvety Alfredo sauce that clings perfectly to fettuccine, delivering a decadent texture that melts in your mouth with every single bite.
• Master Quick Culinary Magic: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in minimal time, using simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques that make this recipe accessible to home cooks of all skill levels.
• Customize Flavor Adventure: Easily adjust heat with optional red pepper flakes, allowing you to personalize the dish's spice level and make it uniquely yours without compromising the creamy base.

Ingredients That Make Pinto Bean Pie Special

• Pinto Beans: Creamy legumes that create the unique base of this sweet pie.
• Pie Crust: Provides the essential foundation for the pie filling.
• Eggs: Help bind the filling and create a smooth, custard-like texture.

• White Sugar, Brown Sugar: Add sweetness and depth of flavor to the pie.
• Molasses: Contributes rich, complex sweetness and deep color.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the pie's sweet and comforting flavor profile.
• Salt: Balances and brings out the other flavors in the pie.

• Evaporated Milk: Provides creamy richness and helps create a smooth filling.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky texture.

Easy Instructions to Bake Pinto Bean Pie

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and get ready for a baking adventure.

Step 2: Create Magical Filling

• Pinto beans
• Evaporated milk
• White sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Molasses
• Butter
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Salt

Blend everything into a silky smooth mixture for about 40 seconds until it looks creamy and dreamy.

Step 3: Fill the Pie Crust

Pour your luscious bean mixture into a prepared pie crust, making sure to spread it evenly.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pie into the preheated oven and let it bake for 35-40 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when the center looks set and stable.

Step 5: Let It Rest

Give your pie some chill time for about an hour before serving.

This helps the filling firm up and makes slicing a breeze.

Bonus Tip: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch!

Pro Tips to Improve Your Pinto Bean Pie

• Rinse and drain pinto beans thoroughly to remove excess starch and ensure a smoother, creamier pie filling.
• Cover pie edges with aluminum foil if browning too quickly during baking to prevent burning.
• Blend ingredients at high speed for exactly 40 seconds to create a uniform, velvety texture without overmixing.
• Insert a knife near the center of the pie – if it comes out clean, the pie is perfectly baked and ready to cool.
• Consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground ginger to complement the existing warm spices.

Different Flavors to Experiment with Pinto Bean Pie

• Vegan Bean Pie: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk, and swap butter with coconut oil for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pie crust made from almond flour or graham cracker crumbs to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Spiced Maple Alternative: Substitute molasses and white sugar with pure maple syrup and reduce brown sugar for a deeper, woodsy flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Adaptation: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of traditional sugars, and incorporate extra spices like cardamom to enhance taste without added calories.

What to Serve with Pinto Bean Pie for a Complete Meal

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop a cold, rich vanilla ice cream alongside the warm, spiced pinto bean pie for a delightful temperature and flavor contrast that balances the pie's earthy sweetness.
• Complement with Bourbon Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a smooth, amber-colored bourbon caramel sauce over each slice to enhance the molasses and sugar notes, creating a decadent dessert experience.
• Match with Cinnamon-Spiced Coffee: Brew a hot, robust coffee infused with a hint of cinnamon to echo the pie's warm spices and provide a comforting, aromatic companion to each bite.

How to Store Pinto Bean Pie to Keep It Fresh

• Store leftover pie covered in plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep pie away from strong-smelling foods to preserve its delicate flavor.
• Wrap cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for maximum 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Transfer frozen pie to refrigerator overnight for slow, even thawing. Avoid room temperature thawing to maintain texture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm entire pie in preheated 350F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra deliciousness.

FAQs

• Are pinto beans really used in a sweet pie?

Yes, pinto beans create a smooth, creamy texture similar to sweet potato or pumpkin pie, offering a unique and delicious dessert option.

• Is this pie healthy compared to traditional desserts?

Pinto beans add protein, fiber, and nutrients to the pie, making it a more nutritious alternative to standard sweet pies while maintaining a delightful dessert experience.

• Where did pinto bean pie originate?

This creative dessert is a Southern United States specialty, particularly popular in Texas, where resourceful cooks transformed humble ingredients into a surprising sweet treat.

• Can I use canned or dried pinto beans for this recipe?

Cooked and well-drained pinto beans work best, whether from a can or prepared from dried beans, ensuring a smooth and consistent pie filling.

Pinto Bean Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade pinto bean pie delivers a surprising southwestern culinary adventure that blends unexpected ingredients into a delightful dessert. Sweet and creamy with hints of cinnamon, this unique pie offers rich flavors you won’t forget after one delicious slice.

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Ingredients

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Beans:

• 15.5 ounces (440 grams) pinto beans, rinsed and drained

Sweeteners:

• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon molasses

Liquid and Spice Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup evaporated milk
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 (9-inch) prepared pie crust

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Instructions

1. Set the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal baking environment for the unique pinto bean pie.
2. Transfer pinto beans, evaporated milk, white and brown sugars, eggs, molasses, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt into a blender, processing the mixture until completely smooth and uniform in texture, approximately 40 seconds.
3. Carefully pour the silky bean filling into the prepared pie crust, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
4. Position the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a set center and slight firmness in the filling.
5. Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to rest and stabilize at room temperature for one full hour, which helps the filling settle and develop a rich, consistent texture before serving.

Notes

• Drain and rinse pinto beans thoroughly to remove excess starch and ensure a smoother, more delicate pie texture.
• Consider using a food processor instead of a blender for more controlled and even blending of ingredients.
• Substitute dairy milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a vegan-friendly version of this unique dessert.
• Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking to enhance the pie’s crunch and nutty flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 289 kcal
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 190 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg